An Accident. ..

[lovezebs]

Spreckles

It has crossed my mind actually, but it wouldn't work, because (and you said it) he would pick it off.

What I need to figure out, is how to get him to perch. Not sure what would be better, a thin perch, or a thick one. Will have to give it some thought. I was thinking a thick perch, covered over with paper towel (for extra grip). What do you think?

[Spreckles]

Elana

I do think wider would be easier. I wish their was some kind of safe foam rubber. The flex in it would make him balance and work his muscles. I worry he would pick it and eat it. But something that has give in it would exercise him. I was thinking how we have humans stand on small teeter totters to learn to balance with the fulcrum between their legs. We also use small trampolines to have them learn balance. My thinking went to these therapies because stroke patients lose entire sides also. Thankfully Max has bilateral vision and no head injuries unlike a stroke patient. That is to his advantage!
He needs to be able to get down easily to avoid falling a lot because that is upsetting. Coming up with physical therapy for an injured bird is really an interesting creative challenge isn't it? What about asking wildlife rescues what they do for birds with injured wings? They might have some ideas. It would be great if he would let you teach him to perch on your fingers because you could help support him and exercise him some at the same time.

I would like to hear Paul in AZ if he has any ideas and the new member FlDoc. I apply the concepts from human medicine to this but I know that vet/avian care is vastly different.
It is thinking though and perhaps everyone can come up with some ideas that would help. His spirit and determination really make me want to cheer him on!!!

Karen

[lovezebs]

Spreckles

Oh yeah gods, a Zebra on a trampoline The mental image almost made me wet my pants, woman.

I do know what you mean though for people, but I don't think that would work for this little guy....

[Spreckles]

Elana

Well they do make Poise for those moments..glad you enjoyed it.

[lovezebs]

A Max Update.

I decided to take Max out of his cage today, so that I could clean it without freaking him out. I placed him into a Tupperware container on some paper towels, thinking to keep him safe.

Yea right....

Didn't the little devil pop out of the container, onto the table, off the table, down to the floor, and go hopping (racing ) around the floor like a crazy wind up toy. Finally I had to block him with the broom, to stop his progress.

At this point, he was exhausted, and had started bleeding from the tip of his wing nub again.

What to do with this little guy?

[Spreckles]

Silver nitrate sounds like he needs it cauterized. AND LOOKS like he showed his stuff for PT! My turn to laugh. You got me with the little wind up toy.

[slwatson]

lovezebs

He's such a tough bird! He's really got a fighting spirit!

[Spreckles]

Elana

How is our favorite ?

karen

[lovezebs]

Spreckles

Our boy Max, is holding his own.

I did try to put one of my older Societies girls in with him these last few days. I'd thought that perhaps she would offer him some company. However, there was really no interaction between them that I could see, and she was miserable away from the rest of the crew, so I gave in and put her back with her friends and son.

So poor Max is on his own again.

I feel bad for him, being all alone, but I don't dare put any other Zebras with him. I'm worried that he'd end up injured worse, or dead.

[Spreckles]

Elana
Maybe he will form an attachment to the handsome reflection in the mirror.
I'm glad he is still hanging in there. Has he finally stopped having bleeding from the wing tip? He is a trouper. Running like a wind up toy is a work out so little dude has got it going on.
Karen

[lovezebs]

Spreckles

Karen

We haven't had any more bleeding in the last few days, so I'm really hoping that it's finally managed to heal (fingers crossed ). I think that as long as he remains more or less calm, then it doesn't bleed. If he stresses too much, then blood pressure goes up, and that little blood vessel springs a leak.

[Spreckles]

Totally makes sense. Exercise is out of the question for now. Did you try the padded perch to see if he could try?

[lovezebs]

Spreckles

I did. It was a no go, poor guy.
I wrapped paper toweling around the perch, and secured it with twist ties. He tried to jump on it, but tipped off and fell on his head.

[Spreckles]

Back to the drawing board. Phooey
Karen

[lovezebs]

Spreckles

Yea, I know....