Pauly

Pauly, a wild caught blue-fronted amazon, was surrendered to us about three weeks ago.

After living in the same home for 15 years, his owner moved overseas and couldn't take him along. Pauly lived in a cockatiel-sized cage and was fed only seed.

As we do with all our larger birds, we had him to the vet for a wellness exam and bloodwork. His liver enzymes and bile acids were the highest we've ever seen in a bird. These results were caused by the poor diet he was on in the past. Our vet also did x-rays and, finally, a liver biopsy. When she called after the biopsy, she reported that the liver was orange and crumbly (it should be smooth and purplish). The pathology came back with a diagnosis of fatty liver disease and cirrhosis of the liver.
This diagnosis means that Pauly's time with us is now very limited. His poor diet has virtually turned his liver into fat and what is left is in bad shape. One day his liver will cease to function and he will literally fall off his perch dead.

We have a wonderful volunteer who is willing to take Pauly into her home for the last days/weeks/months of his life. Pauly, by all rights, should be living to be 50-60 years old. He is probably now in his early 20s. It's just a shame that a person can have a pet for so many years and never take the time to learn how to properly care for it. We will never understand that logic (or lack thereof).

Alumni story: Sage

As we mention to adopters as they leave with their new flock member, and as we've said on this blog numerous times, we love getting updates about our former residents!

Our goal is to place every parrot into a home where they will receive the love, care, and attention they deserve. It's so nice to receive confirmation when that happens!

Sage is an Indian Ringneck Parakeet that was adopted from us.



Her owner sent these pictures, along with the following update:

She is a total ham, and easily has the biggest personality of all of my birds. She also out-talks my Amazon, and is an absolute chatter box.

She now lets people pet her which surprises even me! My Dad comes over and takes video of her, he likes her so much.

She was in BirdTalk magazine a few months back (I think it was Jan 09) in the Watch The Birdie page. Did you see her?! The little star;) She is very happy, healthy and well adjusted. She is super active, and a big acrobat. I can't understand how someone would have wanted to give her away. She is such a little charmer!

Stories like this are part of why we continue to do what we do. Previously unwanted and unappreciated, Sage landed in a wonderful home where she flourishes.

What a beauty! I love the nuances of color; especially on her wings and head!

So often people think that birds in rescues have problems that preclude them from being happy, loving companions. As most people reading this know, that couldn't be further from the truth!

Peaches & Cleo Update

The biopsy results came back on Peaches and everything is negative. He is doing very well in his foster home!

Cleo is still mourning Millie. He spent most of last week Friday and Saturday sitting in a box, not wanting to play or to eat.

We introduced Henry to Cleo, and the two elderly conures are showing signs they'll become fast friends.

Finally, we have some good news around here -- let's hope that continues!