Poor little guy arrived a couple of hours ago

Matilda wrote:

Night before last, I brought him into the liveingrrom with me while I was watching...House Hunters International, of course. He struggled but managed to get around and I just watched, ready to help if he needed it. I put him at one end of the couch and me at the other. He worked hard to get to me. I was surprised that I was a destination and it was very touching. I worry that with the time I can give him, that I'm not enough. Sad.

Sounds like he does only have eyes for you! It's always so sad to see, hear or read about an animal that is handicapped.

Through the years we have had many, many animals that were & are handicapped, we started out feeling so sad for these special critters but we soon realized that they were very happy. The twinkle in their eyes, the way they reacted to our kindness & best of all they went about life just like any other non handicapped animal.

This pigeon will make someone a great friend or another pijjie a great mate with just a few modifications to his cage or loft.

EgypSwiftLady wrote:

Matilda wrote:

Night before last, I brought him into the liveingrrom with me while I was watching...House Hunters International, of course. He struggled but managed to get around and I just watched, ready to help if he needed it. I put him at one end of the couch and me at the other. He worked hard to get to me. I was surprised that I was a destination and it was very touching. I worry that with the time I can give him, that I'm not enough. Sad.

Sounds like he does only have eyes for you! It's always so sad to see, hear or read about an animal that is handicapped.

Through the years we have had many, many animals that were & are handicapped, we started out feeling so sad for these special critters but we soon realized that they were very happy. The twinkle in their eyes, the way they reacted to our kindness & best of all they went about life just like any other non handicapped animal.

This pigeon will make someone a great friend or another pijjie a great mate with just a few modifications to his cage or loft.

I agree

I've trimmed Pearl's tail feathers by about 2 inches and it's much easier for him to perch and walk. We actually got though the night without me hearing any wing flapping from him trying to balance himself.

Matilda wrote:

I've trimmed Pearl's tail feathers by about 2 inches and it's much easier for him to perch and walk. We actually got though the night without me hearing any wing flapping from him trying to balance himself.

I'm so glad the tail trimming is working for him But won't the shortened tail feathers affect his flying?

Probably not much and he is in the house. The way I figure it...better to walk than fly because as it was, he was falling over on his side all the time and then wing flapping to right himself and to balance. Now he doesn't do that.

Charis - this sounds like a very good idea. I am glad that it worked.

Again something learned...

Matilda wrote:

Probably not much and he is in the house. The way I figure it...better to walk than fly because as it was, he was falling over on his side all the time and then wing flapping to right himself and to balance. Now he doesn't do that.

I agree with you, I was just worrying about him when he attempts to fly.

I've seen parrots accidently crash into windows after their owners
cut their wing feathers.

Pearly Bird had a great time last night walking on the rug in the living room. He continues to improve...getting around much easier with the new tail bob. He even spent a time on the back of an over stuffed chair, looking out the window.

I'm so glad he's adjusting!

When you have time please post a photo I would love to see him

WOW! WHAT a difference in him Charis!

I am wondering if he would do well with the contraption I had made for Tehya?

I used to put her in a sling that had her wings free, attached to a PVC pipe by a ring.... then placed the bumpy placemats under her feet so she had something that she could grip onto and then suspended that from two chairs so she could use her legs and balance with help. The sling kept her steady and the PVC allowed her to walk as it slid along the Pipe.

He far can he walk???

Jen...he is walking really well now that I trimmed the tail feathers. I've been bring him in the living room in the evening and it's heart warming to watch him because he has come so far.

On his cage floor, I put just the kind of material you are talking about. He also has towel donuts to perch on or in, if he'd rather.
I took a picture the other night. I'll post it in a minute.

OH!!! Thats AWESOME news!!!! I can't wait to see the snap of him! What do you think his future holds... indoor pet or would he be able to be in an avairy? He is just stealthy and I am super proud that he has come so far with your help. Warms my heart tremendously!!

he got there all by himself, which is a very good job as he started on the floor. I watch him and let him do what he can, only intervening if he gets himself in a hard place.

AZJourney wrote:

OH!!! Thats AWESOME news!!!! I can't wait to see the snap of him! What do you think his future holds... indoor pet or would he be able to be in an avairy? He is just stealthy and I am super proud that he has come so far with your help. Warms my heart tremendously!!

It's hard to say what the future hold for him as he continues to improve. For the time being, he does need to be monitored closely.

It's really wonderful to see Pearl doing so well, considering how very ill he was when you got him! He looks really inquisitive in that picture!
Thanks for the update, Charis!

That is a nice update. He's a cute little thing. Makes me happy that he's improving. Thanks for the picture.

You know...he's even better this evening than last. I'm very pleased.

Brilliant!

He's even better today!

Matilda wrote:

He's even better today!

Its always so wonderful to read such great updates!

Last night, Pearly flew from his chair to the mantle and knocked some antique trinkets off to the sind when he landed. The noise upset him so much that he flew directly back to his chair and looked somewhat surprised that he had navigated the whole thing.

I just finished giving him a warm bath. It didn't make Pearly happy at all. In fact, he was quite indignant and managed to escape and fly to his cage.

Both experiences, at navigation, a major accomplishment on his part.

That's wonderful. I think he will get better at it the more practice he gets. Thanks for the update.

Such great news Charis! Three cheers for Pearly!

It's just so amazing how well animals can adapt to thier handicaps!

On top of his new found navigation skills...he has become quite cantankerous!