Become A Mickaboo Angel
"Give of yourself as the Angels do and wonderful things will come to you."
- Ramadan
| Mickaboo currently has over 450 birds in foster care. Our first commitment is to these birds and their ongoing care. Mickaboo's generous supporters (our Angels!), have enabled us to take in over 4000 birds since April 2009. These are birds we would not have been able to help without your financial help. |
What is a Mickaboo Angel?
Unfortunately, many of the birds that come into Mickaboo's care have been injured, abused, or neglected, or are very ill. As a result, they need medical attention, behavioral training and extra love and nurturing before we can place them in adoptive homes. These birds are often considered unadoptable at shelters and by society in general. We believe that every bird deserves a second chance. We allow each and every one of our birds as much time as they need to find that special adopter who is willing to care for them. As Mickaboo has grown, and we have taken in more birds, our monthly vet bills have increased significantly, averaging $50,000 per month.
We understand that not everyone can foster or adopt a Mickaboo bird, but would still like to help. Becoming an Angel to a bird in need is the perfect way to do that! You can help us take in birds from shelters or from private surrenderers who are in a financial crisis. Your donations to Mickaboo can be directed to care for a particular bird or birds, to help defray the cost of their sometimes astronomical vet bills while they wait for forever homes.
Angel Species
When you become a Mickaboo Angel, you are helping us fulfill our commitment to keeping our doors open to ill, injured, abused, neglected and unwanted companion birds in Northern California and beyond. We invite you to become the species of Mickaboo Angel that suits you best
- Angel: Our goal is to have an "endowment" of at least $200 before taking in a new bird. This will help us ensure that we always have sufficient funds to provide basic medical care for the birds already in our care, as well as for new birds we take in. As an Angel you will receive recognition on our website. If a bird is adopted without using your Angel money we will shift the money to the next needy bird and let you know which additional bird you have helped.
- Archangel: Archangels commit to covering the full vet costs required for a new bird to be healthy enough to adopt. As an Archangel you will receive recognition on our website and regular email updates on his/her progress.
Every Bird Gets An Equal Chance
That's the underlying principle of Mickaboo. Once a bird is in our care, we provide all the medical care s/he requires. We do not "triage" birds or spend more money on large species than small. We only euthanize a bird when s/he is suffering without the possibility of recovery. We provide hospice care for terminally ill birds who are not suffering. Since we do not have paid employees, you can be sure that your donation goes directly to the birds. Donations are 100% tax deductible. A receipt will be mailed to all donors.
How To Sponsor a Bird |
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You may donate online via Network for Good or PayPal. Please specify that you want your donation to be an Angel donation, which bird you would like to sponsor and how you would like to be acknowledged on the website: full name, first name only, first name and last initial, etc. Please email angels@mickaboo.org if you have questions. Thank you for your contiued support! |
Birds Waiting for an Angel
| Mrs. Green Parrotlet 9-09-23 |
Info coming soon... Angels for Mrs Green |
 Flippy Bronze-Winged Pionus 8/09/23 |
Flippy was once someone's cherished pet that was recently rescued from the brink of euthanasia. She has fluid buildup in her abdomen, a heart problem, and needs a lot of veterinary work. More details to come... Angels for Flippy |
| Ariel Blue Crown Conure 8/07/23 |
Info coming soon... Angels for Ariel |
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Joey |
Joey the jubilant conure was part of the wild flock at Telegraph Hill in San Francisco. He was happy to live outside, wild and free with his flockmates. A kind stranger would offer treats and Joey was happy to take them! Unfortunately though, Joey became sick (suspected rat poison) and the kind stranger took him in for a check up. After receiving vet care and becoming a foster bird with Mickaboo, Joey began to recover. He has a wonderful appetite and will let his foster mom preen him as he sits on her lap. He seems to enjoy the company of people quite well and is acclimating to a comfortable life. Angels for Joey |
 Pia Zebra Finch 6/15/23 |
Pia, the sweet little gal that came from a giant rescue of over 175 neglected finches (as well as some other species mixed in). She had quite a rough start and though she quickly found an adoptive home, her owner noticed that things were off. Pia was not acting like a normal finch! She was soon diagnosed to have two poorly healed broken wings and was given meds for the pain. This helped perk her up a bit, but she was still suffering from severe egg-binding and needed oral calcium supplements as well as Lupron shots. It was too much and she was soon returned to Mickaboo for help with all of the incurring costs. This has been a long and ardous journey for Pia and though she has excellent care, she will never be able to fly. Instead, she gently hops around her modified cage and will perch on a hand after her medications are done (see that cute picture to the left?). Please consider being an angel for little Pia! Angels for Pia |
 Lucia Cockatiel 11/3/22 |
This poor gal had a few old fractures that don't allow her to stand up straight, walk, or perch anymore. She has to somewhat scoot around to get where she wants to go. Last year, she was struggling with a bacterial infection that caused her to be unable to poop normally. On top of that, she became hormonal and began to pluck her wings. She couldn't catch a break! Thankfully, the vet gave her antibiotics, probiotics, and hormone injections. She has retained her feistiness and loves to sit in her foster mom's hand and have her head scratched. Angels for Lucia |
 Tequila Amazon 8/18/22 |
Tequila is a beautiful Amazon, approximately 37 years young. He was first surrendered to Mickaboo in early 2022 after his original owner passed away and his second owner could no longer care for him. He showed signs of neglect such as dull feathering, poor health, and severe scissor beak. He needed help!
After a vet visit, he was diagnosed with both bacterial and fungal infections. His scissor beak was also corrected but will need to be monitored for the rest of his life. He is now currently on four medications for his infections, his heart, and a pain killer. He does have a healthy appetite and loves pellets with fruit (apples, grapes, bananas, orages) and vegetables (carrots, broccoli). He also enjoys playing with his toys (albeit less now that his beak has been reshaped) and his physical conditioning has improved greatly. Thanks to his patient and wonderful foster parent, he is getting the attention and care he needs!
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A few weeks ago, seven male baby budgies were surrendered at the Santa Cruz Animal Shelter. Also, on the same day another baby budgie, who happened to be mostly white, was brought in. The shelter combined the baby with the other group of seven. Later at the vet's office, they named the group Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. Unfortunately, they all tested positive for Cladosporium and some of them had AGY (Avian Gastric Yeast - which causes inflammation in their digestive tract and makes them very sick). They’ve been at the vet for a couple of weeks being treated, and since they were so young they had to be carefully looked after and medicated.
With all of the overnight care, testing, and medications, their vet bill has grown exorbitantly high. We are hoping to get them setup with foster homes as a few of them are ready. If you are able to help sponsor or foster, these cuties would very much appreciate it!
Angels for The Budgie Group
The Hoganson Family The Rowley Family |
.jpg) Rio Amazon 5/20/22 |
Rio is a 42 year old blue front amazon who was surrendered to Mickaboo in 2014 with his buddy Jasper, an African Grey. Sadly, Jasper passed away and Rio came through the loss of his bird friend. Rio has had medical issues over the years such as arthritis and cataracts. He has been to the avian vet many times and most recently has been found to have cancer that required his wing to be amputated. He is recovering well and has remained at the bird hospital since December. Rio's vet bills have been substantial but we will continue to see that he gets the care he needs.
Please consider sponsoring Rio as he continues on the road to recovery.
Angels for Rio
Natalie Lowe |
 JoJo Cockatiel 5/20/22 |
JoJo is about 15 years old. He's a very sweet cockatiel who likes hanging out with his humans. He loves his lifetime buddy even more though. But, because he was over-preening him, JoJo had to be placed in a separate cage. He became very unhappy and lovesick, and he began to fret and pace when he was in his cage. JoJo's avian vet found ankle and tail base injuries that required medical treatment and hospitalization for several weeks. His feathers are growing back in, and JoJo is doing much better now. He’ll need ongoing treatment for his hormonal issues though. JoJo’s a bit embarrassed by his self-inflicted injuries and the cost of his medical treatment. He’s hoping for a few donations to defray the costs. Will you help? |
 Evie African Grey 12/10/20 |
In the past, Mickaboo has unfortuantely had several African greys who were so badly damaged (mentally & physically) that they were taken into long term clinical care by one of the vetrinarians we work with. Some of them never recovered and some remain in hospice care. Generally, the problem begins in physical manifestations and gets worse.
It saddens us that we now have a new candidate for permanently damaged African Grey - Evie. Her Dr says her hormonal deterioration has resulted in a severe endocrine disorder and she never seems to stop being hormonal. Evie is currently housed in a SS cage without cup holders. If she is temporarily moved to another cage (for cleaning), she crawls into the cup holder and starts nesting behavior.
Eventually, her Dr. will try to move her into one of her outdoor aviaries when the weather allows. It has helped somewhat with others, and may prove successful for her as well. |
 Jasmine White Peachface Lovebird 10/28/20 |
Jasmine arrived in horrible shape after being rescued from a feed store that sells birds. Starved and half beaten to death, this very young lovie was lucky to be picked up by a Good Samaritan before ending up with us.She spent a couple weeks in the hospital for her wounds and bad AGY infection and was also tested for PBFD (Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease). Even though she is still very young, she has some breathing issues, sleeping problems, and belly issues. She was recently tested for Avian Bornavirus after her foster mom noticed the symptoms. Unfortunately, not only is she positive but is also shedding the virus which means that it is attacking her immune system. It was devastating news for her foster mom. There is no cure for ABV and while treatment can prolong her life, it will eventually be her end. Jasmine has now been with Mickaboo for about a year and a half and has won the hearts of everyone! She is super sweet and has a quirky personality. Angels for Jasmine |
 Wonder Green Cheek Conure 9/5/20 |
Wonder was originally left at the vet when he was sick and not eating back in May of this year. He has since settled in quite nicely while he continues to receive treatment. His temperament goes from way too cuddly to very "spicy", typical green cheek behaviors!
In the photo you can see his wonky toe on the left foot but it does not seem to slow him down at all. If you take too long to put his peaches in his dish he will chase you down to hurry up and get out so he can chow down!
Thanks to Mickaboo, Wonder is now on a path to good health and a much brighter future!
Angels for Wonder |
 Cheeky Green Cheek Conure 9/5/20 |
More info coming soon!
Angels for Cheeky |
 Ellen Lutino Lovebird 10/28/20 |
Ellen is a female luntino lovebird who self rescued herself by climbing under a security screen into a nice lady's home who then contaced Mickaboo. Ellen was diagnosed with right sided heart disease and will be on 5 medications that she gets 3 times a day for the rest of her life as she had been showing improvement on these medications. She has had a number of hospital stays and test/procedures that have been quite expensive. She is a sweet bird and is thankfully stable now and living an active life and enjoys playing with her lovebird friend Cammy. Her medications and vet recheck expenses will continue.
Your kind and generous sponsorship will allow us to continue helping Ellen and birds like her.
Angels for Ellen
Blueberry Pomelo and Riceball |
 Cumulus Umbrella Cockatoo 11/16/19 |
Cumulus is a male umbrella cockatoo who loves to dance and talk. When Mickaboo took him in from an animal shelter, he was critically ill with a massive prolapse. In addition, medical tests found gravel in his digestive tract. Cumulus has been fighting an uphill battle, but so far has prevailed and after a long hospital stay, has been placed in a foster home. Cumulus' hospital stay and continued medical care is very expensive, please consider becoming his angel!
Angels for Cumulus |
  Elvis Cockatiel 10/26/19 |
Elvis was surrendered because of an infected eye. This poor little guy has an ulcer on his cornea and faces a long road to recovery. It will take a lot of love and time for him to heal. Please consider donating to help him! UPDATE: 12/14/19 Angels for Elvis |
 Leo Orange-Winged Amazon 2/11/18 |
Leo is about 33 years old and has been a Mickaboo foster since 2013. She/he had been diagnosed with early stage congestive heart failure. Her prognosis is good. Leo's enlarged heart is smaller now that he/she started intravenous medications. Once Leo starts oral medications, she can go home. |
 Paco Red-Lored Amazon 11/8/17 |
Paco is a 40+ year old red-lored amazon parrot. He came to Mickaboo about five years ago, when his owner died and no one from the family was able to take care of him. Paco is almost blind - he can recognize dark and light, but not much more. He has arthritis and a light heart issue (he takes medicine on a cracker twice a day). Also, his airsacks are leaking air and his cheeks are "puffed". Recently (November 2017), he had a thorough health check (after about 3 years), which included xrays and an ultrasound, plus a removal of a feather cyst developed on his neck which resulted in a bill of over $1,000. Angels for Paco |
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Ike recently injested some of his calcium perch rather than spitting it out. As a result, pieces of calcium built up in his digestive system. He was uncomfortable and drank an increasing amount of water. When his entire bowl of water disappeared in one day, his foster mom knew something wasn't right. She took him to the vet and they noticed how subdued his personality was. Ike was admitted to the hospital and was given a pain reliever while testing was underway. The radiographs (x-rays) showed a trail of minerals in his digestive system. When the vet asked where was the source of the minerals could be coming from, Ike's foster mom realized that the calcium perch in his cage had lost more than an inch in length but there was no calcium powder on the floor. When she reported that information to the vet, Ike was put on an antibiotic as well as the pain reliever. The radiographs also identified severe arthritis in one knee. With the addition of an anti-inflammatory medication, Ike felt much better. He was able to return home to recover in a cage with soft perches. Please consider helping to cover the costs of Ike's unfortunate vet visit. UPDATE: Angels for Ike |
 Charlie Amazon 7/20/15 |
UPDATE: June 2020 --------- Charlie is so cute with his big amazon eyes that look up at you very sweetly. Despite his size, he is able to climb around his cage. He is afraid of hands but he steps up and allows head scratches when approached slowly. He loves to climb up your arm. Charlie talks very appropriately. He has said “Go away, go right now!” and calls for “Don”. He is eating a healthy diet of pellets and vegetables. Now Charlie looks a lot bigger than he is. He has air sacs under his skin that are not releasing air like they are supposed to. This can be caused by trauma. A thorough veterinary work up was done. There aren’t any underlying causes for the air sacs other than trauma. The air sacs were drained but they filled back up. The next step in treatment might place a stent between the air sacs so the air has a way to be released internally. We will know in the next few weeks. Angels for Charlie |
