Attempting a rescue

[JimH]

I just went to a bird supply shop with a room in the back with birds for sale. Way back in the corner there was an old cage with no toys in it. I thought it was empty until I saw that barely balancing on a perch was a GCC with horribly mangled feet. I can't tell if it was born this way or it was the result of some horrible accident. One foot is totally missing and the other only has one or two toes. Nothing at all is being done to give this bird any quality of life.

I asked the shop manager what the bird's story is. She said somebody dropped it off on their doorstep that way a few months ago. They don't know its sex or age. I asked why it had no toys in its cage and the woman said the bird "can't play": can't step up, can't climb or sidestep along a perch, and its wings are clipped because it can't land. I asked how it got on its perch and was told they put the bird there every morning and it just sits in place all day. WHAT?!?!?!? She said they are keeping it just because the shop owner feels sorry for it. Not sorry enough, I don't think.

The woman let me hold it and it seems to be a gentle and cuddly bird, starved for attention. I asked if the bird is for sale and she looked at me as if I was crazy. I told her I wanted to buy it and she said I have to speak to the shop owner, who is on vacation until next week.

I know I'm a new bird owner as it is, but I can't let this go. If this poor little thing is just going to live like that it may as well have been euthanized. I already have ideas to accommodate its disability so it can be more mobile, perhaps even fly and land safely.

Am I crazy to take this on? I hadn't planned on owning two birds and I feel morally conflicted about buying a bird from a seller who would allow an animal to live like this, but something about this bird is really calling out to me. What do you think?

[Michael]

It sounds like your intentions are good but be careful. Looks like you have some idea of what you're in for but let me point one thing out. You have to be completely ready to have two separate lives with two separate birds. You can't have a GCC/Senegal safely together as is but given the bird's disability, you can't change it ever because it will not be able to get away and the Senegal will kill it. Don't have any delusion that you'll be able to have the two birds out at the same time. I'm sure others will point out other issues and problems but I wanted to mention this one. Do not get yourself into this unless you are ready to have two completely separate birds that you will do everything with separately. There will be no time savings of having a flock out at once.

[JimH]

Thanks for the caution, Michael. I've thought about that. Bishop actually enjoys his cage and likes to have "me" time in there for a couple of hours at a time throughout the day. When he's in, the other bird would be out. I have a fantastic window in my home office that can easily have two cages parked in front of it during the day, so even when caged neither bird would be truly alone. I do know not to allow the two birds to interact loose, and it's certainly a given in this situation. I don't want to give this bird a slightly better life, I only want to do this because I think it will be a huge improvement for it without reducing the QOL for Bishop in the process. My partner will be available to spend time with either bird in other rooms, too.

This is a big decision for me. I'm pretty sure it will work out fine but input like yours is good food for thought so I can be absolutely certain before I take this on.

It has occurred to me that my lack of bird experience may be a factor in how well I deal with possible changes in Bishop's behavior over this and a bird with special needs, but that's part of why I'm here and I do have a very helpful vet. I'm banking on these supports being enough.

[Michael]

Senegals get VICIOUSLY JEALOUS and you may see a turn for the worst where it becomes a devil to someone (you, spouse, other bird, etc). Given that the two birds would NEVER be buddies, the most robust solution to prevent jealousy is to keep them entirely separate and basically live as though the other doesn't exist. Maybe not so great for the conure but important for the Senegal. Your Senegal is young... when it hits maturity you will run into aggression issues. A jealous Senegal is a violent Senegal. Even just today Kili tried to bite my hand when I reached for her while Truman was in my lap. If he weren't there, she'd never dream of biting. It's just how Senegals react to things.

[JimH]

Wow. That's a lot to consider. And here I chose a Senegal because I'd read they were so easygoing for a parrot. It's amazing how many contradictions I've been running into between sources. I guess I'll have to give serious thought to how - or if - I can do this without inviting this sort of trouble.

Forgetting this particular potential adoptee for a minute, would It be better to add a second bird to my flock when my Senegal is young, or post-puberty? I hadn't originally intended on getting another bird so soon but I'd hate to think it may never be a good idea.

How do Kili and Truman get along? Which bird did you have first?

[Pajarita]

In my personal experience (not vast, I've only had four) sonnies only like their mates and no other bird. The 'good' ones ignore the others while the 'bad' ones would attack everybody/bird they perceive as a threat or competition for their chosen one (I don't know where you read that sonnies are mild-mannered because I don't know of anybody who has one that would fit this description).

But I would still take that poor bird. As you said, the life he has is no life at all and lots can be done to enrich it (solid platforms and steps instead of perches, thin ropes with knots close to one another for climbing, allowing the wings to grow so the bird can flap them and maintain a better balance and even fly, toys, good diet, sunlight, etc). I rescue birds and have a number of them with physical handicaps and I can tell you without the shadow of a doubt that this is doable.

[cml]

What a horrible story, it breaks my heart hearing it.

As the others though, I would caution against it, but my heart would say rescue it. You could really help him, but it wont be easy and only do it if you think you can provide for both of them equally.

[JimH]

I went back today to see the bird again and the manager said she mentioned me when she spoke to the owner on the phone. They are just going to give me the bird for free. Awesome. I'm gonna do it. Her name will be Lily and I'm picking her up Monday. That gives me time to buy gear and devise a setup. The arrangement of the cage will no doubt have to be adjusted once I see how she does with it. I feel good about my decision.

Pajarita, I read about the Senegal temperament in one of those basic species books at a bookshop. The first website I looked at agreed with the book so I felt confident it was accurate. So much for gut feelings. Things I've read over the last couple of days after reading Michael's response have been a very mixed bag. I am prepared to do whatever makes things good for both birds.

[William]

Good for you man. I feel happy that the poor bird will get another chance. Good luck!

[cherswansea2001]

Aww, good for u giving the poor bird a new lease of life, hope u have many a good time together.