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Birds--General/missing foot
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Hi I have a pair of cockatieals the female is missing her foot and I was wondering if that she would still be able to balance on my finger if she ever gets to that Thank you for your time
Hi again, Steffi. I wanted to add something. You might want/need to make some modifications to your tiel's cage in order make it a bit more comfortable for her. For example, you might want to add a "platform" of some type so your tiel can stand comfortably (without fear of falling) during sleep and/or when she needs to rest (see item number UT-30121 at www.drsfostersmith.com for an example). Also, when your tiel wants to stand on your finger, you may need to use 2 fingers and/or your entire hand so she doesn't feel like she's going to fall. Falling is a big fear of parrots. You may also need to adjust how your tiel's feeding/water cups/dishes are situated so your tiel can get to them easy.
Chrys
Hi, Steffi. Thanks for posting your question!
It depends on the individual bird. If the bird was born with this handicap or has lived with this handicap since a young bird, she doesn't know any different and should get along very well. If this is a new problem, it might take her some time to get used to it, but she should do just fine after she learns how to get around. What I've seen happen is that birds with this problem learn to use the "stub" to balance/move around, although they tend to be a bit clumbsy at times.
Chrys
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Answers by Expert:
Chrys Meatyard
Expertise
I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.
Experience
Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.
Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.
Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.
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