Wing clip woes :-(

[smallonion]

Hi everyone.
You may remember I had Humphrey's wings clipped on Thursday. I asked the vet to clip conservatively so that Humph can still glide down, and not fall like a ton of bricks. The vet said that when I got home, if Humph could still fly well, bring him back and he'll take a few more feathers off.

Humphrey was in a absolute terrified RAGE when he was toweled. Afterwards, he was panting, even when he was home. The vet said that Humph was angry and scared, and he'll be fine when he calms down. Adrenaline was pumping though his little body.

Well, two problems: first, he can still fly. At first he couldn't, but in a few days he's learned to compensate for the lack of primary flights. He managed to get up on the top of my wardrobe!

Second, he's still sulking. He is most definitely NOT himself! Usually he has a good old squawk every morning, and he hasn't done that since he's been clipped. He's spending more time in his cage. He has not landed on my head or my lap. He clilmbed on my lap only once since the clip. Previously, his favorite perch was the top of my husband's laptop computer when he was using it. Well, my husband used it for hours yesterday and the day before and Humphrey wasn't interested. Usually, the minute he sees the laptop being opened he's on it.

My poor sad baby. I want to explain to him, but I can't! And now, iI'll have to take him BACK to the vet (I made an appointment for tomorrow) to get re-clipped, otherwise it was pointless.

Any thoughts would be most gratefully received.

Michele and Sad Humphrey :-(

[TooLover]

No thoughts, but a big hug to you both!

[smallonion]

Thanks so much. How's Buck Buck doing?

Michele and Humph

[The Outlaw]

Michele:

Don't let him manipulate YOU. You did what was prudent. He'll get over it. I promise.

THE OUTLAW

[Kathy]

The Outlaw is absolutely right!

Last month I had my ringneck done for the first time. At first he was thrilled to see me, as he may have thought I was rescuing him from the big bad lady. But boy oh boy, he was mad!

I didn't realize this until I got home that evening. He completely shredded a toy he had never touched before!

With in the next 2 days he was back to normal. I just gave him the space he needed.

[Lisa B]

Yep...he'll get over it :D

[Casa Amazona]

I PROMISE you that he'll get over it (especially if the vet was gentle with him). Elisa hates getting her wings and nails trimmed This is the only time she screams, but she screams as though it were her head being cut off. As soon as she's right side up and out of the towel, she first tries to attack the people who groomed her (They move quickly, because they know her now.). Failing that, she hops up onto my shoulder, gives me kisses and we go shopping for a good bird treat. :D

[smallonion]

Thanks everyone - it's almost a week and Humphrey is STILL not himself. He seems to have lost his voice - I've heard nary a peep from him all week. He's staying in his cage more and he's only been on my lap once, and that was when I was eating a bagel (something he can't resist).

I hope he comes around soon. The vet did say he was happy to see me - he ran over to the side of the cage I was on as soon as I returned to the room.

Wish us luck.

Michele and Humph

[riverrat1673]

I don't know if it will help, but can you stay in the room and talk to him while he's being clipped? Maybe it's not so much about the clipping as it is the leaving him. I thought my Grey, Ricki, would have a fit about having his nails clipped, but I stayed in the room and cooed to him. He was upset but so glad when they handed him back. It's worth a shot.

Riverrat1673

[smallonion]

You might be right, riverrat. I actually didn't stay in the room. I had read somewhere that it might be good to come back and 'rescue' him from the big bad vet, so that Humphrey thinks that I had nothing to do with it. But I see your point too -"you left me with that man and look what he did to me! He held me in a towel and you know I hate that!". If I ever do it again I will say with him. Even though I find it hard to bear!

By the way, it's over a week and Humphrey is still not back to normal. He is very guarded and hasn't made any contact with me since.

Michele and Humphrey