beakybirds:

This may look like a cute photo. But it’s actually a W A R N I N G.

So today, while taking a photo of one of the parakeets for a potential owner, they all flew out and started to dart around the room. Three of them landed safely on the counter, where I snatched them up and moved them back into their cage. That’s when I heard the most heart wrenching THUD. This beautiful baby parakeet hit the window of our glass sliding door. I ran over, he was motionless on the ground save for a few twitches. I scooped him in my hands and called my avian vet.

It was then that it was suggested I wait with him until he (if he) regains consciousness – as the travel may be too traumatizing. When he woke he was still very much out of it. But through the advice of my vet, and the few hours I had I talked to him, and held him and he began to perk up. However, this story doesn’t have a happy ending.. I’m afraid. While he’s alive, he suffered neurological damage. His left foot no longer works and while he may at some time regain the ability to perch, there is more damage that was done within that we cannot pin point. His balance is awful. He can’t lift himself off the ground and wobbles everywhere. 

So be EXTREMELY careful when any of your birds fly free. This is why some people clip their birds. And be aware it can happen to any of us, even those who are very very careful. He’s in a safe place with me now, and we are taking the steps needed to give him a happy, comfy life.