Bird Inquiries – One Bird Owner’s personal reflection: 
 

This story is being written for all owners of multiple birds.  Like children, birds can experience accidents.  In a flash a mishap can occur.  You do not have to be a neglectful or uncaring provider for involvement.  What you have to be is unobservant, too confident or too trusting with your feathered pets.  Accidents can occur to your pet both outside and inside his cage.   

 

Most birds, are by nature, cage territorial.  Some birds, who are docile and loving to their human companions, can be aggressive towards other birds.  This aggression is not always evident and in this example, the two birds involved have been housed in different cages, in the same room for many years, with no prior issues. 
 

The owner was present in the room (but distracted) and was within 3 feet of both birds when the incident occurred.  The larger bird was out on the cage door, the smaller bird in it’s cage.  Both birds have clipped wings.  Without a warning and silently, the larger bird managed to mount the top of the smaller bird’s cage.  The smaller bird went to the top of his cage after the feet of the “invader” and was then bitten (through the bars) on his beak.   
 

Through a miracle, the beak was not completely severed, and he did not suffer damage to the roof of the mouth, nose or eyes.  With the immediate help of a capable avian vet, antibiotics and close daily monitoring (weight and food intake) the poor victim will (hopefully) make a full recover.  For now, the situation appears positive but not guaranteed. 
 

It is very easy to become a relaxed and an overconfident pet owner, particularly if you have had you pets for an extended period of time.  Loss of toes, legs and beak damage (not to mention death) can be the end result in one lapse of attention.  Take heed, accidents can happen and we as caretakers are ultimately responsible.  Subsequently, all my guilt and sorrow cannot undue damage done, but hopefully serve as an example and help educate others in accident prevention.  If you are a bird caretaker, it could happen on your watch.

Written by a truly regretful but wiser pet owner 
 

A special thanks to Dr. Matthew L. Doyle D.V.M. who went the extra mile to obtain the tissue mend.  You dedication and compassion was truly appreciated.