[Ella]

Well, after Ziggy met Bentley (my new disabled budgie)
she began to start trying to feed him. I thought she's bite him, because she can be a little nippy, but she was unbelievably gentle.

Then she started to nuzzle at his feet (which are deformed) as if she was trying to straighten them up. His wing droops to the side because of his hip, and Ziggy was trying desperately to preen his wing to make it normal.

Do you think that she could sense that Bentley was disabled, and that was why she was being so gentle and nice?

 

[Sharon]

I don't know, but I really think that they do....All animals seem to sense another's trouble, even their owner's. Ziggy is being a sweetheart and deserves a kiss!

 

[Jenny]

I'm sure she can tell something is wrong - whether she can tell what or why, I'm sure she knows he's different :thumbsup:

 

[Ella]

I think she definitley does!

She can be a little horror to other animals and people, but then Bentley came along and she's being so sweet to him.

 

[stacey101]

Most animals can sense anothers disiblities and feelings so i wouldnt doubt for a minuet that Ziggy could. Arent animals wonderful!

 

[Mythara]

They can definitely tell that somethings not right, and lots do seem to try to take care of the disabled bird. With our little 'Kio who can't fly, when they're out of the cage, the other three always make sure he's not left alone, and if he falls down and decides to stay on the floor, or climbs up a different ladder, at least one will go over and sit with him. <3

 

[tedjohn09]

I do not know exactly. But if they can, it is so interesting.

__________________
spacequadrat

 

[The Brute Squad]

Yes she knows. Count your lucky stars that she decided to be nice. In "the wild" they kill the weak ones. You got a nice bird!

 

[Kate]

Birds can tell a disability not only in other animals but in humans too. I have seen it in my cockatiels with each other and also with a pair of Jenday Conures and also my pair of Suns. Devil Child has a damaged leg and her mate Cheekie is pretty much constantly at her side. Once she had another injury and was bleeding, I separated them until her bleeding stopped and Cheekie went ballistic even though they were in cages next to each other and could still see each other.

Another wonderful bird was one that was sold for a little girl who was blind and mentally disabled. I had about 6 hand raised youngsters for sale and one of them just went straight to her and did not want to leave her shoulder, nuzzling into her all the time. Her parents kept in contact with me for about 12 months after getting the bird and he was her constant companion. She rarely spoke until she got the bird and after getting him she was more talkative. It was really lovely to see them together.

 

[nansflock]

I believe they know. But the bird's response to an ill or challenged bird is unpredictable. One budgie I have now nearly killed a disabled budgie hen.

On the other hand, my linnies have paired with geriatric/disabled buddies of their choosing, often same sex, and care for them tenderly. If not a buddy, a linnie may keep a weak bird from food and water, so it depends upon whether they like the other individual or not.

Cross species -- well, I won't even go there!

nan