Yesterday evening I took Gutsy9 outside and picked up the brick I had to use once before to put an injured turkey chick out of its misery.
I had weighed the situation up in my mind (his legs and feet would only get worse, he would be vulnerable to predators and the pecking order), and I had steeled my heart to do the deed.
I put him gently on the ground and raised the brick high so that it would be quick, but then he looked up at me and winked!
I couldn’t do it.
It was Rachel’s suggestion (see comments in last post) that gave me the idea of putting him outside in an upside down cage (a cage with a roof but no floor). That way he can scratch in the grass/dirt with his faulty feet but be protected from attack by the various other birds and animals.
And he will now eat the calcium mixture if I give it to him from my finger. He will still come inside for the night.
Ming and I have decided to give this new idea a week and see how Gutsy9’s legs go. If they improve, we have hope!
In the meantime I guess little Gutsy9, at two months of age, has graduated from my lap to a more normal peacock existence.
jmgoyder 
Here’s hoping!
My sentiments exactly!
I am so glad to hear this dear Julie, my fingers crossed, I hope and wish to get a nice results… Love you both, nia
Cross your toes too!
Super news. Go Gutsy9!
I will tell him!
phew
So far!
I love this news… now give him more than a week .. stop expecting miracles.. give the little fellow a chance…
Okay, Bulldog!
He needs more than a week. Give him a few weeks (or mths) to find his feet 😉
Okay!
What an excellent idea!
Yes!
Reprieved! I’m so glad. I know you made the right decision. And I know if you have to do the other, you will, because you love him.
Gonna be a long week!
Hugs across the ether.
What a great idea! I hope it all works out.
Will have to wait and see.
That sounds like a good plan.
I am hopeful.
I wouldn’t be able to do the ‘deed’ at all, let alone if Gutsy winked at me.
Here’s hoping his legs come good.
Julie, I’m so pleased .. that you didn’t do .. it! And that you found an alternative – I saw the link on Rachel’s replay. I believe very strongly that he will make progress. Love this news.
Hope so!
You scared me!
Sorry!
Calcium, water, food, protection, Faith Hope and LOVE ❤ ❤ Best wishes Good Luck, the best is all u can do ❤ U GO GUTSY!!!!!!!!!!!! ❤
He seems to be improving!
I’ve seen many animals survive with a missing leg, eye, etc. Somehow, they manage to thrive with a handicap. I saw something on tv where a dog was born without hind legs. A kind couple adopted him from the shelter and made a two-wheeled-cart for him. The dog’s rear sat in the cart and his front legs powered it. It was quite funny, but it worked for him. You have such a kind heart. 🙂
Crossing fingers!
He is so cute. I so hope this experiment works… sounds like a fantastic idea… if it is truly physical therapy he needs – this may do the trick. Fingers and toes crossed…. xxxooo
Day by day!
Good luck to Gutsy and to you!
Thanks!
I’m keeping my fingers crossed and sending you hugs!
Your fingers and toes are working so far!
I just said a prayer for Gutsy..
Oh thank you!
So hope he improves….Strange how one little chick can generate so much attachment to others….Diane
Yes – everyone seems to love him!
What a great idea! I’m so glad to hear the little guy has a chance. He’s a special one. To think of him winking at you in that moment!
Thank goodness!
Ah, a new chance! Makes me so happy!
He may always have a limp but might be okay – remains to be seen.
I’m so relieved…
Early days.
Ha! That is actually how I reacted. Priceless story and he is living up to his name. Good luck, I hope it goes well.
Giving it my best shot.
Good luck, Gutsy. 🙂
I’ll tell him – haha!
i hope it works!
Me too!
A stay of execution. Excellent.
Good way of putting it.
I have often been astounded at the recovery of birds.. or their ability to adjust.. I guess we will just see what happens.. but the scratching is important.. and will no doubt make him a happier wee birdie in the meantime.. morning julie.. have fun.. c
That gives me hope – thanks Ceci!
http://gegebearbear.wordpress.com/?p=1665&preview=true
You have been nominated for an award, follow the link above and have fun!…..Jill
Very kind of you – thank you!
Anytime!
Gutsy has all of us cheering for him (and you too)!
I can’t believe he is so popular!
Oh dear Julie, Please don’t kill Gutsy9! We have all fallen in love with him through your stories and photos. It would grieve me tremendously to know he died under such circumstances. If it came to that, It would certainly be easier on him, and you, to take him to a vet who could give him an injection so he could die peacefully. But, honestly, that shouldn’t be necessary. His name is Gutsy for good reason. I agree with another of your readers, he should be able to overcome his disability. Many animals have overcome worse. I know you have a lot on your plate and if his care proves too much, there certainly must be peacock rescue organizations in Australia. We have many of them here in the US. They will take him and either put him in a sanctuary or place him with someone who has the time to care for him. In the meantime, they will find a ‘foster’ parent for him. You give so much to everyone, you have a big heart, dear one. I send my thoughts with love. XXOO Mary
Don’t worry – all is well. So sorry to have worried you. I will post about his progress later tonight.
Thank you, dear Mary. It will be okay and I will keep everyone posted. Juliexxx
I think, from reading the comments, that you are stuck with Gutsy for better or for worse. I’m chuckling here since I understand the conundrum. Good luck to you and Gutsy! He really is cute, you know…
He is my best friend.
Julie, I hope for you Ming and Gutsy this approach works and that you see definitive progress by Gutsy over the next week. Take care, Bill
I think he’ll be okay.
Beautiful! I hope he improves quickly. Poor little thing.
One leg has flamigoed all of a sudden, but there is hope!
Fingers crossed.
Oh, my. I do hope he does well in his new surroundings. If not, you certainly have done everything possible for him – and sometimes, certain creatures just are not meant to make it.
The idea of the upside down cage is clever – the perfect way to provide “foot therapy” and protection!
We have now decided to put hin in a bigger upside down cage in the chook pen – fingers crossed.