Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey:

I know most breeders kill any babies whose legs break when they are young and cannot be set because it would likely kill the baby. However, the breeder I'm good friends with keeps those babies and they grow up with funny looking legs. She has offered to give me my choice of one of her birds.

No, nothing is wrong with these birds. I've spent lots of time with her and have watched and played with these "special" birds. They act like regular cockatiels, they don't know anything is different about themselves. Heck, some even have more personality to them then other cockatiels! They aren't in pain either (the legs just heal at awkward angles), and have no trouble moving about or perching.

Anyways, I'm just curious as to whether anyone else has a cockatiel with a broken leg or a similar condition. Thanks.

We have a most delightful cockatiel with splayed legs. She is the sweetest little bird around. She bonded instantly with my son but allows everyone else to handle her as well. We did make some special features into her cage. She had a hard time perching on regular perches so we gave her perch shelves. We made shelves that fit into each side of the cage with a perch near them. She is then able to stretch her usable foot with the perch and still balance with the shelf. She was handicapped at hatching. Her one leg sticks completely out to the side and she only uses it very minimally while her other leg works perfectly and is straight under her as it should be. She has learned to compensate for this. In fact she will even at times place her good foot onto the regular perch and then sit her rear onto the shelf like a little clown. My son loves her to pieces!

Oh my, what a remarkable handicapped bird you have. Do you have any photos you can share with us?
SandyBeth

I will try and get some new pics in the next couple of days. The only ones I have right now are really blurry and you can't see her very well. I will be happy to show her off as soon as I get them done!