12 Sep Rani’s Story
I had been considering on and off for a couple of years whether to add another parrot to my family. After much debate and discussion, I concluded that I would apply for a rescued bird, in order to give a parrot in need a second chance of a happy home. Now the wrong side of 40, I felt that taking on a baby would not be the right thing to do, as the potential for a parrot to outlive me is a real possibility. I won’t lie – the thought of dealing with a baby parrot’s nippiness and “terrible-twos” once more was also a little daunting, and I figured a more mature bird would bypass this issue! A little Green Cheek Conure caught my eye on Birdline Parrot Rescue’s website and with some excitement I registered as a member and put in an application.
I soon received a call from a lovely Rehoming Officer who conducted a 45-minute phone interview. This was followed up with a home check, which I was both delighted and relieved to have passed. However, as my application progressed it became clear that the bird, I had applied for had bonded with another at his temporary home and his Safehouse carer decided to keep him. Of course, this was brilliant news for the little chap, and I was thrilled for him. Safehousing is Birdline’s first step to a parrot finding their forever home; giving the bird time to settle and be assessed before being put up for fostering. However, I understand it’s not uncommon for the Safehouse to foster their little feathered friends.
Fortunately for me the Rehoming Team had another bird in mind, and I was asked whether I would consider safehousing a special needs Green Cheek who had recently been surrendered to the rescue because her owner could no longer care for her. Any concerns about coping with her condition (a deformed beak) were quickly allayed and I readily agreed to take her. So, on a wet and windy evening at the end of October 2017 I collected the tiny bird who would shortly steal my heart. What I saw near broke my heart, as a scruffy little parrot, huddled into a corner of her cage, peered back at me with a terrified look in her eyes. How confused and unsettled she must have felt.
With paperwork signed and Rani safely secured in her cage on the backseat of my car, we set off for the relative’s house where I had arranged to stay for the night – so break up Rani’s travel time home. Not a peep was heard from Rani on the hour-long journey – not even a single squawk in objection to my terrible radio Karaoke! On arrival I was therefore extremely surprised to hear her excitedly say “biscuit, biscuit” as I offered a hospitality gift of cookies to my relative. Fortunately I had bird safe treats to give Rani, instead of the biscuits she wanted ! I placed the little cage on a side table next to where I was sitting and debated whether to open the door, or just to let her settle. But after noting that she screamed every time I left her sight, I decided she might be happier if she wasn’t stuck inside. She immediately rushed out and climbed up to the top of her cage and leaned towards me.
I offered her my finger to step-up and she promptly bit it. Quite right too – where were my manners? I’d forgotten to introduce myself properly. After a little bit of quiet conversation and reassurance I offered a covered arm and she hopped on. By the end of the evening, she had fallen asleep in the crook of my arm. Such trust from this tiny creature – I was already falling in love.
So, we were off to a flying start with the bonding, but being a Special Needs bird, I was fully briefed and prepared to deal with her ongoing health issues.
The next day I messaged the Rehoming Director of Birdline with my initial observations and she kindly reassured me that the charity would cover the vet costs for any pre-existing conditions as she is a Special Needs Bird. After having her for a while I noted she had some health issues, so I arranged an appointment at my nearest Avian Vet. We came away with antibiotics and an appointment for X-rays to investigate her internal problems. Fortunately, the X-rays showed no blockages or other ominous signs – but the vet suspected damage to the muscles in her vent area from a previous egg laying episode. He prescribed painkillers, which started helping her discomfort levels immediately. She is such a good girl and comes to me when she sees the medicine bottle. She licks the dropper clean – it must taste very nice. Since bringing Rani home, I have gradually been introducing pellets and chop to her diet of seed and started supplementing her water with calcium and vitamins. I’m delighted to see her feather condition improving along with her general health. She has also gained confidence and started exploring her new home. Her delightful cheeky side is now emerging too.
Rani was clearly much loved by her previous owner and quickly found comfort with me. She stuck to me like glue for the first few weeks and would lunge at anyone who came near me – including my other Conure. Any hopes of an immediate friendship between my two girls were quickly dashed. But I’m hopeful that within time they may become friends. For now, each Conure has time out with me alone and they at least have each other’s company from their side-by-side cages whilst I’m out at work.
Having initially taken Rani on a temporary basis, I’m delighted to say that I too am a failed Safehouse. Just before Christmas 2017 I applied to foster her permanently. Taking on a rescue is so rewarding. Any time and effort I have spent has been paid back to me tenfold with the love and trust she has shown me. I’m so grateful to the Birdline team for allowing me to care for such a special little parrot.
I’ve also become part of the Birdline Community and the support and advice given to me by the Rehoming Team has been invaluable. Having seen the wonderful work that Birdline does, I decided I too would like to help the charity and recently started volunteering for Birdline. I often take Rani to Birdline events with me, (when she can be persuaded to wear her harness). The other volunteers find it funny when she sits on top of my head, like a fascinator. Rani’s name means Queen and this little diva certainly rules my heart and home. I look forward to helping many other parrots find their own chance of a second forever home.
Update: November 2023
Rani has been in her current foster home for 6 years now, and she has really blossomed. From a shy scared bird she has turned into an independent sociable little lady. She loves visitors, especially male ones, she is a bit of a flirt you see! Rani loves to go out and about in her harness and meet and greet people, and to sit outside in the aviary and feel the wind in her feathers and the sun on her beak. She has to have a beak trim approximately every two months, to remove the excess growth and to keep it in shape, but she takes this in her stride as she is very used to having it done. She is much loved and is a very loving little bird. If she could say more words then “good girl”, “vegetable” and “hey kiddo”, she would thank you for your support of Birdline and for providing the means, to keep her healthy and happy. If you would like to help pay for Rani’s vet bills, you can find her on the Sponsor a Bird page.