has anyone

[birdmommaof2]

hey has anyone here had a macaw that is special needs and cant perch walk correctly and what did you do for him or her as far as bedding the essentials of things

[Lisa B]

did you ever get incontact with Lisa?

[kellywess]

Yes... I have one. I rescued my two-three year old Yellow Collared Macaw (Erma) about two months ago. She has a constricted toe on each foot, which really mean that the inside digit on each foot which normally points back sticks straight up on both feet. The lady I rescued her from says shes crippled, but shes not really, she gets around pretty well she can climb down her cage and come find you with ease. She hops and jumps alot. She has balance issues and trouble climbing up and down in certain places. For her, she now has a Happy Hut, she has a Corner Shelf... both places she can roost when she needs a break. I have to keep her cage very clean because she likes to spend alot of time at the bottom of it. Also, she has several different types of perches which vary in texture and diameters to keep her feet exercised. Shes doing alot better now than she was when I brought her home. I have also provided her with foot toys, which she loves. They help her with her balance. She has fallen off of her perch a couple of times before I could get to her and then there has been a couple of times where shes scream and I come to find her hanging from her beak dangling... we have since lowered her favorite perches but aside from a few isolated situations she does very well. I have her wings trimmed back to where she can atleast glide, but shes so strong chest wise she can still fly pretty darn good. I dont know what the situation is exactly with your bird but hopefully this helps. Its funny that your B&G's named Captain Morgan... I am bringing home a Miligold this weekend with the same name... too funny. Well let me know if you have any other ?

[birdmommaof2]

that is funny about the name thing and to lisa b no i lost her email so please email me at shell1985@hotmail.com thanks so much

[kellywess]

What is wrong with your macaws feet?

[birdmommaof2]

he fell and is paralyzed due to extensive nerve damage and well he cant walk upright and perch or climb he just kinda wobbles around he hit his hip hard and he pull his tail bone bad but he is 100% healthy except for the whole walking thing

[kellywess]

I am so sorry to hear that. What a tragedy, makes me a little fearful. What does the vet say? Is there any chance he might regain some of his abilities? I know that this may sound weird, but I spoke to a lady once who had a similiar situation with her grey. An acupuncturist who happened to have his dog at the vet with him that day and approached her because she had brought her bird in with her for a check up, hers had a spinal injury from a fall. He offered his services and told her he had done some work with dogs and cats with success and asked her if she was willing to let him try with her bird... if so he was willing to experiment. Well her bird is doing much better now... he can stand (perch) and walk some... still cant climb and rests alot but is able to get around. I dont believe this kind man even charged her. I see her every once in awhile at the bird store. May be something you can google and do some research on. Anything is worth a try. I am so sorry I wish I could offer you better advice. I would give the accupuncture thing a look into though. Even chiropracic vets would be something to look into as well. Good Luck keep us posted... thoughts and prayers for you and the Captain.

[kellywess]

Sorry to double post but I found an article:

Veterinarian offers acupuncture, chiropractic care for animals - KCCommunityNews.com

[birdmommaof2]

i spoke to my husband and i am going to reserch into it and give it a try but i hope its not to expensive i really was proud of my morgan this morning usually after his shower to scrub the poo off his bottom i lay him on his back and he just chills out well i went outside to ask my hubby something and came back in to morgan rolled over and trying to climb his darndest poor boo but he is doing alot better but i think the accupunture is what might help him with his nerve issue cause he cant stop twitching his feet and legs long enough to get a grip and he gets frusterated so needless to say this bird gets lots of hugs and kisses and loves he is my first baby hehe but my quaker parrot gets just as much love so no jelousy issues

[kellywess]

Well, keep me posted. Also, since he has no problem with you rolling him on his back, maybe you could massage and stretch those 4 little digits on each foot and maybe do some exercises with his feet and legs. Some exercises might help. I will keep you guys in my thoughts and prayers.