Some ideas for 'special needs' cage designs

A few years ago, I had in my care, a wonderful *76*! year old amazon parrot. Although a lively minded and extremely spirited soul, she had many physical problems. A severely deformed leg which made climbing ladders etc practically impossible, she was unable to fly. Perches were a danger to her as she often fell off. Being totally grounded was safe, but very dull and boring. So I designed her a special needs cage, so at the times when she had to be confined in a cage, life was more comfortable, more interesting, and safer for her. She was the size of a large pidge, so thought I would share her cage design for those of you with pidgies with similar physical problems.

A large, indoor rabbit hut was used as the 'confinement' area, the cage. It was wide, long, but NOT high, so she never had far to fall, as she often did.


In order that she could satisfy her need SAFELY to be able to climb a little bit, I interwove a non-looped tightly woven bandage fabric through the rungs of a ladder >>


There were no perches as such, just platforms, which were well padded for comfort. As you will see with this picture below, her platform also provided a little hide-away place underneath it which she loved.


Under the padding of her main platform was an electric, pressure controlled heating pad. This warmed up wherever her body made contact with it. It was in fact a specially designed heating pad for young puppies and animals, with an 'over-heat' cut-out system for much needed extra safety.


I hope that maybe Cinders cage design could possibly be of use, or give ideas to anyone with avery elderly, or very disabled pidge in their care. I know Cinders absolutely loved it, it made her life so much easier and safer.

Also, because Cinders adored activity around her, I designed the simplest transporter so she could come out and about. It was also great for when we went to the vet for her check ups, as she found this mode of transport more more pleasureable that a car journey, so whenever I could, I walked her there. It was just a basic, cheap baby buggy that I bought for £3. I simply detached the back-rest, and re-atteched it in a flat-line position, so her travel cage could sit on it securely and safely. A baby buggy weather protector meant even in the rain, she could be warmly and safely transported in her favourite way. Again, this silly, simple idea may be of use to some of you

You special needs cage designs are wonderful, Annie.

And the 'going for a stroll' buggy is awesome!!!
How great for Cinders to be able to get out and about.

Thanks for sharing your wonderful ideas.

Annie we also have a handicapped Blue fronted amazon named Amor. While in the egg she developed incorrectly, her hip joint & knee on one leg turn severly inward. I knew the breeder & often went with to take the tiny chick to the vets for x rays & leg cast.
Unfortunately nothing could be done for her hip or leg, so she scoots around & uses her beak & good leg to climb. She lives in a large parrot cage fixed with shelves instead of perches.

Amor is only 20 yrs. old, not nearly as old as Cinders & she doesn't like new people or being handled at all.

Thanks for sharing a bit of Cinders with us.

Cindy, its my pleasure These simple ideas made such a difference to her life. I knew her life would'nt be overly long when she came to me, so I made it as comfortable as I could until she flew to the place where there is no need or requirement of man-made comfort
I just hope they help someone else help their bird

Robin, Amazons are feisty creatures arnt they! I can say, without any shadow of a doubt, that Cinders was the most savage, narky parrot I ever knew, in all my years of rescue. Her greatest joy in life was biting people severely whenever she got the chance; and the louder they yelped in pain, the louder Cinders screeched in joyous laughter
Fortunately, she took a great liking to me and always allowed me to do whatever I needed to her quite freely. Other than with me though, she was like Godzilla with a beak

Great setup for a handicaped bird. Thanks for sharing.
The heating pad sounds fantastic, where did you find that?

Reti

Hi Rheti, I got the heat pad from Ebay. have just done a quick search (under electric heatpad) but it only came up with a much larger and more expensive one, and not the one I originally had. But Ebay is where it came from. Will have another look and see if I can find anything. Are you UK or somewhere else?