Pierre & Piper 5/29/10

Having two feet (even if they're hobbled) is making a big difference not only in Pierre's quality of life but in Piper's as well.

On the left, is Pierre perching in his cage for the first time ever. The rope perch is only half an inch off the ground but it's off the ground and Pierre chose and was able to get up on it! The picture on the right is Piper showing off on the same perch.



I've tried a couple different cage rearrangements to give Pierre a surface that better supports his using his "new" foot to walk and stand. So far, this upturned basket has proven a hit. They like to get up on it and I think the wicker exercises Pierre's feet and toes some. They ignored the wooden nest bowl in the lower left and I've since removed it.



Close readers may remember the branch of wood that Piper used to roost and that I hoped Pierre could some day join her on. Last night, I put him up there beside her and, while he was able to perch, he fidgeted so much that it made me feel he was uncomfortable or insecure (probably both). Also- its placement in the center of their cage made flying up to and down from it a steep and tricky flight. Piper could do it but I guessed that Pierre was less confident in his precision.

So I moved the perch to the far side of the cage and added a triangle-shaped hammock (made from a baby-flannel folded and safety-pinned to the bars) to provide a more Pierre-friendly roost.



I put Pierre in it and let Piper fly up and join him. I knew it was a hit when they immediately went into snychronized preening upon her arrival- a courting and bonding activity.



Pierre and Piper later flew down and spent the night on their basket.


This morning, I watched when Piper flew back up to the hammock roost...



So did Pierre. And this time, he was able to fly up and join her there!



Look at the snuggly celebration these little newlyweds had-





Isn't that the cutest thing you ever saw?!! I don't know who was prouder- me or Piper or Pierre.