Planning a project: Handicapped play gym.

[KGWatkins]

Since Zephyr has such badly splayed legs, he can't use a normal play gym, with all the perches and swings etc. He just can't do it. I am thinking I will be trying to build him a handicapped bird play gym and I would like to put it here. I will be updating the thread as things progress, with pics and eventually the end result, maybe (I hope) when I finish it, other people with handicapped birds can make their own?! In a few minutes I'm going to post a plan. So, be patient!

[KGWatkins]

This is the first draft, I'm going to either use his current table, or make a new table out of wood, the elevated platform will have some head room under it and I'll put his food and water bowls there, so that they don't get in the way of the main floor space. The ramp will have a shallow incline and be covered in some kind of grippy material, rubber or the like, I''ll look in the craft section of some stores to see, unless someone has ideas. The floor of the base will be covered in the same stuff I would say, and most likely the elevated platform too, so he can get good traction.

I already have an updated idea for the toy rail, I will have two tall rails with cross beams, 2 or 3 and have 3 or 4 eye bolts in each one so I can change the location of any toys (there won't be toys on ALL the bolts, that would be too crowded!!!). They will hang low enough to almost touch the base. The top platform will have a tall safety rail so he doesn't fall off and will have a few beak and foot toys, treats or whatever, maybe the nesty area, I don't know, I just want to add one so he gets more exercise. Tell me what you think!

[Lex123]

I really like it! How lucky of a bird to have such a thoughtful and considerate parront! (You tell him I said that lol!) For a table top you could use one of those cheap, sphere shaped, end tables from Wal-Mart. They are usually only like 10-15 dollars and it would save you from having to build a whole new table! I am think about building my Quaker, KeeWee, a playstand, too. I have a natural wood one that I made myself noly to find out Oak is harmful (grrrr...). But I am thinking about letting him use it because A) He doesn't chew on anything. B) I stripped it down and put Apple cider vinegar AND bleached it. C) He doesn't have a playstand right now (only his playtop cage) and I want him to become more active.

P.S. Make sure to take pics!

[LovelySydney]

That looks wonderful - Zephyr will be so happy when its done!! I hope it helps him in his movement. I bet he will find it easy to adapt and play just as well as the rest of em! Cant wait to see it when its finished - post pics of the process, too! = )

[KGWatkins]

He already seems more lively, even after only 2 days, the first day he sat on the table and I handed him toys, today he was scooting his way all around the table! ^^ He's a doll.

[KGWatkins]

Here's a question: After he gets more adept at using it, since he IS differently abled, I was thinking about letting him spend the VAST majority of his awake time on it, so what size should things be? I don't really know about sizing for different birds, this would be the first play gym i've ever done. It can't be gigantic, because I want to be able to move it around the house depending on where I am, but I want him to have room to be comfortable on it.

[Raha]

Originally Posted by KGWatkins

The ramp will have a shallow incline and be covered in some kind of grippy material, rubber or the like, I''ll look in the craft section of some stores to see, unless someone has ideas. The floor of the base will be covered in the same stuff I would say, and most likely the elevated platform too, so he can get good traction.

Does Zephyr pull himself along in any way. If so, any kind of "grippy material" would not be helpful to him. Observe how he gets around now so you will know whether a rough base or a smooth one will benefit him more.

Originally Posted by KGWatkins

Here's a question: After he gets more adept at using it, since he IS differently abled, I was thinking about letting him spend the VAST majority of his awake time on it, so what size should things be? I don't really know about sizing for different birds, this would be the first play gym i've ever done. It can't be gigantic, because I want to be able to move it around the house depending on where I am, but I want him to have room to be comfortable on it.

Since as you say, Zephyr is "differently abled", I would think a lot of different things could be 'tried' to see what Zephyr prefers and is capable of playing with and using.

So in essence, a lot of trial and error and observation will be needed.

You also need to consider building something that is 'adaptable' to lots of changes as you see what works and what doesn't, and what Zepher prefers.

You're a wise and kind person to be doing what you can to enrich the life of this bird. I bow to your kindness of spirit.

[KGWatkins]

He uses his legs, but he can only BARELY use them, he uses his beak some for stability. He doesnt' pull himself around WITH his beak unless he wants to climb (my shirt for instance, he starts grabbing with his beak to climb, but he can't so I kind of boost him up my shirt and keep my hand under him. I was just thinking of the grippy material since he slips around some where he doesn't use the pads on his toes for traction, he only uses the side of one leg and the bottom/back of the other, no toenails or anything are used at all. I wasn't going to use STICKY material, just something with a little... grip.

[Raha]

Originally Posted by KGWatkins

He uses his legs, but he can only BARELY use them, he uses his beak some for stability. He doesnt' pull himself around WITH his beak unless he wants to climb (my shirt for instance, he starts grabbing with his beak to climb, but he can't so I kind of boost him up my shirt and keep my hand under him. I was just thinking of the grippy material since he slips around some where he doesn't use the pads on his toes for traction, he only uses the side of one leg and the bottom/back of the other, no toenails or anything are used at all. I wasn't going to use STICKY material, just something with a little... grip.

OK, I gotcha'. Thanks for the additional info, makes perfect sense.

Please keep us updated. Through your learning experience with Zephyr and how you learn to help and provide for him will help many others along the way with their birds who are challenged in different ways.

Again, thanks for looking after Zephyr in such a kind and caring way.

[KGWatkins]

I'm going out this weekend, I'll try to pick up some things while I'm out to start working, I'm still debating the "add ons" but I'm sure that there will be a second level, I'm SURE that that would help his mobility to have a goal (what better goal than TREATS in the top level?) and have to do a small amount of extra work for them.

As a side note, he's really tamed down fast, I don't know if his previous home worked with him any, they may have, but they told me that "you can't hold the cockatiel" when I got him from them, so I don't think he was, but in only a week he's turned into quite a love bug, I guess a little kindness and love will do it.