Making progress...

[Chariclo]

Just thought I would give you an update on Ramone the 35 year old Salvin's Red Lored I adopted in November. He has been more active lately - taking full advantage of all the perches at various heights in his cage. Although still has not ventured onto the swing - but understandably.

Ramone is missing the 2 tips of his front toes of his right foot due to amputation after an injury at his last home. I have come to witness what I believe to be signs of "phantom pain" that amputees describe. That is when they claim to actually still "feel" the limb that has been removed. When he is presented with a chunk of fruit or nut he will reach for it with his left foot - as he can grip with his nails and hold on better. That leaves his less than perfect foot holding the perch. Oftentimes he will lose balance and slip off the back of the perch and have to drop what he is eating to regain sure footing. It's as if his foot doesn't realize it doesn't have a good grip.

This has proven to be frustrating for us both. He shows visible signs of embarrasment after one of these episodes - and confusion as to why he slipped. I have of course babied him completely and do my job of picking up whatever treat he had and hand it back again. We continue this dance until he is satisfied.

He has fallen a few times from his perches - which is painful to witness. But gets right back up and makes his way back to wherever he was.

He is very close to stepping up I think. He will sometimes let me touch his toes - when bribed with a peanut! But expresses some fear in me getting much closer. We have evening chats - and he allows me to get within 5-6 inches from him - showing more interest & much tolerance everyday. And of course he still will take seed from my hand - our bedtime ritual.

I am thankful for all of the moments he has allowed me to share with him.:)

[Tiki]

Melissa, it sounds like you are doing a fabulous job with him! It is just sooooo special to watch a bird (especially one who has been disadvantaged) learn to trust and love you!

[TooLover]

Way to go Melissa. :eusa_clap Each little step is such a blessing, isn't it?

[jessicaboyer89]

Ramone sounds like the biggest sweetheart and I always love reading about his progress. Keep up the great work Melissa! You're an awesome bird mom!!

[The Outlaw]

Melissa:

I love how much YOU love him. Its wonderful to read your posts. Thanks.

THE OUTLAW

[LtlWngdAngl]

I'm so happy for you and him Melissa! Have you written Terry at all to let her know his progress? I know she'd LOVE to hear your stories!!
Give Ramone a kiss for me, and congrats on the progress!!

[AmandaB]

Hi Melissa, it's great to hear Ramone's doing well! How is he doing with his meds?

If he is falling from his perches, you may want to get him a new cage. I know you spent alot of money on his and it is beautiful, but handicapped birds such as him do much better in low, long cages. I know you wouldn't want him getting a bad injury due to falling from up high. That may just prove to be too much for his poor arthritic body. Maybe also just remove the swing, it seems he knows it's just too risky to try. Also, you could look into a corner ledge for him to sleep on. I know someone with a link to a site that sells one, I look into it for you. That will give him a much needed break from standing on his feet all day.

It sounds like he's doing great with learning to trust you! I just about fell over when I saw the pics of him eating out of your hand! I would lose fingers if I tried that with Fred. He'll probably surprise you one day soon and just step right up!

[Chariclo]

Hi Amanda!

Thank you for your post. I have removed the swing - it was just taking up space anyway. Also - I have constructed a birdie bunk for him - although he isn't too sure about it yet. I do have a couple wire "shelves" at various parts of his cage - however he just prefers to perch. I also have started placing shredded paper - a lot of it - on the bottom grate of his cage - in case he falls again. I will certainly reconsider his present cage should his falls become frequent. For now - just providing him with properly sized food eleviates him having to give up a his grip.

[The Outlaw]

Melissa:

Another old breeder trick for young and clumsy birds is to get some soda cases (the cardboard boxes from your grocery store) and invert them on the bottom of the cage. Cover them with newspaper so you can keep them clean. If he falls, they will cushion the fall like a little trampoline. Birds rarely spend any real time in the bottoms of their cages anyway.

THE OUTLAW

[Chariclo]

Wow - that Is a great idea! Thanks Nancy!