Crackers: another testament to the resiliency of parrots

CARE recently had a blue-front amazon surrendered to us via another animal welfare organization. She was surrendered to them, but due to the special needs of parrots that they are unable to meet, dealing mostly with dogs and cats, she found her way to us.

The information provided on that organization's release form is heartbreaking. Crackers's family went on vacation, and they left her alone, tethered to a perch as she didn't have a cage. They left the food dish out of her reach. Survival instinct kicked in, and she amputated her own left leg in order to get to food.
Crackers has adapted extremely well to her disability. She is afraid of hands, but is stick trained, and willingly steps up on a stick when offered. She uses her stump to manipulate food in her dish so she can eat.
Crackers loves playing with toys, and makes many fun noises. She is very interested in other birds and displayed to a greenwing macaw we currently have for adoption.
Like many amazons, she loves bathing and water. Here she is after her soaking:
And a short video of her bath -- sorry for the poor picture quality. An amazon enjoying her bath is one of the most entertaining sights! Crackers has lifted the feathers on her head so that the water can penetrate down to her skin, and she uses her wings to rub the water in further.

Crackers is not currently up for adoption as we have to wait for her vet check, but she will be soon. We are looking for a home that will recognize her special needs and help her live a long, healthy, happy life -- after all, she's only 10, so she has decades of love left in her!

Because she has to put constant pressure on her one good leg, she will benefit from soft perches and platforms. She also will need a patient owner that will help her learn to trust and love humans again.

What a survivor!