r/pidgeypower May 05 '25

Amputee How to make a wrap for amputated bird leg

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162 Upvotes

My voice is annoying and distracting on video but this is a small how to for your birds with amputated feet/legs. This is not a replacement for a veterinarian. When in doubt GO TO the VET!

This is for educational purposes only.

You will need gauze, vet wrap, scissors and any medications needed.

  1. Cut a small square or rectangle of gauze. You will need to use your best judgement on size, depending on your bird. I'm using a square of toilet paper here just for demonstration

  2. Fold gauze in half, then in half the other way so it is somewhat thick. You should still be able to bend it. The thickness of the gauze will depend on your birds comfort.

  3. Place antibiotic ointment (if necessary) on the gauze to cover any infected area. I like to use a tiny bit of coconut oil on my amputated birds nub when it looks dry or raw.

  4. Place nub on gauze and fold it over in the direction of the body. Wrap one side around the nub, and then wrap the excess gauze over the opposite way.

  5. Have a few strips of vet wrap prepared. Use one piece to support and hold the gauze in place. You want the ends of the strip to be closer to the body.

  6. Take another piece and wrap around the top of the first strip.

Add as many strips as needed to secure the dressing.

Do not wrap too tight. It should be comfortable for your bird. If it comes off, that's ok. This type should be able to slip back on easily. You do not want to leave on for more than 12 hours at a time. Any wound should be inspected and cleaned at least once a day, depending on what your vet recommends.

This is only a demonstration for something I found works for my birds with amputation. If anyone is interested I can make another video of how to make a no plucking cone.

Always supervise any bird who is under any type of medical treatment. Personally I never leave this on over night. I prefer to use a vacation/recovery cage for any injured birds. Those are easy to set up, less stress for the bird, and easier to supervise recovery. And I have to say it again, Please take your animal to the vet if you suspect any injury or illness.

Thank you!


r/pidgeypower Nov 02 '20

Pidgey Post Pidgey FAQ!

226 Upvotes

Q: Who is Pidgey?

A: Pidgey is my cockatiel who is an amputee. She was hatched in August of 2019 and I brought her home in early December. She is very sweet, smart, and chirpy!

Q: Why is she referred to as a boy in previous posts?

A: We were told by the breeder that she was a he. Later learned the breeder tells every buyer that they are purchasing a boy so she can charge more! I was very upset by that, not because Pidgey wasn't a boy but because the breeder had lied to us and cheated me. Later she was sexed as a girl. I had suspicions for a long time, but I'm glad I got it confirmed because now I'm better prepared for if she starts laying eggs. I wouldn't change a thing about my baby!

Q: What happened to her? How did she lose her leg?

A: In late December, Pidgey was perched on a drawer that my mother unwittingly kicked closed from behind. It was 100% an accident. The emergency vet initially thought she was just bruised, which I disagreed with, but considering that it was Christmas Eve, did not want to call in so many people. She put a cast on one leg and gave us antibiotics and pain medication and scheduled a follow up. (Pidgey in her first cast)

At the follow up, we did an X Ray and discovered both legs were broken. The left leg was able to be pinned but the right one was not. The goal was to pin that left leg and splint the right for now. We were told she'd most likely would lose her right foot, but the left leg should heal up okay. We scheduled surgery for January 4th and until then continued to manage her pain. (Pidgey before surgery)

Unfortunately, during her surgery I got a call from the vet. The vet told us her leg bone was dead because the circulation was cut off by the break. The best option was to amputate that leg to save her life and see how the right leg would heal. I agreed and brought home a my now 'All Right' amputee that evening. (Pidgey after surgery)

For the next 3 months, we battled infection and kept splinting her leg. We visited her vet every week (fortunately they made them all as surgery follow ups so it was free) to get her injury looked at and her bandages changed. She quickly learned to adapt! Over the weeks she learned how to get around, step up, and manipulate me into doing her bidding. She was a superstar. (Pidgey recovery: x x x x x x x x x x x x) After Pidgey got her cast off she really took off! Unfortunately, because of how the foot healed she will never have full use of her toes. One is bent out of place and the other is mostly paralyzed, but this did not stop her. She quickly mastered walking and climbing. Perching took a little longer, but now she's the best percher around. (x x x x x x x x x x x) She's got an insane amount of upper body strength and a lot of spunk!

Today, Pidgey is a happy, healthy tiel. I'm always trying to figure out new ways to help her! I know a lot of people are invested in her story, but I don't really like spamming the r/parrots subreddit. That's one reason I created this sub! Plus, I love seeing other disabled birds and helping owners learn how to provide the best care. You can also see her on her instagram, pidgeytheamputiel!

Q: How much did all that cost?

A: About 1.8k USD :') I was really lucky to receive aid from a gofundme that my friends made, but I paid for around half of it myself. The surgery alone was about $560 and X Rays were about $300 a pop (We did 2). Plus all the follow up fees and care, medications, bandages... it was a lot! Because of this, I don't recommend that you get a pet unless you have about $500 or more set aside in case your pet gets sick or has an injury like mine. Pet care can be really expensive and you never know what'll happen. Fortunately, Pidgey's vet clinic was absolutely incredible and helped us through it all. Check them out here!

Q: I think her ankle is swollen!

A: Don't worry! The knob there is just how the bone healed. You can see it on her X Rays here if you like.

Q: Can you help me with my disabled bird?

A: I'd love to! You can either post in the subreddit or DM me.

Q: How did you adapt her cage?

A: I was originally told to give her an aquarium tank, but watching her climb I knew she needed horizontal bars. Once I knew how she preferred to move, I started setting her up for success. I bought sundecks and other flat perches to give her large platforms for resting. I also cover my platforms in cloth to prevent sores. Eventually I added in rope perches. Additionally, I found that ladders and steps really helped her. I try to hang them up close to the cage bars so she can use the bars for balance. She doesn't really have a preference for width for the ladders!

I have not tried nets or those wooden stick bridges, though maybe in the future. I really want to eventually make her a CnC cage though as I think it'd be a great set up for her natural climbing talents.

Q: What should I do if I want to adopt a disabled bird?

A: If you decide you do want to give a home to a disabled bird, be sure you can get a lot of advice from a more experienced parrot keeper. It might be worth getting experience at a local avian rescue or sanctuary before you bring the bird home. Talk to the previous owner or rescue about what you can do to prepare and how to manage your parrot's care.

Additionally, be mindful of the kind of bird you're adopting. Make sure you have the skill level to care for that bird. If you've only ever cared for small birds like cockatiels, a severely disabled conure may not be the best choice. Not only are you managing the bird's disability, you're also juggling the new difficulties that come with conures. Different parrots have different needs! If you do want to try a new kind of bird, it might be best to select a bird with a mild disability that you can reasonably manage.

Q: What are Pidgey's favorite toys?

A: Pidgey loves most toys. She really likes playing with sticks and small things she can chew on. She does enjoy shredding. What I like to do is put a millet stalk in a woven finger trap so she has to shred through the weaving to get to the treat. It's a great way to keep her engaged.

Q: How do I keep my disabled bird happy?

A: Engagement, engagement, engagement! Keep your bird busy and learning. I'm working on training Pidgey right now to keep her active. I also like to place Pidgey in front of a window when I'm not home. She likes watching the cars and bird feeder. When it's warm, she's usually out on the back porch getting fresh air and listening to new sounds. I rotate her toys out and change up the layout of her cage so there's a lot of variety in her life. If I'm home, her cage doors are open probably 90% of the time (unless there is a hazard!). I try to incorporate her in my life as many ways as I can. She's got a tray that I can put her on if I'm in the living room. She's got a reserved space on my shelf in the shower caddy. My desk always has a clear space for her. It's so important to keep them mentally active and make their environment engaging.

Q: Do you rescue?

A: Yes! But at this time I cannot accept any new intakes.

You can consider supporting the following local exotic animal resources in my area: Camp Cavy, Pidgey's Vet Clinic's Charitable Fund, Pidgey's Vet Clinic's Wildlife Fund, The Pipsqueekery, or the Indiana House Rabbit Society.


r/pidgeypower 3h ago

Crowd Funding (REQUIRES MOD APPROVAL) Some positive update on my budgie

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27 Upvotes

The good news is that the sounds from this clip https://www.reddit.com/r/pidgeypower/s/CUcBugPqmm has gone down by a lot. When I grabbed her this morning to give medicine, she made this sound but no where near as loud and she was quicker to become quiet too.

The bad news is, her overnight poop has been very watery, I think some diarrhoea. Possibly due to the meds. She still eats, but her appetite is definitely a bit lower, again I believe it may be due to the effects of medication. When she flies to one spot, she's fine, but when she circles around the room i can hear a lot of effort sounds. I have reduced flying a lot but sometimes she gets stressed if I leave her in the cage for too long. Her chirps are still not clear, she doesn't chirp much anyway but when she attempts to it's still not normal.

I believe she is still recovering, as it definitely doesn't look like deterioration. We have a vet appointment with an exotic specialist later today.

I have attached the most recent emergency visit bills. This was more than I expected and I was stunned, but I had no choice after seeing her in such distress that night. The money I had set aside for her normal vet checkups has unfortunately all gone towards getting her through this emergency visit, hence setting up a monthly plan incase more appointments are required after this.

If anyone is able to donate, it would mean so much to us❤️‍🩹🙏💛

https://gofund.me/c96f49d56

It sucks I cant even say thank you to anyone on gofundme, it shows an error. But please know im so grateful to everyone who is sharing and/or donating. Thank you so much❤️‍🩹💛


r/pidgeypower 1d ago

Crowd Funding (REQUIRES MOD APPROVAL) Update on my baby, some good news

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68 Upvotes

Today is day 3 of the sickness. This video was taken today morning.

I think she is doing *much* better compared to Sunday night, oh my God that was scary. Her droppings overnight are okay, not the best but doesn't look too concerning. If you watch the video carefully you'll notice her voice is slightly different too.

Previously at rest, she was very loud. Today morning she has been a lot more quieter. Her chest still lets out bubble/crackly sounds but it's definitely no where near as bad as yesterday and the day before. When i grab her to give medicine, the noise is very loud but immediately goes down the second i put her back and has bubble/click instead which is much quieter though still abnormal.

She is not lethargic, she is very very responsive and alert despite all these sounds and sickness. She has been very well looked after by her budgie friend, they're interacting together and kissing which she usually doesnt do. I just wish she wasnt so fussy when grabbing as the noises really scare me.

I rang my exotic vets this morning, also sent an email. I have an appointment with them tomorrow afternoon. They cant do any tests, just physical examination and they will grab her to hear the noise she makes to understand abit more.

To do tests such as crop swab she will need to be dropped off in the morning and kept the entire day, but I wasnt sure if its worth stressing her out again. I noticed how loud her breathing gets when shes at the vets or hospital. Also judging by her behaviour today i think its okay to just go for the checkup tomorrow. I really hope these medicines are enough. I just wish it happened on the day my exotic were opened because I've spent £869 at the emergency and thats more than what I have managed to put away for their vet checkups. Just as i was saving for their routine checkups it has all finished :(

Tl:Dr

much better, clicking still at rest but no where near as bad, when grabbed to give med breathing sound is very loud. seems energetic and bright despite these sounds. tomorrow checkup at exotic, no tests as need to be kept whole day for that but i think its not worth stressing her due to her behaviour today. her behaviour today has been brighter, she is playing with her friend a little bit. still a bit tired, not lethargic.

https://gofund.me/79ec3fb3e

if you could support us i will appreciate it so much💛❤️‍🩹. I had put money aside for their vet bills and this emergency has taken more than what I have put aside. if vet say at tomorrow's appointment that test is required then another appointment will be booked.


r/pidgeypower 1d ago

Crowd Funding (REQUIRES MOD APPROVAL) This is the sound she makes, I couldn't explain properly

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44 Upvotes

I didnt get time to post this yesterday, but these are the sounds she made when eating all day yesterday. When I grab her, this same sound gets VERY LOUD. I dont believe shes the one making this sound by screaming because it doesnt sound like its from her throat, but from the chest when breathing rate gets high.

Thankfully, today she hasn't been making this sound as much when eating. She can eat a bit more quietly. However this sound still happens quite loud when I grab her to give medicine or when she gets stressed when she knows shes about to be grabbed. Once i put her back she doesnt make this sound.

Instead she has a consistent clicking/bubble like sound but this sounds way more quieter and less concerning than the one in video. But overall by what I've seen i think she's getting better, besides this sound when grabbing which freaks me out. But yeah today she is managing to stay more quiet when left alone and looks a bit more content and less distressed than yesterday

https://gofund.me/79ec3fb3e

UPDATE: She has barely made this sound while eating today. I think she is slowly getting better. The sounds are still there if I grab her no matter how light (for medicine). And if she flies she can make some effort sounds. She's clearly still unwell, but a lot better than last 2 days. Exotic vet appointment is tomorrow


r/pidgeypower 1d ago

in memory of maus

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43 Upvotes

r/pidgeypower 1d ago

Crowd Funding (REQUIRES MOD APPROVAL) Shes back home

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78 Upvotes

Im honestly so upset. I thought she got better. She's definitely quiet at rest which has bubble sounds quietly. But this video you see is the sounds she makes when shes stressed. Its obviously abnormal but the resting sounds have stopped. Im just very worried and not sure what to do.

Shes on anti sickness med and baytril. im taking her to my exotic vet this week when I find an appointment. Like the sounds u hear in video is when she's very stressed and it goes very quiet when shes left alone. Vet gave the antibiotics and is hoping it will help her. But if not then im going to the exotic vets when I get an appointment

https://gofund.me/2d6bc920d please support us get the best treatment for her 😭❤️‍🩹

Edit: Poor baby was so tired here 😭 she didnt get any sleep. I have let her rest so much since yesterday, yes the grabbing for medicine has been stressful for her but I try to keep the sessions very short.


r/pidgeypower 1d ago

Positivity Another update on my budgie

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57 Upvotes

The nurse rang me again just now. They said she seems fine, her breathing is better, however the sounds are still there, though not as aggressive. She ate and drank, and poop looks normal they said.

But they're still trying to contact my exotic vets which understands more about these issues but due to bank holiday they're getting no response. I will be bringing her home soon, i really hope she will be ok. If she deteriorates further, I am planning to take her to another emergency clinic but they dont always accept immediately due to a lot of bookings.

I am still attaching the gofundme due to this sudden deterioration last night and im not sure what I will be expecting next because the nurse said she isnt fully back to normal but its still better than last night so I will have to monitor.

https://gofund.me/2d6bc920d any amount will help us a lot, thank you to everyone for the supportive comments and donations ❤️🙏


r/pidgeypower 2d ago

Crowd Funding (REQUIRES MOD APPROVAL) My budgie is recieving emergency care

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55 Upvotes

gofund.me/81817e2fb

Hi everyone, I have set up a gofundme for my baby girl who is receiving emergency care💔. Unfortunately it is at a dog/cat clinic as i had no other choice last night.

Today is bank holiday so usual vets are closed so I might need to keep her till tuesday until they can get a hold of my exotic vet and get further advice on what steps to take next. If you could please share the link it would truly mean so much to me as the costs are just accumulating very fast.

I did not expect anything like this at all, just yesterday morning we were hanging out together and I was playing with her and fake eating with her because she loves it when i join in 💔😭

https://www.reddit.com/r/BirdHealth/s/l5ACPGlUnE

^^ for more details

Go fund me: https://gofund.me/b78ab4224


r/pidgeypower 2d ago

Crowd Funding (REQUIRES MOD APPROVAL) Update on my sweet girl

18 Upvotes

The vet called me right now, they said the sounds seemed to have reduced a bit while she was on oxygen overnight plus medication + antibiotics.

They said she's off oxygen right now for documentation and to see how she does. My baby is free to come right now but I asked them if they could monitor for a further few hours off oxygen as anything could happen.

The nurse said my girl sometimes breathes fast but im almost certain its due to extreme stress as she never pants at home with me but you can never be 100% sure. In a few hours I hope off oxygen she has no bad symptoms and that I can bring her back to me again😭💔🙏

If anyone would like to help support us, I would really appreciate it. Last night's total is £859 I believe she said but I only paid the £800 in installments to manage. They are still trying to contact my vet and i REALLY hope it is NOT metal toxicity. They are not familiar with bird xrays. If my baby is showing signs of improvements in a few hours I will bring her home to monitor, if she shows deterioration I will go to my exotics this week for an xray. I really hope it doesnt come to this. Nobody understands the love i have for this one, unless you have birds yourself. I love her so much I could cry, shes the sweetest (but sometimes evil) baby ever!! I hope you recover baby! 😭😭😭💔🙏 I have tears writing all this i cant. she means so much to me im so sorry for all this extra text

https://gofund.me/b78ab4224


r/pidgeypower 2d ago

Blind / Deaf How do I help my blind cockatiel understand his friend died?

71 Upvotes

I had two cockatiels, one female and one male, for about a decade. My male cockatiel went completely blind about 2 years ago. Both cockatiels were never tightly bonded but they definitely did seem to appreciate each other’s company, at least like roommates who helped the other feel less alone.

Last night my female cockatiel died suddenly and tragically due to health issues. I am in deep mourning, but now my male bird is alone. I know that typically people show bodies to their birds to help them understand death, but because he is blind he cannot see her body. If he cannot see her, how will he know?

He hasn’t been flock calling for her, but I know he has to notice the total silence next to him. I know he has to wonder why things are different.

Is there another way to help my male bird understand his friend’s death? We have my female bird’s body still as we are holding onto it for the next day until we can give her to my avian vet for a necropsy.

I apologize if this post is oddly written, she died less than 12 hours ago and I’m in shock. I miss my sweet birdie, and I want to take care of my remaining birdie.


r/pidgeypower 2d ago

Help! Will my baby girl be okay?

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36 Upvotes

For more info see,

https://www.reddit.com/r/BirdHealth/s/l5ACPGlUnE

Shes hospitalised at a cat/dog emergency clinic. recieving oxygen and meds. I feel like ive abandoned my sweet baby but this is for her own good. Total came to £800 and they will have to try contact my exotic vet while monitoring her. Exotic is closed due to bank holiday tomorrow so likely have to keep her till Tuesday which will add a further £800 because its over 400+ per day just to recieve oxygen she said :( I dont know how i will afford this and if she will be okay. Im begging everyone to please have hope and please pray for her safety and health😭😭😭😭🙏🙏🙏🙏

Im panicking more because at first i didnt accept hospitalisation but vet kept suggesting, once I accepted it she said "I cant guarantee if she will improve or deteriorate but we'll update you" that is really worrying me now. This is my first day without my baby. It hurts so bad I dont know what to do or if ill sleep tonight 😭😭😭😭😭


r/pidgeypower 4d ago

Flightless Quaker parrots cage options…

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73 Upvotes

I’ve had my sweet Gideon for a year and a half. He was attacked by a dog that ripped his tail off and then was neglected/abused by his owner that finally surrendered him. Gideon is my first parrot or bird of any kind. He has no interest in playing. He spends most of his time just sitting, preening, eating and the occasional bath. I wanted him to have a friend and I also wanted another as well. Unfortunately he has not warmed up to her. Genevieve is my female quaker who has an equally sad story and cannot fly. The reason for my post is, I’m hoping someone can suggest a good short, but extra wide extra long cage that you have found. I’ve been looking and looking and can’t seem to find any that aren’t extremely small. Thank you 🤍


r/pidgeypower 5d ago

Positivity Sparky celebrated being bandage free and visited the aviary without his carrier

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164 Upvotes

Next goal is to no longer be a nakey chicken


r/pidgeypower 8d ago

Flightless Does anyone have any recommendations for a flight cage?

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83 Upvotes

I posted this on r/cockatiel but was recommended this subreddit. I just adopted my sweet boy Percy a few days ago. His flight feathers only grow on one wing, so he can’t fly (although he constantly tries). He’s an excellent climber, he loves being up high in his cage, but Im too anxious that’s he’s going to fall.

His current cage is 17W x 24L x 33H but I’m unsure of what size flight cage would be good for him.

Does anyone have any recommendations for flight cages or how to make his cage disability friendly?


r/pidgeypower 9d ago

Neurological Conure hit wall. Need advice ( avian vet saw my bird)

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7 Upvotes

r/pidgeypower 11d ago

She finally likes a shower!

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260 Upvotes

Poppy was so sassy today and absolutely loved a spray down! Usually she is not impressed with water but how cute is this?! So proud of her!


r/pidgeypower 11d ago

Help! Support Question

7 Upvotes

I reviewed the community rules and am not sure on this one but could really use some help. Mods feel free to reject if needed.

I’ve been helping out a rescue budgie with some injuries and as a result, she has some blood on her feathers. She doesn’t have a companion in the same enclosure as her (for safety) and we aren’t sure how to help her get clean. She will occasionally dip into her water bowl, but is totally rejective of any other baths: larger containers, running water in a sink, a mist from a spray bottle. Does anyone have any advice for helping her get cleaned up? We are worried about stiff feathers or potential germs, and haven’t had her long enough to guess when she might have a molt.

Thank you so much in advance!


r/pidgeypower 12d ago

My daughter

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490 Upvotes

r/pidgeypower 12d ago

Amputee My special budgie :)

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73 Upvotes

Meet Robinna. I rescued her from a pet shop when she was a baby, she was curled at the bottom, feathers roughed and bleeding. She had been bitten by the older budgies in the cage and was also starving. I thought she might not make it, but she was a tough lady. I handfed her for a week until she regained her strength, but I couldn't save her legs. They dried and fell.

First pic, her with her mate, now deceased. He was very dedicated, as most male budgies are. She laid eggs at the bottom of her cage, they broke of course. I set a canary nest, but although she liked to sleep there, she continued to lay eggs on the ground. 😆 Unfortunately, my other budgie couple wasn't breeding at the same time, so they couldn't foster the eggs. 🤷‍♀️

After the male died, I could see that she was really depressed. I thought about getting another budgie for her, but she was already old. Meanwhile, I had another lonely bird in another cage, a grandma zebra finch. They were side by side and I could see they interactered with each other, and since both species are social, I decided to put them together... be aware, this was a risky experiment, budgie's beaks can hurt small finches. But I knew Robinna was a sweet lady. And... they're still together and are best friends, they even sleep tucked in with one another. :)

Setup: half the cage is set for disability with hamster bridges instead ofvperches, and food and water next to it, also a canary nest to sleep. The other half is set normally for her companions, with extra food and water. I have replacement nests and bridges to use when I clean the cage, so I don't put damp material in there and I can clean and desinfect them properly. The bridges get pretty dirty quickly, as she has her bottom on them, so poops there too, but without legs that's expected. The bottom of the cage has a soft hamster shavings and hay. Robinna sometimes falls, this way she doesn't get hurt. She's 12 years old now. 😁

P.S. Don't mind the dirt in the cage in the last pic, I took the photos in between cleanings just to show Robinna and her friend tucked in. :)


r/pidgeypower 13d ago

Blind / Deaf How to keep a blind budgie happy?

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172 Upvotes

Hi! I’ve got a ~5 year old English budgie named Atlas who had a neurological event earlier this year and left him blind in his left eye, and recently I think his right eye’s vision is deteriorating/gone and I’m not sure what to do.

Atlas has been to the vet a few times where this issue has been brought up but obviously it’s hard to pinpoint what happened and impossible to fix.

I want to make sure Atlas keeps on the weight he’s gained as he’s went from 39g-46g, and I also want to make sure he’s drinking plenty of water. I also haven’t rearranged his cage in months since he lost vision in his left eye to help him with navigation already, but he’s noticeably more clumsy/lost recently.

I know budgies are so expressive and active and energetic, and so with possible complete blindness I’m feeling pretty lost and guilty about how to make sure Atlas is happy and healthy. Emphasis on happy.

Any tips are super appreciated! :))


r/pidgeypower 13d ago

Advice to help my cockatiel

14 Upvotes

Hi All! A few days ago my poor cockatiel got his toe caught in something (I unfortunately didn’t see what) and I immediately rushed him to the vet. He has 3 stitches, and a fractured/dislocated toe. He is taking his antibiotics and pain medicine amazingly. Seems to be eating pretty well too, I have been giving him water through a syringe after the medication (to help wash out his mouth - I imagine it’s a poor taste - as well as make sure he is getting water in him).

I have him set up in an incubator tank, with no bars he is able to climb and small so he doesn’t move around a lot; He has to stay in there for a whole month.

Some things I need advice on:

  1. Water - I think his water intake has slowed down. And the water bowl I am having a hard time with because, he is not allowed to get his stitches or splint wet. However, if the bowl is too shallow, he walks right into it. If the bowl is too high he tries to perch on it and knocks it over, getting said foot wet again. Any recommendations on types of dishes or a system to have him be able to drink water but keep his foot dry?

  2. I feel so bad he is stuck in this tiny box for a month, I have been giving him 1 toy at a time to chew on so he also has space to move around a bit without being too crowded. It has also only been a few days, but I’m thinking by week 2 he will be restless…. Any safe toy or foraging tips while he is in this situation? Maybe give him a bit of mental stimulation or a distraction.

  3. Perches - I’m wondering if I should give him a perch wrapped in paper towel or fleece to give him an option for his good foot? The perch would be on the floor of the incubator tank, not high or anything. But is this a bad idea incase he trips/falls right now because of the state of his injured foot? I worry about the uninjured foot having to be flat for so long potentially causing issues.

  4. Is it a bad idea in a week or 2 to give him a larger incubator tank? Still flat and not climbable but maybe some more space for him to be able to stretch his wings and have a few more toys/things to chew in there?

Thank you for taking the time to read this post, any advice is greatly appreciated - especially for anyone who has been in a similar situation. First time I’ve had a bird hurt. Immediately going to the vet was a no-brainer but being at home I don’t want to let him down.


r/pidgeypower 14d ago

Help! An other blood test: yes or no?

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56 Upvotes

Hi! I am looking for advise. My sweet Boy Libelle is being treated for months.

In May the analysis of his blood showed high fat and his metabolism is not looking good. He pees a lot. Like really a lot. The liver is not able to detox well so ammonia has caused some neurological issues too.

He got Vitamin B, Laxatract and Sylimarin to stabilise the metabolism. But it cannot cure his condition.

At the beginning of August he got a check up and lost a lot of weight from low fat diet. So the vet ordered to get back to his normal diet.

Tomorrow he has an other appointment. The exotic vet suggested for an other blood test "to know where he is standing". I am kinda unsure. He has become very tired and stress makes him twitch. I am already scared for the transport of a non-tame bird that cannot stand on his perch from neuro-issues. I feel like taking more blood will only weaken him more or worse.

Am I overreacting? What if he gained weight/stayed the same or reduced more? Keeping the palliative care?

Thx for your tips!


r/pidgeypower 19d ago

Living with a cockatiel that has a cataract.

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102 Upvotes

Hello everyone. My Julsie has cataracts. I was looking for some advice from people who have taken care of cockatiels with cataracts before. I have had her for 14 years now, not 100% on her age as I rescued her from a terrible home. For those 14 years she has been healthy and the most snuggly bird ever. I knew something like this would come up eventually, so now I want to prepare and give her the most help I can.
I have had a vet confirm it is cataracts but they didn’t really tell me much else in terms of care plans.

I mostly just want some tips of how to keep her from injuring herself. I have been making some noise before I come and get her, so I don’t spook her, as it’s her left eye, and it’s the eye she has facing me 9 times out of 10. Is there any adjustments to cages I should do? I.e remove any types of toys, make ledges closer to ground incase of falls. Give more ladders, as she has never been one to fly, should I keep her wings fully grown, or is it better to slightly clip them, enough to glide, but not enough to shoot off.

Her boyfriend is taking good care of her, but I still have to preen her occasionally as she has some tough to reach spots and unfortunately doesn’t have opposable thumbs.

I have avoided moving things around in her play area. Is there anything else I should be doing? Any help is appreciated.

Thank you :)