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Post by budgiefriend on May 3, 2015 13:05:23 GMT
This is the most amazing story. There is so much for all of us to learn about caring for a disabled or injured budgie. Thank you Starlingqueen and Ditto. And of course, your son too. Great team!
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Post by starlingqueen on May 3, 2015 13:23:43 GMT
Is her right leg stiff or is unable to lower it? Possible ligament damage as you thought earlier. As you so rightly say Physio takes time and may not show much improvement at times. You really are doing wonders for this poor little soul. Her right foot is stiff and sits against her chest. The left foot is not as bad and has improved, her toes on that foot seem to be less stiff and have some curl in them though no movement in toes on either foot. Both feet were stiff when I got her. I think there may be spinal damage of some sort as both legs are affected to varying degrees. A stroke would cause problems on only one side as would tendon damage. The fact her tail is missing and showing no signs of regrowth makes me think she had her tail caught somewhere and in pulling it free or out as it seems she has stretched her spine and caused bruising, maybe even trapping a nerve. And also damaged the follicles that the feathers would grow from. This is all supposition of course, we will probably never know what happened. This is also what I would like to be the problem because it has a good prognosis, the bruising may improve and she will get the feeling back. She seems to like climbing up her ladder and laying at the top, it's at a low angle so she can manage this easily. Today while at the top she managed to stand for a few seconds with her feet on one of the rungs. I have noticed her oil gland is leaking as her feathers in that area are greasy. She can't reach the gland so it is not being emptied. I am wondering if I should stimulate it to release the oil in case it becomes a problem with blockage or something. Anyone have any input on this?
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Post by OP on May 3, 2015 13:51:00 GMT
Mm! Sounds like the whole back end was trapped. Obviously I can't offer advice on the situation. I can't help feeling what a great job you are doing.
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Post by Hezz on May 3, 2015 19:49:56 GMT
I would massage the preening gland, SQ. It just may save her from an impacted gland in the future. Does she try to preen herself at all? She looks so beautifully clean and healthy, feather-wise, that I hadn't thought about the inability to reach the gland.
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Post by starlingqueen on May 3, 2015 19:58:23 GMT
I would massage the preening gland, SQ. It just may save her from an impacted gland in the future. Does she try to preen herself at all? She looks so beautifully clean and healthy, feather-wise, that I hadn't thought about the inability to reach the gland. She does preen herself but can't reach certain areas like her bottom and the area around her gland. If I hold her in my cupped hands she uses the support to clean herself in areas that become more accessible. After I posted the question I did massage the gland and her head started to do that cute thing they do when they rub it on their back. But it was not on her back. It was like a reflex from the stimulation of the oil. I'll try and video it so you can see what I mean, it was so cute but sad at the same time.
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Post by Hezz on May 4, 2015 7:12:49 GMT
I can imagine that would have been rather bitter-sweet to watch. Did any great noticeable amount come out of the gland? I imagine it would be almost negligible but then I am not a budgie, I don't really know.
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Oct 6, 2011 7:41:27 GMT
Marianne Marlow
Administrator
George, Daisy, Iris, Billy, Peter, Chipper, Dinku, Barney, Ayla and Rocky
Posts: 28,755
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Post by Marianne Marlow on May 4, 2015 11:09:01 GMT
I cannot reiterate enough how glad I am that Ditto has found you and your son! More pics
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Post by starlingqueen on May 4, 2015 14:23:35 GMT
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Post by suesbird on May 4, 2015 14:32:33 GMT
At least her beak is working fine. She is adorable, little steps lead to bigger ones. Come on Ditto
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Post by Shirls on May 4, 2015 17:38:06 GMT
It's lovely to see her again Wendy. She does really look very content with you.
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Post by starlingqueen on May 4, 2015 17:58:01 GMT
She looks content with Kian Shirls, she just wants to eat me, hence why I wear gloves and Kian doesn't. She still bites him but he does the nice things with her I get to do the physio while Kian comforts her afterwards. We make a good team.
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Post by jellybean on May 4, 2015 18:21:50 GMT
You make a GREAT team. And this little bundle of feathers will reap the rewards.
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Post by reajen01 on May 4, 2015 20:04:43 GMT
I have only just found this thread, what an amazing and heart warming story, along with wonderful pictures. I am rooting for this little one now
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Oct 6, 2011 7:41:27 GMT
Marianne Marlow
Administrator
George, Daisy, Iris, Billy, Peter, Chipper, Dinku, Barney, Ayla and Rocky
Posts: 28,755
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Post by Marianne Marlow on May 4, 2015 21:54:53 GMT
She looks content with Kian Shirls, she just wants to eat me, hence why I wear gloves and Kian doesn't. She still bites him but he does the nice things with her I get to do the physio while Kian comforts her afterwards. We make a good team. I am convinced that female budgies prefer men to women!! Doesn't matter what we do for them, perhaps they see us as rivals?!
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Post by reajen01 on May 4, 2015 21:58:41 GMT
Look at the pics........Is Douglas a hen?
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