LITTLE JOHNNY'S STORY
JOHNNY
Johnny was born to Trooper & Kiwi, my pair of clean greens, on September 7, 2006. He was the third to hatch out of six eggs. On routine nest box patrol I noticed that Johnny had a problem so I panicked and pulled him early. He was six days old.
BABY JOHNNY
At first I thought Johnny suffered from splayed legs, but I had never seen a bird with splaying where both legs stuck straight out behind, almost like a migratory bird in flight. After two veterinary opinions it was determined that my assumptions were correct. Johnny did not suffer from splayed legs but suffered instead from either a neurological or a spinal problem. It was recommended that Johnny be put to sleep and believe me, I considered it. I am ashamed to admit that at times I wished he would die. Surely this handsome little man must be in pain and could never enjoy quality of life?
JOHNNY HANGS IN THERE
Well, Johnny ate well and didn't seem to be in pain so I figured if he wasn't going to give up on himself, how could I? I was so concerned, since he couldn't stand or perch, that he may never be able to eat on his own and live in a cage. I was also concerned that he may eventually suffer from painful keel lesions as a result of being on his belly all the time, but we were going to try. I figured I could always make the decision to euthanize Johnny later.
HE TRIES AND TRIES...
...AND NEVER GIVES UP
Well, much to my amazement, not only could Johnny eat on his own, he learned to fly, though the landing was NOT pretty since he had no working landing gear!! But he could fly to the top of his cage and climb down. He also learned to stand on the thin wire of the grate on the bottom of his cage. He played with toys, had a voracious appetite, and was an inspiration and delight to everyone who had the HONOR of meeting Johnny.
Though I kept Johnny much longer than I usually keep my babies, Johnny went to live with a very good friend, Sandi, who was a wonderful mommy to him. Sandi could be there with Johnny all throughout the day.
SWEET AND DETERMINED
TINY BUT MIGHTY
Unfortunately, Johnny died on December 24, 2006. His life was short but full. The cause of his death was not determined but he always breathed heavily and labored, though we were told by the veterinarians that for him, this was normal.
WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM JOHNNY.
The lessons Johnny taught all of us will live on forever, at least for me. I have NEVER had a bird touch or inspire me the way this beautiful little birdie did. I will never make assumptions about handicaps again, be it animal or human. It's amazing how inspirational those with disabilities are and what we can learn from them if we give them the chance and take the time to care.
Rest In Peace my Special Commando Baby. Mommy loves you.
Story and photographs contributed by Little Johnny's Hatch Mom, Dawn Rojas.
Copyright © 2007, Dawn Rojas
