Thursday December 11th, 2008

Warning! Graphic Content on this Posting!

We have had inquiries about a few of our special needs birds. These are hospice and trauma case exotic birds recently seen on the news. There is interest particularly in “Ouch”, the Lesser Sulfur Crested Cockatoo with a self-inflicted wound.

****

We have been giving sanctuary to Pablo who is a 45-year-old, self-mutilated, feather plucked male Blue & Gold Macaw.

You will notice his crop looks inflamed. At first I thought it was a possible yeast infection.

He visits VCA East Mill Plane Animal Hospital in Vancouver, WA. Dr. Judd Witherspoon gave him a clean bill of health after a gram stain and throat exam. It may be due to the new environment and stress of being moved around before we took Pablo in for sanctuary. Dr. Witherspoon remarked,
"If he had feathers we normally would not see his inflamed crop."
Pablo has a great appetite. Here he is enjoying his Thanksgiving dinner.
Below are a few photos of one of my favorite roommates, “Mario”. Mario arrived here from Idaho back in 2005. He’s an elderly, spoiled, crying love. He needs to be seen or he PROMISES to be heard!Now, as for the questions about “Ouch” the Lesser Sulfur Crested Cockatoo...

Notice that the wound is closing.
The wound is open a little but still healing.Then we start the preparation of a padded collar.
(Step 1 - line the edge with thick tape.)





(Step 2 We secure a Scrunchie on the top of the collar.)







Garth holds the patient while she adjust to the added weight.




(Step 3 We secure a second Scrunchie on the top of the collar.)





(Step 4 We secure a third Scrunchie on the top of the collar.)



Garth Noggle is holding Ouch after the third Scrunchie is placed on her neck. We wait while she adjust to the added weight.Garth holds the patient a while longer until she adjust to the added weight.
Time to give this patient some TLC and praise for allowing us to do this uncomfortable procedure.

Now it's time for our patient to watch her favorite cartoons.

Pablo is Ouch's roommate. He wants the Disney Channel back on!

Mario the Moluccan has climbed back into his room while Pablo gets his way.

When Mario arrived, nearly four years ago, he was almost as feather plucked as Pablo. Mario climbs out of his room onto his favorite swing above his cage.

Mario insists upon going to go to the main indoor aviary.

Pablo agrees.

If you look closely at Pablo, you'll notice that his follicles are completely pulled out. Because of this he will never regrow feathers .

Ouch and Pablo are looking forward to Mario to moving so they can enjoy their cartoons.

Their wish is about to come true. Mario does not feel like watching TV.

Mario is now in the main play room. He gets the chance to do what he wants. Mario looks around and see's what he's been waiting for...

..."Emmy", Mario's long time friend. Mario likes to flirt with Emmy.

Mario also has another passion for being in the main indoor aviary.

Looking over his shoulder he see's his little live buddies.

Mario likes to try to catch the fast flying Cockatiels.

Then Ouch moves into my office area for supervision.

Sammy our permanent broken winged Lilac Crowned Amazon greets Ouch.

Sammy and Ouch get ready for a treat. They also enjoy watching me work on the computer.

“Goldie Jane” looks down on us, expecting her share of treats.

As expected, Ouch starts chewing her newfound toy around her neck. Now everyone is happy and content.

Hopefully this gives everyone an idea of the hourly regimen to keep behavioral problem birds entertained, safe and sane.

Please give your exotic birds the daily attention they need.