Uncooked rice as a cushion?

[Brittany0208]

Can I use a bag of uncooked rice (or any other kind of small grain) beneath some of Java's fleece to take pressure off his foot? It would be double-bagged and covered so he couldn't rip it open and make a mess.

This is where a lot of inspiration comes in regards to providing for Java. Hopefully it can help someone else down the line.

How Do You Look After A Bird When It Gets Old?

 

[charlieboy]

As long as it's double and maybe even triple bagged it should be fine just make sure what's inside isn't bad for birds (ie uncooked beans) just in case

 

[Brittany0208]

As long as it's double and maybe even triple bagged it should be fine just make sure what's inside isn't bad for birds (ie uncooked beans) just in case

I'll probably triple bag it and try to find a pouch that zips just to make sure he can't get into it easily. Would short grain rice be softer to stand on than long grain or wild? I know this is a weird question, but I remember reading a while ago that someone had a disabled and arthritic 60+ year old Galah and she used rice in the cage, but I have no idea if it was in there 24/7 or what kind of rice she used.

 

[charlieboy]

That I have no idea, hope someone else can help!

 

[Brittany0208]

This is the lady I have been reading about since I got Java, but it seems she stopped updating her blog.
How to Set Up a Bird Cage Properly For Elderly Birds

 

[Birdbabe]

How about dumping it into a knee sock or old pillowcase and tying a knot?

 

[Mizzely]

I don't see the harm. Even if he ate it, uncooked rice is fine

 

[Brittany0208]

How about dumping it into a knee sock or old pillowcase and tying a knot?

I can do that as well. After reading Cocky Boy's story in the links I listed, I'm tempted to re-do Java's cage again to give him more options, but I'm not sure if that would overwhelm him since I'm always moving stuff around.
Would any kind of grain do?

 

[Brittany0208]

I don't see the harm. Even if he ate it, uncooked rice is fine

Oh. I thought uncooked rice was on the same lines as uncooked beans when it comes to birds.

 

[Mizzely]

You could even maybe fill it with carefresh paper for something soft

 

[Mizzely]

Oh. I thought uncooked rice was on the same lines as uncooked beans when it comes to birds.

Nope. It's in a lot of bird mixes as is. You could do minute Rice (which is parbroiled) to be easier to digest, but many wild birds raid rice fields

 

[Brittany0208]

Nope. It's in a lot of bird mixes as is. You could do minute Rice (which is parbroiled) to be easier to digest, but many wild birds raid rice fields

Minute rice sounds like an easier option on my conscience. Thank you.

 

[Brittany0208]

You could even maybe fill it with carefresh paper for something soft

Never heard of this. I'll look into it.

 

[faislaq]

I've seen reusable heating pads made from rice, corn, beans or buckwheat, though most have essential oils as well. They're sewn up in fabric & you just microwave 'em for a short while and they can hold heat for a decent amount of time. I wonder if you could do that as long as it doesn't get too hot, it might feel nice under a towel or blanket.

Probably matters what type of fabric and thread that is used so it doesn't melt. Or could you tie some in a half-filled cotton sock to see if it works, first?

 

[Brittany0208]

Or could you tie some in a half-filled cotton sock to see if it works, first?

Good idea, especially since he's suspicious of everything.