Question about Meyer's Parrots.

[ptuga72]

what a cutie! but I must say that from her pic, it looks like she has lots of spunk, spirit and attitude (aka Gal Jr. )

and yikes that cage is an odd one. I know that some of the more disabled birds in the rescue are put into chinchilla/ferret cages, but that one is definitely not appropriate for her!

You are so awesome to do this for her!

[a.susz]

she probably bought her for the exact reason you got her, she felt bad for her. congrats!! I'm glad you took her instead of someone with no knowledge of parrots. Rope perches, boings, and platforms ( or even a 2 by 4 cut to size and given accommodation to be placed on the side of the cage) work great for handicapped birds. you could even do 2 large wood perches side by side and add a homemade slip cover for it. get used to the type of perches she uses well first, then go crazy and give her lots similar to that style.

[Azure Hanyo]

I found some perches at bobosplayhouse.com I think will work. What do you guys think? (They have flat perches, flagstone perches, and even little shelves!) I am thinking of ordering a few soon to see how she likes the different kinds. What about ramps, would ramps be good to have?

[pchela]

Ramps might work for her. I guess it just depends on how she gets around.

They make a cage that is for ferrets that has ramps built in and I think it's fairly inexpensive. Something like this... http://www.rabbitcagesource.com/ferret- ... yneedleads

Of course, you'd have to double check what the cage is made of but if you end up buying a new cage, this might be something to look at.

[entrancedbymyGCC]

Boy, I got way behind on this thread! Can't wait to hear how she settles in!

[Azure Hanyo]

Ramps might work for her. I guess it just depends on how she gets around.

They make a cage that is for ferrets that has ramps built in and I think it's fairly inexpensive. Something like this... http://www.rabbitcagesource.com/ferret- ... yneedleads

Of course, you'd have to double check what the cage is made of but if you end up buying a new cage, this might be something to look at.

I was actually thinking of a ferret cage! They have nice shelves too. I wish I could use my old ferret cage for her, it's humongous, but alas, the ramps are plastic and I doubt they would work for her. Plus it was used for ferrets and though it has been cleaned numerous times, still has a ferrety stank to it. Yuck.

[Mr.Darcy]

I wonder if surgery could correct her splayed leg? I know when they are babies, breeders use sponges to correct the leg issues....just food for thought.

I have a flat perch which is bascially a piece of untreated pine 4" x 4" x1" and bolted in the corner with a snuggie thing tied to the bars.

the cage is a Hagen lower end. I mean how long do you think it would take any self-respecting parrot to chew threw those plastic corners?!

I bought a used cage online for $100.Powder coated, replaced the latches with stainless steel ones ($14)(Home depot) and it is 24 x 24x 36 or something like that...so you could look at that idea too.

good luck, you will be awesome! lucky bird

[Azure Hanyo]

Marlies- I am most definitely going to be getting her to a vet soon, and will ask about any possible way to correct her poor splayed leg. If it is very pricey, we will wait until tax season (gotta love it!) and see about doing it then, if it won't be too much pain for its worth. If she is healthy overall and has no problems related to the leg, I am not sure I would want to put her through the stress of surgery if that is the only way to fix it. Now a splint... Oh I hope they say a splint will help!

We shall see.

[Natacha]

I read some bit of discussion about the cage - I would also change it. I hate the Vision cages, specially the model Jovie is in.

As for surgery fixing splayed legs...Don't count on it too much. I think vets are more willing to attempt something when the birds are still babies. The older the bird gets, the less likely they'll try to "fix" anything. Plus, if the bird is able to move around, they'll most likely say it's not worth it.

My lovebird actually has a splayed leg and nothing really stops him...

[kellybird]

Hi I want to say how nice to are to adopt this bird especially with a handicap! I think once he is in a bigger cage with more perches he will do fine. My meyers actually only has one leg. Several years ago when I had an outdoor aviary she was attacked by a raccoon that took her leg off. Strange thing is we never noticed it was gone. I noticed she was only standing on one leg for the longest time and soon come to realize the other was gone. No blood, no nothing. It looks as though it was never there. She is fully flighted so that does make a huge difference with the way she gets around and she is in an indoor aviary now. She was my very first bird I bought over 17 years ago. She eats, baths, plays like any of my other 2 legged birds. I do feel bad for her at times because she can't hold a larger nut and open it like the others can do. But she still cracks open her other nuts, fruits etc. with no problem.
I also had a lovebird that I raised that had a splayed leg and we tried to fix it but I gave up as it looked so uncomfortable for the poor little birdie and he had no problem doing any of lifes activities. We later sold him (he was one of my babies from my breeding birds) I still wish to this day I never sold him because I did fall in love with him but I couldnt keep every bird I raised. he did have a good home. My opinion would be to let his wings grow out just so it is a little easier for him but if you don't want to have a full flighted bird that is totally up to you! Congrats on the little guy and sorry for rambling!!! Kelly