That sounds like a wise decision to me; let the bird make it's own decisions and cope as best it can.

Reminds me of a poor kangaroo that we had at the Zoo who had to have the bottom half of her tail removed due to an infection. Poor thing coped but occasionally she'd rely on muscle memory and go to lean on her tail. I'd go, "Oh no, baby, don't..." but she would and then topple over. Bless her heart, sad it was but I still couldn't help but laugh. I didn't see her the last time I went but it'd been six years so who knows.