Hello, I've been looking at this forum for a while, but now I feel compelled to post.
A few weeks ago, I brought home my first bird, a cockatiel. I really lucked out, he's got the best temperament. Unfortunately, 2 weeks ago, he got into an accident. Both legs were broken. A few days ago, his vet had planned to pin the broken bone, but when they went in for surgery they discovered it was infected and had to amputate. They can't assure me he will be able to keep his other foot as the break pushed the bones far apart. They're going to try and splint it for now, but it is impossible to fix in surgery. He can't have a foot that refuses to heal.
My bird (his name is Pidge), has been such a trooper. He's peppy, demanding cuddles and attention, eating and drink just fine, and learning to move on one (still casted!) leg. I've even been able to work on teaching him a way to step up, and this morning he could stand on my shoulder totally unaided! He still has just as much spunk as ever and I don't think he's figured out he's down a leg. Despite this, I worry a lot for him. He's not too interested in toys (never has been, and I've been trying to get him to play more), and his inability to get around really worries me for his quality of life. Would he even have one if he loses both legs? The vet says that if he is unable to adapt without legs, I should probably put him down. I don't want to, I want to try to give him the best life I can, but still. I wouldn't let him suffer.
I'm having trouble finding resources and help for caring for a bird without legs, or even having lost just one leg. I don't know how to adapt his cage, at all. He loves being up high. I had to purchase new food bowls I could stick up high so he'd eat. I'd love to give him platforms to get up higher, but since he can't fly still (breeder clipped his wings, not me) I have no idea how to give him a way to get up there.
What all can I do to help him adjust? Especially his cage.
A few weeks ago, I brought home my first bird, a cockatiel. I really lucked out, he's got the best temperament. Unfortunately, 2 weeks ago, he got into an accident. Both legs were broken. A few days ago, his vet had planned to pin the broken bone, but when they went in for surgery they discovered it was infected and had to amputate. They can't assure me he will be able to keep his other foot as the break pushed the bones far apart. They're going to try and splint it for now, but it is impossible to fix in surgery. He can't have a foot that refuses to heal.
My bird (his name is Pidge), has been such a trooper. He's peppy, demanding cuddles and attention, eating and drink just fine, and learning to move on one (still casted!) leg. I've even been able to work on teaching him a way to step up, and this morning he could stand on my shoulder totally unaided! He still has just as much spunk as ever and I don't think he's figured out he's down a leg. Despite this, I worry a lot for him. He's not too interested in toys (never has been, and I've been trying to get him to play more), and his inability to get around really worries me for his quality of life. Would he even have one if he loses both legs? The vet says that if he is unable to adapt without legs, I should probably put him down. I don't want to, I want to try to give him the best life I can, but still. I wouldn't let him suffer.
I'm having trouble finding resources and help for caring for a bird without legs, or even having lost just one leg. I don't know how to adapt his cage, at all. He loves being up high. I had to purchase new food bowls I could stick up high so he'd eat. I'd love to give him platforms to get up higher, but since he can't fly still (breeder clipped his wings, not me) I have no idea how to give him a way to get up there.
What all can I do to help him adjust? Especially his cage.