Streetwise

His beak is definatley not over grown or out of shape. He's one year old may 17 could he be moulting. He's been like this about a week.

I'm not sure if Rambo isn't well. He's not eating as much as he normally does and he's scratching his beak like something is stuck in it. It's definitely his beak not his nasal area. His personality seems the same, still noisy and still playing. Any beak problems I need to look for. One more thing there does seem to be a lot of little fluffy feathers about the house.

Thanks everyone.

We say goodbye to this toe next Wednesday. Its a hard decision because the toe still does have life in it. But its not in the right place and both me and the vet think it will be better of gone.

It does look a bit like that Judy. That Green wing was never meant to be on this earth. Sorry Karen I'm sure some other green wing will come to you and be grateful of all the love you have to give.

I've decided to push for the toe to be sorted sooner rather than later. This weekend the toe seems to have folder more under the others. I feel its making Lucy more of a cripple. I've been bit a few times this weekend hard, I'm am sure its because she feels unstable. I'm going to speak to the vet again tomorrow and get more info from him. I'm hoping with the toe out of the way she will walk better and grip perches better.

When ever your passing Kev.

My quick answer. Trust the breeder get the bird when its ready. You will bond the same.

I will keep you all up to date. Today as not affected her one bit.

Well today was the day. Lucy as been to the vets and had her x-rays. The result wasn't good. There is nothing the vet can do to fix her toe. The vets recommendation is to remove the toe. He was to see her again in a month, he would prefer her to be a little older before the operation. As anyone have any info on birds that have toes removed. Is there a lot of aftercare ?

Since Lucy joined our family I feel Rambo don't get as much quality time. He as is own day at work and you can see he enjoys that. But at home he only wants to sit with Lucy. I put Lucy away so Rambo can sit with me. Rambo is easier to have out and do jobs around the house etc but Rambo as no interest in me, he just wants to sit on lucy's cage. (yes I know that's dangerous, Rambo could loose a toe). But why is Rambo like this ? It's great they get on but I don't think Lucy is as keen to be that good buddies as Rambo is.

I really believe more than one bird can work. Its how much time you have to give them. Between us we have three, two Grey's and a green wing macaw. One of the Grey's only visits as thats my partners but the other Grey and the macaw live together with no problems. Obviously they cant be in the same cages not even the Grey's but around the house all is fine. Its all one big happy family. Oh we never leave them out all together either, just in case lol.

Right Ive collected all the info i need and its a deferent go with Lucy and the vets. I have spoke to many avian vets around the country and emailed many as well. All have said the toe must be sorted straight away and William is correct in what he wants to do. Here is a email from Rev. Dr. S.August Abbott -: Certified Avian Specialist. For more than 30 years I've worked with veterinarians, protective facilities, nature centers, preserves and on my own in providing care and education with regard to multiple animal species, including rap tors (hawks, kestrels, owls, etc) and marsupials. In recent years I've focused on parrots, usually rescued from abusive or less than ideal situations and helping educate owners as to proper care. Expert in behavior studies and modification of problem behavior. Answer: -- Unfortunately, anyone can be a breeder. Sadly, lack of education in the animal field often leads to sick, suffering and sometimes abused animals. --- The foot absolutely needs to be fixed. It's best to get this done right away while the bird is young. --- Stop by and see Sadie http://www.4animalcare.org/birds BOTH of her feet were done. She's nearly 9 years old now and even though when she gets tired or isn't feeling great, her toes wander 'forward' for a little bit, she's fine. Birds are on their feet 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Can you imagine that? Just because they don't cry out or limp or complain or act like it hurts -- doesn't mean that it isn't completely agonizing for them If the breeder had any education in animal (especially avian) sciences like a vet does, they'd know that and wouldn't make such a ridiculous statement Do what you know is right and take care of your bird A local zoo vet told me the same. Now lets hope its successfully.

Amputation will be the very last straw and no way on my mind at the moment. If William the vet really believes he as a chance of correcting her toe i think i will let him try. My partner as had dealings with William in the past and she as no doubt in his ability and love and care for birds. I still want to speak with him again before the day she goes in.

Well I've had Lucy at work with me today. As it's been her second day there she was more settled and played more both in and out of the cage. I have watched her a lot and the foot with the bad toe does hinder her so today I feel more that the vet is right. I'm still looking for more info and will talk to the vet again. But my feeling at the end of the day is, if there is a change I can give her all her working toes I would like her to have that change. What do you think there is to loose if I give it ago. ?? Modern anesthic is very good and safe these days. So ive read.

Well i've researched and researched and been on loads of forums and emailed many many experts. What I ended up with is loads of different opinions. One even recommended removing the toe now. Job done, no stress of a cast. I'm afraid that isn't the answer for me. The toe will only be removed if and when it's a problem. I'm going to try speak to another vet and try talk to William the vet that recommend the cast. One thing I did get from everyone was the toe should have been delt with long before now and not left. Well I was aware of it but fell in love with the bird. I just want the best for her now and the best future.

There are not many avian vets round me. For people who don't know about this problem :- Just in case your not up to date with this toe issue. Basically Lucy as on one foot three toes going forward and on back. The large toe that is surpost to go back and forward only goes forward and most of the time it's under the other toes.

Right lucy's foot. The vet says don't leave it give her a chance and try reset it. The breeder who I got her of says no way. She was born with it don't risk anaesthetic. What do I do? I'm not bothered about the vet bill The vets says sort it while she is young or she may loose the toe when she's older. William is a avian vet.

I was told she was born with a constricted toe. I think that's right. Three toes forward and on back. But the third toe on the front sit under the other two, not all the time but enough to worry the vet.

Karcar sound like we have more in comon today. There will be plenty of notes to share.

Ive had Lucy to the vets today to get her toe checked. Its wasn't good news. The vet don't think the toe should be left. He can see assorts of problems in the future. It may end up in a operation and the toe been removed. Both me and the vet don't want that and don't want Lucy to suffer or risk any infection. So on the 12th of January Lucy is to go in for the day and have her foot x-rayed and may be set in a cast. But the vet wont know anything until the x-ray and its a anesthetic for that. Bless my little bird.

Thanks Dave. But what is greased lightning ?? I'm in the Uk it may not be called that here.

As anyone got any tips for removing dry-ed bird Pooh of the wall and in the cage. Looking after Lucy is a full time job she seems to fire her poop out of the cage. If its at night are when I'm not in it soon drys. Whats best for getting this off, Ive scraped it but it scratches the cage and the wall. Any advice please

Chezron, yes i would say they are both still babies, Rambo is only about 7 month and Lucy is 23 weeks. Kev your right about the forum's. Im on macaw forums.com which is great but only small. This grey one as been fantastic, so much grey advice and friendly people. I love it here all my flock is still welcome. Shame there isnt a few more green wing owners.

The Internet is full of info and owners of greys. Week by week growth, owners experiences etc etc. But there isn't really much on green wings. Bring Rambo up was and is easy. I'm not so sure with Lucy. At the moment she wants to be on me and cuddle and sleep, just like a new born baby. Fantastic. But I want to know how she will develop and what to do and what not to do. Do I start learning her she can't cuddle all the time. Do I after only a week start taking her to work with me. I would love to find another owner that's got a green wing and had it since a baby.