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Hi, I'm Cary, a young male grey cockatiel. Like so many of Mickaboo's birds I came from a home where I was cared for by well-intentioned people who didn't know what a bird like me needs to stay strong, healthy and happy. I was kept in a tiny cage, fed bird seed, mostly millet, and rarely handled or given out-of-cage time. When my keeper noticed that I had runny droppings she called Mickaboo to come get me. Mickaboo's avian veterinarian found that I had serious liver damage, too much fat, and insufficient muscle mass, all probably due to my poor diet and lack of exercise. I got exhausted after being handled for just a few minutes and my ability to fly, climb and get around was greatly compromised. After spending a few days at the veterinary hospital I went to a Mickaboo foster home where they fed me pellets, sprouted grains and vegetables. Even though I'd never been given those foods before I immediately started eating all of them with gusto. My foster dad kept an eye on my weight for the first week or so to see that I was eating enough, and, since I was, I have not been given any seed mix or junk food since then! (If you will permit my being didactic for a moment, I have two pieces of advice for those of you who are trying to convert your cockatiel to eat pellets and veggies: be bold, but use a gram scale. It's easier than you think!) After a few weeks in foster care I have grown stronger, more vocal, and more comfortable being handled by people. I bravely take my medicine every day -- in fact, I seem to enjoy it! -- and I spend some time afterwards visiting with my foster dad. I am getting my energy back too; in fact, I was the first one in the house awake this morning, whistling "Shave and a haircut" and some other songs that I made up. Even though I will need to take my medicine daily and will need more frequent vet visits for a while, I don't need any other special care and am ready to be adopted by the right family. I like being around people, love to sing, and, although I sometimes hiss a little to mark my personal space, I enjoy the company of other cockatiels. With continued medical observation and good care, my chances for substantial recovery are good. In spite of what I have been through I am still young at heart, bright-eyed and playful and I am ready to be somebody's best friend -- maybe yours? Notice: Cockatiels are flock animals, and most of them are much happier when they live with at least one other cockatiel! Because of this, unless a household currently includes another cockatiel, Mickaboo usually requires that a minimum of two cockatiels be adopted. Print this page |
