The last we'd left the drama of Cleo and Henry, they'd started sharing a cage, but Cleo was still grieving Millie. For several weeks, there was no agression between Cleo and Henry, but neither was there true affection. They were basically cohabiting.
Everything changed late last week.
Cleo and Henry started allopreening, sitting on the same perch, and attempting to be near each other as often as possible.
They aren't yet as close as Millie and Cleo were, but we're hoping that, with time, they'll get there.
It was heartbreaking watching Cleo grieve and not be able to do anything to cheer him up.
Cleo and Henry need to stay together; they will either be adopted out or will stay with us if we can't find the right home.
They're looking for a home that will just allow them to be birds. They have each other and prefer their own company to that of humans.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
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).
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).
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
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:
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!
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!
Friday, May 01, 2009
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!
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!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Dancing Amazons
One of our volunteers made this video of two of her amazons dancing, singing, and whistling.
A nice reminder to take some time out of your day to enjoy and have fun with your parrots!
Their owner was diagnosed with alveolitis and had to rehome some of her birds. CARE helped to find a few birds homes with volunteers. Rio boarded with us on a long-term basis until Rio went to a sanctuary.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Millie update
Our string of bad luck continues. We hope to soon have happier reports to make on this blog.
Millie was euthanized today. We noticed that his lower beak was protruding in a way that was interfering with his ability to eat and play. He'd previously had three non-cancerous growths surgically removed from under his chin, and had recovered quite well, with the help of Cleo.
This time, the growth in his mouth went from under his tongue to down his pharynx -- there was no hope and he was euthanized while under anesthetic.
Cleo, his companion of about two years, is grieving. They were together constantly and got along famously. We're hoping that we can work to introduce Henry to Cleo and that those two conures can begin a similar relationship.
We're also hoping that things start to improve. We've lost too many special birds lately.
Millie was euthanized today. We noticed that his lower beak was protruding in a way that was interfering with his ability to eat and play. He'd previously had three non-cancerous growths surgically removed from under his chin, and had recovered quite well, with the help of Cleo.
This time, the growth in his mouth went from under his tongue to down his pharynx -- there was no hope and he was euthanized while under anesthetic.
Cleo, his companion of about two years, is grieving. They were together constantly and got along famously. We're hoping that we can work to introduce Henry to Cleo and that those two conures can begin a similar relationship.
We're also hoping that things start to improve. We've lost too many special birds lately.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Peaches
Peaches, a male M2, recently went to the vet as we were troubled by the fact that he hadn't been eating much. Our vet did a barium series and found what we suspect to be two masses. He will have surgery tomorrow (we'll keep you updated).
Peaches is just the latest Center bird that has had relatively severe medical problems in the recent past. In addition to Peaches, the following birds have had surgery in 2009: Millie (mitred conure), Charlie (B&G macaw), and Louie (U2).
Additionally, three birds have been surrendered to us with aspergillosis. Each bottle of medication costs us $125. These extraordinary vet costs are above and beyond the well bird checkups that birds receive while in our care, and our outstanding balance at the vet has been averaging around $2,000.
We are very fortunate that our vet gives us a huge discount on her services; otherwise, we would have had to shut our doors long ago.
If you are able to make a tax-deductible donation to help us defray these medical costs, we would very much appreciate it. You can mail a check to us at:
CARE
3053 Beechwood Industrial Court
Suite 1
Hubertus, WI 53033
If you'd prefer to send a check directly to our vet's office, please contact us through our website and we can make that happen as well.
Thank you to everyone who has donated time and money to our organization over the years. The birds really appreciate it, even though they may not always express it!
Peaches is just the latest Center bird that has had relatively severe medical problems in the recent past. In addition to Peaches, the following birds have had surgery in 2009: Millie (mitred conure), Charlie (B&G macaw), and Louie (U2).
Additionally, three birds have been surrendered to us with aspergillosis. Each bottle of medication costs us $125. These extraordinary vet costs are above and beyond the well bird checkups that birds receive while in our care, and our outstanding balance at the vet has been averaging around $2,000.
We are very fortunate that our vet gives us a huge discount on her services; otherwise, we would have had to shut our doors long ago.
If you are able to make a tax-deductible donation to help us defray these medical costs, we would very much appreciate it. You can mail a check to us at:
CARE
3053 Beechwood Industrial Court
Suite 1
Hubertus, WI 53033
If you'd prefer to send a check directly to our vet's office, please contact us through our website and we can make that happen as well.
Thank you to everyone who has donated time and money to our organization over the years. The birds really appreciate it, even though they may not always express it!
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