Hi,
If you have more questions, post here again. This format allows others to see the replies and learn from them. Unless the Vet said to keep him immobilized, then it is fine to let him pull himself around in the container. But he needs to be on something soft where he isn’t slipping. So if you have a sheet, you may need something under that or the sheet will keep slipping. You can use natural unscented Aspen shavings – the package should only say aspen shavings. Do not buy any other type of shavings because they have aromatic oils or too much dust that can be toxic or irritate his lungs and air sacs. You can usually find low dust Aspen shavings in the small pet or reptile section of pet stores or online retailers. Put a few inches of that in the container, and then put the sheet or other soft material over the shavings. Don’t use anything like a towel that would have threads that his toes could catch on.
Do not clip his wings. He needs his wings to help him move, assuming he has use of his wings. He might feel more secure in a clear container where he can see out of it. Remember that he is a prey animal, so a predator would approach him from above, and then grab and kill him. If he can’t see out of the container, all of a sudden you show up hovering over him so he feels helpless and scared. Start talking to him before you get to the container. Tell him you want to check on him. Speaking to him is reassuring and he will learn you are about to appear. For now do not try to pet him because he may think you are trying to grab him. Talk to him and maybe place some treats where he can reach them. Keep your movements slow. As he pulls himself around, if he rolls over, this is fine. It might give him some relief for a few minutes, but if he can’t turn back over, you will need to gently help him.
Since his wings aren’t clipped, you do need to be careful. It wouldn’t be good if he flies because he can’t land safely. I had a fully paralyzed budgie and for trips to the Vet, I just let him be on a towel in my lap so he didn’t roll around. One day he took off flying in the car! I was able to quickly grab him, but I had no idea he had regained use of his wings, and I don’t think he realized it until he took off. It took a year for him to be able to walk but he did and he lived a long life.
I can’t promise your bird will have the same recovery, but it is very promising that he can use one leg. If this is too much for you, there are parrot rescues that will take birds like this. You can search online to see if there might be one near you. It is a lot of work to have a bird like this, and not everyone can make the long term commitment. As long as he is with you, be patient, keep his enclosure clean and pay attention to his progress. If you aren’t going to be in the room with him for a while, move him to wherever you are so he has some company.
As for the heat, a light is fine as long as he can move away from it. But having a light on him all day and all night isn’t ideal. He may not even need heat at this point since he is trying to move around. It’s good for when they are still in shock and not alert. But if he is alert, moving, eating and drinking on his own, then he should be able to regulate his own body temperature without needing a heat source. I hope he continues to improve.
Thanks for the update,
Brenda
