Thanks, GreenLady. I treated him again last evening. I did much better
this time, and afterwards, he seemed slightly less stressed than the
first time I treated him. I am treating him very shortly before his
bedtime.
I put petroleum jelly on both of his legs last night because I reasoned
that if the mites are attacking one leg, they may easily be on the other
leg but not yet noticeable. I think his leg may look slightly better
today, although it is difficult to say. He seems to be chewing/biting
it much less, at least that I have noticed.
I managed to clip a couple of his nails, but it was difficult as he
keeps pulling his legs up toward his body, and I am loathe to tug on his
legs. I am amazed that he never tries to bite or anything.
I think what I must fear most is holding him too tightly and hurting
him. It is difficult to hold him with just the right pressure. I
expect over time, as you say, I will become more proficient in handling
him.
He seems pretty happy today, by the way. I keep his cage in front of a
large window during the day. The window over looks the ornamental trees
on the side of the house. He sings a lot, and he becomes very excited
if he sees other birds. This week so far, he has been visited by a Ruby
Crowned Kinglet and a Beswick Wren. I must admit, I become just as
excited as he whence these song birds visit. I love the wild birds. : )
> Congratulations. With all due respect, you need to try to separate
> your emotions from treating your bird. He may be traumatized in the
> sense that he isn't touched, ever, and he just was handled by you.
> Even though you won't be doing this forever, you'll see he will get
> less and less stressed by this. Maybe by the last day you'll be able
> to trim his nails? If you feel that it would be easier, grab him with
> a wash cloth and that might make you less nervous and he'll feel safer.
>
> Rub a small amount of the jelly between the thumb and forefinger and
> then rub his leg. Don't try to glob it on his leg and then rub it in.
>
> You can thoroughly wash his cage and disinfect everything with a mild
> bleach solution and let his perches dry very well before putting him
> back in the cage. I don't know what accommodations you have for him
> while you're doing this.
>
> For what it's worth, if you do not treat the legs, the mites will not
> go away and they will burrow deeper into his leg and cause more
redness
> and trauma.
>
> Just remain as calm as you can and tell yourself this is necessary for
> him to get better.
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