This is a picture of  Tuk-Tuk and Tio. Tio is on the left. Notice how Tio's legs are turned out to the sides. Tuk's legs and feet are closer together. Just like they should be.

Tio's name use to be Cleo, but due to the fact that we had a DNA test done we now know that Cleo is a boy. Therefore the name change to Tio.

Tio is a physically challenged bird. The challenge is to be accepted by the people community. He is accepted by the bird community. Tio is Tuk's buddy. They are inseparable.

Tio's problem is due to the fact that Tio is
spraddle legged .

This problem is not a genetic default but rather something caused by the environment. This terrible problem can be caused by the hen sitting to tight to the eggs, the wrong incubation temperature, the wrong material in the nest box,  etc.

This problem can be remedied if caught and acted upon in time. Tio however was not caught in time.

We got Tio when he was approximately a year old. We took Tio to the vet and we were told that this problem is not reversible because it had been allowed to progress to far.

We can nonetheless help poor Tio be a more active bird. the vet informed us this is done through manipulation and massaging of Tio's legs.

And most probably some prayer.

We have had since June 14th 1998. Tio has become more agile and he does stand a little bit taller.

Tio is such a precious bird. He loves to snuggle under someone's chin. I swear he gets so comfortable, he  appears to be so content that sometimes he seems to be purring.