Question about Baby Feral

Why don't you try sponge method. Legs just need to be fixed in propper position, not totally immobilised. Besides, most of the rehabbers do not have experience with slayed legs and I guess you can do it good enough.

Check out this link.

http://www.parrotparrot.com/splay/

plamenh wrote:

Why don't you try sponge method. Legs just need to be fixed in propper position, not totally immobilised. Besides, most of the rehabbers do not have experience with slayed legs and I guess you can do it good enough.

I've actually used the sponge and it does work. :Yes:

EgypSwiftLady wrote:

plamenh wrote:

Why don't you try sponge method. Legs just need to be fixed in propper position, not totally immobilised. Besides, most of the rehabbers do not have experience with slayed legs and I guess you can do it good enough.

I've actually used the sponge and it does work. :Yes:

That's good to know. Thanks, Robin.
It actually looks pretty comfortable.

NiteOwl wrote:

Check out this link.

http://www.parrotparrot.com/splay/

Thanks for the link, Jay.

Your welcome. I think it helps to know the different options.

NiteOwl wrote:

Your welcome. I think it helps to know the different options.

You bet it does. :Yes:

Thank you so much for looking after this baby, Jim, you're a real !
My heart sank when I saw his swollen legs after being to the rehabber. I'm glad the sponge method is working for you, and I hope the baby will get well soon.
Please keep us posted.

I would love it if you would update the thread, Jim.

Feel so terrible reading about the poor baby's condition such badly splayed legs...prayers for the angel to recover soon. Just learnt from Jenn that the other doc messed it up...i am so mad Hope Dr. Burke does a good job
Lots of prayers for the baby

Prayers for the little one - and all involved - from me, too.



Best wishes,

I read the baby is now with Jenn... has anybody heard anything else?

This little guy has been on my mind all night, sending prayers to the baby & Jenn.

And a big Thank You to Jim for watching out for the little guy and knowing when more help was need.

Jim did a great job with the baby and it has all become quite complicated for different reasons.
More later today and we can fill you all in on what has transpired between Thursday and yesterday when Jenn picked up the baby.

EgypSwiftLady wrote:

I read the baby is now with Jenn... has anybody heard anything else?

I haven't yet. I know we are all on pins and needles waiting to hear how things are coming along.
I know as soon as Jenn has some news she'll post it. :Yes:

I'd like to extend a special , to you Jim, for all your help with this sweet pij.

I am posting it here with his permission to inform you all of how this baby's situation has developed.


Well, I took the baby feral to a vet who was recommended by the Tucson Wildlife Center (http://www.tucsonwildlife.com.) The vet said that the baby has congenital problems and that it should be euthanized. I didn't do that, but I am considering it, and would appreciate your thoughts. She said that basically, the baby's bones are too fragile and it could never have a normal life. Apparently, the baby's legs had been broken several times in several places, probably each time they were bound. One of the legs broke with an audible snap, as she was examining the bird. She anesthetized the baby and set both legs in the equivalent of casts. She gave me pain medication for the bird (Metacam) and showed me how to expand on the rolled towel approach I was already using, so that the legs (in their casts) sort of hang down below the bird's body, which is supported by a couple of layers of rolled towels. I'm keeping him fed and comfortable

The vet said that, the legs were both rotated 180 degrees in their sockets and that it was a genetically caused problem. She said that, to really fix the legs right would involve breaking them at all the joints, and using plates and pins (cost $500 to $1000), but even then, the bones in the legs would probably never be strong enough to support the bird's weight.

Reading from the medical chart (which the vet was kind enough to give me a copy of) the other problems she saw were a fragmented pelvic girdle on the right, crooked keel to right, grossly dialated crop and proventriculus, and "very long neck and legs and short wings" which are apparently indicative of a genetic problem.

The vet said that the baby would never be able to walk or fly, and that if it were a female, the first time she laid an egg it would kill her.

The vet was really pushing for euthanizing the bird, so I don't know if she was exaggerating or not. On the other hand, she didn't charge me for anything -- not even the pain medication.

What do you think I should do?

After reading the message twice, I called Jim to ask more questions. While the vet may be correct in her evalution of this baby, it was troubling to me that she had not done x-rays. The casting material used is very difficult to remove and her expalination to Jim was that it didn't matter because she thought JIm would end up having her euthanise the baby abyway.
Jim ...please feel free to correct me if I am remembering the conversation incorrectly.
She told Jim that when this condition happens in a loft, she recommends the babiesd and the parents be destroyed so the gene is eliminated.
In addition, Jim overheard a conversation she was having with a police officer that was inquiring about what to do with feral cats. The vet's recommendation was to kill them and her expalination was far different fraom all I have come to learn about feral cat colonies.
Hearing all this made me even more uncomfortable with her evaluation and treatment given this baby. Without doubt, a second opinion is needed. Without doubt, we know miracle can and do happen and evne should this bird have special needs who can honestly say the bird cannot have a happy life.
Our wonderful Jenn offered to take the bird as she has more time than Jim and so the baby was passed from Jim to Jenn last evening.
Jim...you are wonderful too. You are kind, conciderate and thoughtful. Thank you for all you did for this baby.

Jenn...the story continues with you ...

Futhermore here is recent pictures of "her idea" of a cast:

The Dr. told Jim that if the bandages got wet they would harden.. SO as not to make matters worse.. she looks like a mess.. my apoligies!

I have been on the phone all morning with Dr. Burke's office.. I have sent pictures, a video, Medical discharge papers from Dr. Edwards, photos and all the info that I have. They will be reviewing her case @ noon today and let me know sometimes after lunch.. what he thinks needs to be done from this point.. I will update here as I have more info.

I have one question... How the H**l can the vet say ALL of these problems exist if there weren't any x rays????!!!!!!

This has got me so p**s*d off that I can hardly type!

So many people are so ready to smack a ' Not worth saving' label on some animals it burns me to the core!

So much for the 'First do no harm' oath that vets take.... what a piece of work this one is!!!!

Thank you so much Jenn for the up date I have been checking through out the day and I am still upset about what the first vet said... it will take me quite awhile to get over this ignorance and unwillingness to help Tehya.

I love the name and yes it fits her perfectly

When I look at the photo of her I can see in her eyes that she is a fighter and a precious soul.

Thank you too for stepping up and helping Jim, you are a rock star!!!

Sending hugs to you and healing thoughts & prayers to sweet Tehya.

I just finished reading little Tehya's story from the beginning... Jim - I know you don't know me yet - but I must say you are blessed and thank you SOOOOO much for being tuned in to your instincts enough to know that something was wrong with this baby. I truly believe that because of you (and those who posted advice/guidance) this kid has a chance at life

Robin - you said it perfectly...

EgypSwiftLady wrote:

When I look at the photo of her I can see in her eyes that she is a fighter and a precious soul.

I love the name too Jenn. So very fitting :)

I'll be waiting and watching for updates - and of course will be surrounding Tehya with love, healing thoughts, and many prayers for a speedy recovery.

Precious suits her to T. She has the sweetest face.
I'm pretty steamed aboput this one too...kind of have that so mad feeling that it feels like the top of my head is going to explode.

I just finished reading this entire thread. Thank you so much Jim for taking this baby in. Thank you Charis for your intervention and Jenn not enough can ever be said about your stepping in and taking over the care of this precious little one.

I'm mad as heck with what that Vet tried to do. I'm sure Dr. Burke will shed alot more light on the conditon of little Tehya.

Jenn.... I'm so glad that Zoe has shown her presence to you. I know how important that is for both you and Tehya.

Sending healing thoughts and prayers for Tehya and a huge hug for you

Louise