She certainly is a unique bird. Having survived some unusual circumstances.
She has a stump on her right side; deformed claw on the left.
She cannot perch. But she can balance very well. In fact, she's right beside me now, preening herself being the little 'lady' she is.
She's very, very friendly and has not once ever bitten me. She will scold me on occasion, but that's MY FAULT because I did not scratch her head or rub her neck enough; or give her some of my treats: toast crusts, cookies, potato chips, or Kashi cereal bits. She pretty much gets what she wants.
The woman who originally rescued her, has to be applauded. Nimh was destined to be put-down; she heard of this little cockatiel that sitting in a shoebox. Apparently, she (Nimh) was placed in a crowded cage with other larger birds; which attacked her and bit off one of her feet and severely maiming her other. So, this young woman (Liz) rescued her, took her to a vet and they got Nimh all fixed up and ready for a much better living environment. Liz looked after her for about 3-4 years.
Eventually, Liz had to get Nimh to someone, so ... the word was put out and I found out about this little cockatiel. I had to go outside of Toronto a little ways to get her, but I am so glad I did. She is a real charmer. So sweet and funny!
Finally-Free has seen her, he knows what kind of a sweetheart she is.
I've had her almost six years; she's almost 10 years old.
I do not have her in a cage. She lives on my computer table which has been redecorated for a footless cockatiel. She has a little box hotel (as I call it) where I place her honey sticks and millet. She has her toys dangling from the hutch, which she uses to guide herself along. She's very clever, using various things on the table to balance herself. She has a great appetite and loves her water.
Because of her footless condition, I have to bathe her. Now get this: she puts up with it and is VERY trusting, but she LOVES the hairdryer. Yes, once I turn on the hairdryer, she just turns right around and leans right into the warm air. It's so cute! She just sits there so patiently allowing me to dry her. Turn it off: you get a nice loud squeak, to continue!!
Nimh can also balance herself on my shoulder. She nudges herself tightly into my neck and is very happy to be up there looking around. She can fly, but doesn't. She'd rather walk like her human daddy. Oh yeah, she does not like her neighbours: the budgies. She does not like other birds. She will quickly give them that warning 'open beak' and that sound only a cockatiel can make when they're not pleased. I think Nimh looks at the budgies as juvenile delinquents. Well ... yes it is true, they will come down and steal her goodies.
As I type this, Nimh and I are sharing peanut butter cookies. Yum-Yum!!
Now it head scritches ... (there's no waiting when it comes to her needs).
I love birds!!
