Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just wanted to tell everone about my little guys to help spread the word about these special birds. They deserve a home just as much as a so-called normal bird.
The first one to come to live with me was one I named Pirate Peg, a normal grey female zebra finch. She lost her leg in a banding incident, so by the time I got her she was one-legged. I kept her with my other female zebra zebras until a couple of months later, someone offered me a one-legged chocolate Bengalese finch. This little guy came with the name Captain Morgan. His leg was broken before I got him, and the breeder didn't want to put him down. The two birds actually are missing the same leg. I put them together in a separate cage from the other birds, and they bonded deeply, sharing a nest every night, and Peg layed lots of eggs which they both took good care of. They were so devoted, I actually used them as foster parents, and they raised 2 healthy zebra finches as their own.
The next birds I consider to be special are the handraised finches. They are Potato (chestnut pied) and Snowflake (fawn pied)the brother Bengalese, and Smokey, the handraised chestnut flanked white zebra finch. I put them all in with Peg and Morgan. I originally put Smokey in with the male zebras, but he really doesn't know he is a bird, and was getting beat up. He kind of keeps to himself, and sleeps on a twisty-rope hanging toy with beads on it. He gets right in it, and you can barely see him. He is also comfortable sitting in your hand being petted. He closes his eyes and really seems to enjoy it. Snowflake and Potato sing and dance to each other. It is so cute. The cage has been very peaceful with these 5 birds, and they are excellent birdie ambassadors for our bird club since they are not shy at all.
Recently I added a new friend for them-mostly for Smokey, as the other birds tend to pair up to sleep and he is often on his own. This bird is a black cheeked zebra finch male, still without an official name. He hatched at my house, and came out of the nest too early, but would not go back in, so he lived on the cage floor until he was about 8 weeks old. He was a clumsy flyer as well-all his siblings turned out ok, but I think because he hatched a few days behind he didn't get as much food and due to sitting on the cage floor, his legs became crooked and twisted. His "knees" face out instead of being straight, and his toes kind of flop on the side with the nails pointing toward the middle, so he is sitting on the outside toes instead of squarely on all of them. He has done very well since I moved him in with the other special birds. He and Smokey have become friends, so I am happy with that. (Anyone with a name suggestion, feel free to email me)
I also have a handraised Java finch, a female fawn named Bambi. She is tame, too, and it is so easy to cut her nails compared to the male who is wild. He screams like you're murdering him, and she just sits there and nibbles your fingers.
One of my budgies (a beautiful violet spangle named Rain) flew into a wall and hurt his wing, and it droops permanently, but he still flies fine and gets along fine with the others.
The final bird I have that is special is Skippy, a quaker parrot with one foot. He doesn't even act like he is missing a foot. He flies really well and climbs really well. He is happy and well adjusted and tame. He is a typical quaker. He lost his foot when he was a baby and the mom bird took a rope toy into the nest and it wound around his foot and cut off the circulation. It was too late to save the foot, but the little guy was hand-raised by a friend of mine and turned into a great bird.
So don't discount a bird just because it isn't perfect. Or any animal for that matter-I have a houseful of disabled animals-furry, feathered and scaley. Most of them are rescues-I am a sucker for an animal that no one else wants.
Lisa in Ontario

Yes "special" birds can be wonderful if someone takes the time and gives them the love and care they need. We had a handicapped cockatiel at our rescue until a couple months ago. She was very loving and enjoyed being around people. She had been through several homes and was still loving and sweet. During hatching one of her legs became twisted and was never corrected. She could not perch so we built her special ramps in her cage which she happily hopped up and down. We also put small shelves into her cage the right size for her to rest on. She was adopted a couple months ago and is really happy in her new home.

Stephanie

Hi Stephanie,
I'm glad to hear about the little cockatiel. I'm glad she found the right home and that you were able to help her get it. Best of luck with your future rescues.
Lisa