Savannah Outside - I don't think she can fly :(

[Blancaej]

So I took Savannah outside with me today. I was ok with doing it because she is clipped but I also think she is unable to fly. I've notice when she started getting comfortable with us and began stretching out her wings on top of her cage that she never fully extends her left wing. Also, when she fell off her cage the other day (I was in the other room) she was right next to the cage on the floor when I came in (I came in just when she landed). I figured if she had flown at all she would have been several feet from the cage. So I think our poor little Savannah may be flightless. My husband had a good theory. He tought maybe from years of not being able to stretch her wings and excersice that she may have muscle atrophy. We think we may plan another vet visit in the near future to have it checked out. She did really enjoy being outside and I enjoyed taking her out! Here is a photo below!

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[jtbirds]

Your husband is exactly right!:), just like humans the birds must have the muscles and endurance to fly so she will have to slowly build it. Like a out of shape human can't go for a run without being winded they must slowly build up to a run to endure it, the same goes for her. Just like people without an upper body can't do pull ups the same goes for her, so she has to build both.

This can be done by making her flap and making it a game and then it turns into a fun game, the key word I use is big bird. My bluffons macaw boo now extends his wings and flaps the second I say big bird or shake my arm at All lol.. He is very muscular and even if he had clipped wings he can fly very well from cage tops. So it sounds like savannah needs to start working out;)

I suggest a theme some I'm sexy and I know-lmfao ;) she will work out harder!

[Blancaej]

My husband figured physical therapy was in order and that is basically working those muscles like you said! I love your suggestions to getting her started doing this. Thanks again for another great idea JT! :danceelmo:

[jtbirds]

Yea once she starts getting good at that flapping, teach her pull ups and hand stands, maybe some crunches:p.

Your pretty much stimulating growth in the target area and making her used to the movements of flapping(almost forgot the l that would have been bad!)... Many people get there birds to flap so they lose weight and so on.

Just remember take it easy she has to build up to flapping constantly so she may only get ten seconds of flapping in before she needs to stop and then each time you can go up a little bit, slowly building up those muscles and movement and not pushing her to hard:), because then it wouldn't be fun and of course reward reward reward.

[Blancaej]

Lol! Crunches. :p

Ok, I will remember that. I will take my time as she is still adjusting to us and her new surroundings as well. I will try a little tomorrow and see how she does.

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[Pinkbirdy]

Nice picture too ,Blanca :) Her demeanor in pictures [makes me think shes a laid back bird :)

[Blancaej]

She is VERY laid back. It's refreshing after living with the opposite for the last 13 years with my little Quincy. Laid back he is not! Lol! :rolleyes:

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[Debra]

Looks like a good time was had by all!

[Blancaej]

Thanks Debra - I think she enjoyed going outside!

[plax]

Hi Blanca... your husband and Justin both got it right IMO :). I'm so glad things are progressing with Savannah :D

[Blancaej]

Thanks Tony - I think they hit it right on the nail! I hope to work with her a little and see how we do. Wish me luck! :)

[plax]

Thanks Tony - I think they kit it right on the nail! I hope to work with her a little and see how we do. Wish me luck! :)Best of luck to both of you! Salsa does his daily flapping workouts :D

[Blancaej]

I know I need to get back into doing Zumba! Guess I got to make sure my birdies do there workouts, too! LOL!

[jtbirds]

Ehh get the bird working out and then you'll start!, best of luck Blanca.

[Blancaej]

So I came home today and wanted to take Savannah outside again. Seeing that she seems to have a pretty laid back personality, I decided to go for it and tried the harness out. Aside from a few small protests when I stuck her wings in it, she did great! She chewed on it a bit, but I distracted her and that helped. I am so excited! Getting it off went well, too. I just hope she will do it again!

I also tried getting her to flap while outside. She moved her wings a little but did no flapping she didn't even stretch her wings out. I will keep working with her and try to slowly build her up to flapping then and some point hopefully flying again!

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[Mare]

She's a beautiful bird, lovely tail,too! How old is she? Don't give up on her being flighted. Birds were meant for this but when held back from doing what they were meant to do, it will take some time, like Justin pointed out, for their muscles to develop. Once my U2 developed flight muscles, from practicing, there are no longer issues with his flying abilities. :)

[Turquoise]

Gorgeous girl that Savannah is!!:th_hug8: I love all your photos of your pvc play perches too! I use them for some of my perches, but yours are very unique! And you are very pretty too, especially with a gorgeous red macaw on your arm.:th_biggrin:

She definitely loves you, you can tell that from the photos. She looks so comfortable with you.

I never have to worry about Ruby Jewel flying due to her missing part on her left wing. There is too much gone for her to ever fly. Angel will never be able to fly either. His leg disabilities also affect his wings, plus he would never be able to grasp anything for a landing. Those two are easy to take outside & never be afraid of losing them.

Now Roscoe is another subject! That boy is always busy, can fly in the house very well except I had to ground him. I just do not have enough free space for him to not get hurt flying in here. He isn't clipped heavily, just enough for him to know he can't fly. If I were to take him outside without a harness on, he would be in the top of a tree with the slightest breeze. But then this is Texas & we never have slight breezes til the middle of summer when we are sweltering & beg for those 30mph daily winds! He won't let me put his harness on anymore. the wing part is no problem, but I can't get the head part past his busy beak before her tries to turn it into an expensive chew toy!!

More photos of savannah & you are in order! Her coloring is gorgeous outside.:thanks4sharingthumb

[Macawfancy]

Blanca, we rescued a scarlet with a left wing that he wouldn't move. We flap him every night at his own pace before dinner and he loves it. He now flaps on his ring stand by himself and moves it all around the room building up strength. Savannah will be strong soon I'm sure.

[Blancaej]

Mare - She turns 20 in June and I 've had her since mid May. I am pretty confident we can get her moving again. Thank you for the encouraging story! :th_biggrin:

De'Andrea - Thank you for the lovely compliments. :th_biggrin: I had more fun putting those play gyms together and loved adding all the color. I know in time my 2 buddies will be all over them! I am in aww at how well Savannah and I are doing together. It's nice you can take 2 of your birds out without any worry. As for Roscoe, I can totally understand why you clip him. Maybe you can get him into that harness again someday. But I too would hate to see it become an expensive chew toy!! Sounds like Ruby Jewel is settling in great! I am so happy for you! I would love to see more pics of all your flock! I love taking photos of my birds, so more pics are never a problem. LOL!

Macawfancy - Thanks for the encouragement! I think with a little time and patience we will get her there! :)

[Blancaej]

I was just thinking about this, is there anything I should be concerned or cautious about when taking Savannah out for walks with her harness. Her safety is of the utmost importance to me and I want to make sure going out with her is as safe as possible. Any tips and info would be great. Thanks!

[josiesmom]

She is beautiful. I can't wait for the updates on how she is progressing! Good luck.

[Blancaej]

So I took her outside a few days after this post and tried to get her to flap her wings so I can see what she would do. She was stiff as a board and clung to me once I lowered her back down. Poor thing was scared of these movements. Sad really.

Anyway, I took her out again a few days later and she started to flap a little! I said show me your "big bird" Savannah and praised her when she did flap. So already there is progress. I am not doing it daily until I know she is comfortable with the movement. But we will work up to daily flapping at some point! I am going to continue to work with her and see if I can get those wings movin'!

[Rescued]

The only thing I can add is that you should make sure that she has a harness on or that you practice the flapping inside. Once she does gain some strength it would be tragic to loose her by flying away. I had a terrible episode of my B and G flying away and being stuck in a tree for hours while we were practicing flapping outside. I didn't think anything of practicing outside until that happened. It could have ended much worse. Good luck with your girl and I hope she learns the joy of flying.

[Blancaej]

Thanks Elizabeth. I do bring her outside on a harness only. :)

The first time I took her out I didn't. But after that I made it a point to only bring her out with a harness. I don't want to take any chances!

[Turquoise]

Hey great progress Blanca!:th_hug8: Savannah is doing a great job and I bet she loves it too. You will have to get a video of her practicing one day. :th_biggrin:

Ruby Jewel has begun to flap her wings furiously when I take her out of her enclosure in the morning. She's getting good exercise with them. I truly think she has no idea she can't fly. :th_LOL:

[Blancaej]

I think that is great that Ruby Jewel is flapping away. It definitely is good exercise for them whether they can fly or not! :th_chickendance: