Hi! My name is Pira, and I’m a handsome male Bare-eyed Cockatoo. 🦜

Help Dora, the African Grey Parrot, Heal and Find a Forever Home

At Birdline Parrot Rescue, we believe every bird deserves a second chance. Unfortunately, some of the beautiful creatures we take in arrive in heartbreaking conditions.

Dora’s Story

Dora came to us after being surrendered by her previous owner, and it was immediately clear that she had been through a very tough time. When Dora arrived, she was housed in a dog crate—hardly a suitable environment for any bird, let alone one as intelligent and sensitive as an African Grey. But Dora’s troubles didn’t stop there.

Severely plucked and with a painful, untreated wound at the base of her tail, Dora’s physical condition was alarming. This wound had clearly been left untreated for some time, causing her significant pain and discomfort. It’s likely that her feather-plucking is a result of prolonged stress, neglect, or even boredom, as she had no toys or perches to engage with in her makeshift “home.”

The Road to Recovery

Dora’s journey to recovery will be long, but with your support, it is absolutely possible. First and foremost, Dora needs urgent veterinary care. The wound at the base of her tail must be treated to prevent infection and to help her heal. Alongside this, she’ll need a comprehensive health check to address any other potential issues that may have arisen due to her previous neglect.

Veterinary care for Dora is likely to cost several hundred pounds. This includes not only the treatment of her wound but also follow-up visits, medications, and any additional procedures that may be required to ensure she regains her health.

However, Dora’s needs go beyond medical treatment. She requires a proper cage that will provide her with the space and comfort she deserves. Her current living situation—a dog crate—is far from ideal and must be replaced with a suitable parrot cage that allows her to spread her wings and feel safe.

We also want to provide Dora with new perches, toys, and enrichment activities. African Greys are highly intelligent birds that thrive on mental stimulation, and we’re committed to ensuring Dora has everything she needs to stay engaged, happy, and healthy as she recovers.

How You Can Help

We’re reaching out to our wonderful community of supporters to ask for help in funding Dora’s care. Your donation, no matter how small, will make a significant difference in Dora’s life. Here’s how your contributions can help:

– £10 could buy Dora a new toy to keep her mind active and engaged.
– £25 could contribute towards the cost of a new perch, giving Dora a comfortable place to rest.
– £50 could help cover the cost of Dora’s ongoing veterinary care.
– £100 could go towards purchasing a new, spacious cage that Dora can finally call home.

Every penny raised will go directly towards Dora’s recovery and future well-being. We are determined to see her thrive, and with your support, we know she can.

Spread the Word

If you’re unable to donate, you can still help Dora by spreading the word. Share her story with your friends, family, and on social media. The more people who know about Dora, the closer we get to reaching our goal and giving her the life she deserves.

Thank you for taking the time to read Dora’s story. Together, we can make a real difference in her life and show her the love and care she has been missing. Let’s give Dora the fresh start she so desperately needs.

Donate today and help Dora on her journey to recovery and happiness.

Help Jaffa the Green-Winged Macaw Thrive in His New Home!

Allow me to introduce myself – I am Jaffa, the most charming Green-Winged Macaw you’ll ever have the pleasure of meeting. My journey has been a tumultuous one…

Fortunately, I was rescued from dire circumstances, by a lovely lady and I found solace and love within the embrace of her family for the past 15 years. Despite the trials I’ve faced, my spirit remains unbroken. However, the scars of my past haunt me still. The trauma I endured led me to pluck my feathers, and alas, the damage is irreparable. They will never grow back, a constant reminder of the pain I once endured.

Now, due to health issues within my beloved family, the time has sadly come for me to find a new home where I can continue to be cherished and cared for as I deserve. But fret not, for I am determined to embark on this new chapter with courage and grace, and that’s where your kindness comes into play. To ensure a smooth transition into my new abode, I require your assistance. We aim to provide me with a new cage, filled with all the comforts and enrichments necessary for me to thrive. This includes sturdy perches for me to roost on and an array of toys to keep my inquisitive mind and beak engaged and entertained.

These essentials come at a cost. A suitable cage alone can amount to at least £600, and we estimate an additional £400 a UV lamp, perches and toys to create a healthy and stimulating environment for me. Furthermore, before I embark on my new journey, a thorough vet assessment is imperative, with a price tag of at least £120. I understand that times may be challenging for many, but any contribution, no matter how small, will make a world of difference to me as I venture forth into this new chapter of my life. Your support will not only provide for my immediate needs but also offer me the opportunity for a future filled with happiness and fulfilment.

From the depths of my heart, I thank you for considering aiding me on this journey. Together, let us ensure that the road ahead is paved with love, comfort, and endless opportunities for joy.

With boundless gratitude,

Jaffa

We are incredibly grateful to animal lovers Jane Fallon and Ricky Gervais for supporting our campaign for Jaffa. Everyone who enters the competition will be added to a prize draw to win either a signed photograph of Ricky or a signed copy of Jane’s latest book “Over Sharing”.  A computer-generated draw of the two winners will take place at the beginning of May 2024. 

Jaffa and Birdline are thankful for their support and yours. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5th May 2020

 

In 2018 Bubble and Squeak laid a clutch of eggs and were proudly and carefully parenting their offspring, when a dog attacked and killed their chicks. This was shortly followed by their owner becoming seriously ill and no longer able to care for them. Sadly, Bubble & Squeak were unwanted by the owner’s immediate family members and instead of receiving the love and comfort they so desperately needed to help with their grief, they were cast aside. In 2019 the pair were rehomed by a young teenager and her grandparents, however they quickly realised that Bubble & Squeak would need greater care than first anticipated and handed the birds over to Birdline Parrot Rescue.

Previously, the pair were housed in a very small cage, and due to not being cleaned out regularly, and no access to have a bath, they became very dusty and are now suffering with breathing issues. Due to their poor diet, and particularly not having been provided with fruit or vegetables for a long period of time they are both very underweight and undernourished. When they were collected from Birdline their health was in a critical state and the inevitable handling during the move nearly scared the pair to death.

Bubble, the female, has suffered more so than Squeak. She was extremely malnourished, presenting a prominent keel bone (breastbone) as well as being calcium deficient which resulted in her having seizures – the longest being over 10 minutes. Bubble was initially nebulised four times a day due to her breathing issues, but this has now reduced to twice a day. Both birds pluck their feathers as a consequence of their poor diet, health, stress and grief.

This sweet pair are currently under the watchful eye of our avian expert and housed with one of our safe houses, who is nursing them back to health. Their safe house mum has spent many nights sleeping on the sofa next to their cage as she was afraid they wouldn’t make it through till morning. To start with the pair had to stay in a small cage, as Bubble was at risk of falling and hurting herself but as they have put on weight and got stronger, they have been able to move into a larger cage. Birdline has lent Bubble & Squeak a “hospital cage” whilst they recover, and bought them toys, perches and an Avian Lamp to assist the absorption of much needed calcium. They are both receiving vitamin and calcium additives in their water and are being fed pellets, fresh fruit and vegetables every day, which they love!!

Bubble & Squeak are both really active now and love to swing and play with their toys. Squeak is still quite nervous, but he will say ‘Hello’ and whistle. However, they do not wish to be handled and now the warmer weather is coming, they would love to go outside into an aviary, so they can safely play, exercise and fly, without being disturbed by humans. Squeak in particular is still very shy and scared of humans.

Why Bubble & Squeak need your help?

Bubble and Squeak have complex medical needs and will continue to need further medical attention in the future as they continue to recover and regain their health. Because of the risk of moving them, both to their mental and physical health, their safe house has agreed to keep them. We therefore need to acquire a lovely safe secure aviary for them, along with perches, ropes, swings and toys to fill it. To give Bubble & Squeak the enriched life they’ve been deprived of for so long we need your support.

Please help us to raise £5000 to cover

• Aviary for Bubble, Squeak and some of Birdline’s other special needs birds – £3500
• Toys, perches, ropes and equipment – £500
• Vet Bills – £1200

How you can help Bubble & Squeak?

• Share Bubble & Squeak’s story on social media.
• Donate equipment, toys or food to Birdline.
• If you can afford to, please give to the Bubble & Squeak fund – if everyone on Birdline’s social media channels just gave £1 we’d have enough to purchase their aviary.

In return, we promise to keep you updated with their progress by posting updates on Birdline’s website and social media channels. In addition, every person that donates will get a shout out across our socials (if you wish to be named).

 

Bubble, Squeak and the Birdline team thank you for your support.

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UPDATE – 23rd June 2020

Birdline would like to take this opportunity to thank you once again for your support of the Bubble and Squeak campaign. Due very much to everyone who donated, Bubble and Squeak can feel the lovely spring sun on their wings for the first time in a long time. Your generosity, particularly at this difficult time is so very much appreciated.

Whilst we have not reached our target of £5000 which will provide a large aviary with indoor space for the winter, the money raised has provided a strong basis for our funding of this project. However, we still need more, so if you can, please do donate to help build Bubble and Squeak’s forever home.

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UPDATE – 1oth July 2020

Over the past weeks and months, the neglected African Grey parrots Bubble and Squeak have stolen the hearts and minds of their safehouse mum, Birdline’s volunteers and members. Therefore, it came as a devastating blow to discover that Squeak sadly passed away in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Below is a message from Squeak’s Safehouse mum.

Squeak will be hugely missed here. I am still in shock and utterly devastated. He came so far and his life has been cut far too short through previous human error. The whole flock can sense the loss here. It is simply not fair.

Although Squeak was never hand tame, he was such a cheeky character and would always growl at me when cleaning his indoor cage. Over time we gained a mutual respect and he didn’t feel as threatened by my presence. He began to understand that anything I did was positive and he would whistle at me and say ‘Oh Hello’. He had this walk with a bounce to it. At feed time he would ‘bounce walk’ from one end of the aviary to the other. Usually, he would lead the way and Bubble would follow, but he would let Bubble eat first.

I didn’t mind not being able to handle him as I was blessed with the huge pleasure of listening and watching them interact, play, preen, love and cuddle each other. They would whistle most of the day and it was fantastic to sit outside and just watch them playing, swinging, bobbing and sunning themselves in their new aviary. I would whistle to them and they had their own whistle back to me, they would also do this to each other. Squeak loved his new found freedom in the aviary. He loved to fly and deserved more time than he got.

Bubble is obviously heartbroken at the loss of her chosen life partner. She had some time to grieve for Squeak and understands that he is no longer here.

She has such a huge loss to cope with yet again in her life. I feel so deeply sorry for her. We have decided that it is in her best interest to come back in the house for the time being, so she can have some extra support, extra walnut treats (which are her favourite) and not be on her own at the moment. In time, we hope she will accept a new friend, so she has the company she needs. If and when she is ready, we will move her back into the aviary, so she can live out her remaining years in peace and quiet, with the sun to warm her feathers, and light breeze to ruffle them.

The other birds, have been rallying around, here you can see her interacting with her neighbour for comfort. He sat with Bubble whilst preparations were made for her to come back inside. I am amazed at the support the other birds have shown Bubble, they clearly know and understand what has happened too. I hope they will be of comfort to her through her grieving process.

Unfortunately, the only positive we have in this situation is that we did rescue Bubble and Squeak from a bad situation and an awful past. In the short time he has been with Birdline he was given the chance to have treatment, gain weight with fresh fruit, veg, pellets, treats, toy’s as well as experience a bigger environment, feel the sun on his back, experience freedom and fly!

Squeak is not the first, nor will he be the last bird that we take in that has been subject to a poor diet and below basic living conditions leading to a premature passing. This amazing boy deserved so much more.

 

 

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Donors

With thanks to everyone who has supported the Bubble and Squeak campaign, including

• Claire Longworth
• Stephanie Watson
• Jean B
• Danny and Emma Pederick
• Trudie McDonald
• Michelle Widger
• David Morphew
• Ros Bolton
• Alisun
• Sarah Rigby
• Jem
• Nick (Quark) Vincent
• E Lawrence
• Jon S.
• Matt McArdle

Kuku has long term problems caused by the trauma she suffered early in life. The family she originally came from were not deliberately cruel, but they didn’t know how to provide this exotic flock creature the lifestyle needed to keep her healthy and happy. She came to Birdline when they finally realised, she deserved a better life then they could offer. Sadly, dozens of birds like Kuku are admitted into Birdline every year.

Kuku came from a loving family home. However, she was left alone for long periods of time because her family worked long hours.

This is such an alien lifestyle for a sociable flock creature that Kuku became very stressed and lonely and began to self-harm. She plucked and plucked at her feathers until she damaged the feather follicles, then she started on her skin and mutilated that too.

When she first came into Birdline she was rushed to the emergency vet more than once as her health was so poor. Even now that Kuku is in a better environment, the plucking habit remains and she has to wear a collar to stop her reaching her feathers. The collar is removed daily under supervision to give her respite from it.  She still needs regular vet check-ups to make sure she is a healthy weight and remains well.

Kuku is doing much better now; she is settled in a new foster home. She really enjoys spending time with her humans and especially loves singing and dancing and cuddle time with her favourite person. However, she will need regular vet check-ups for the foreseeable future to make sure she is a healthy weight and remains well.

2021 Update

 

Kuku has sadly faced yet more health challenges, related to her reproductive system. She experienced two instances of being egg-bound, a condition where she couldn’t lay her eggs naturally, posing a severe threat to her life. In a desperate bid to save her, we had to resort to a surgical procedure to remove the eggs externally through her skin. Fortunately, with dedicated care and unwavering attention Kuku has made an impressive recovery. We are delighted to share that she is now in excellent health and has successfully discontinued all medications apart from her annual hormone implant, to stop her producing further eggs. However, it’s important to note that this episode incurred significant medical expenses for Birdline as we spared no effort to ensure her well-being.

Hello, my name is Sammy, a beautiful Timneh Grey parrot around 40 years old but with the spirit of a 10-year-old. When I arrived at my new home, I was already unwell. Despite my mum, dad, and Mr. Vet trying hard to help, my illness remains a mystery.

I have a persistent belly problem causing very bad and smelly poos, which isn’t normal for a parrot. I’ve undergone numerous tests, but the cause of my illness is still unclear, and I need more vet visits.

So far, I’ve had two procedures under anaesthesia, four rounds of medication, and several tests on my poo and blood. Despite my treatments, my belly still hurts, and my care is ongoing.

Due to the high costs of these treatments, I’m asking for your help. If you can, please consider donating towards my vet bills so I can get better. Thank you for reading my story.

With gratitude,
Sammy

 

 

 

 

Hi my name is Rosie and I am a very beautiful female Eclectus, yes beautiful that’s what my mummy calls me. She says I am a gorgeous birdie who likes to sit on people’s shoulders and hang out, whilst snuggling into your neck. I particularly like making myself at home in long hair.

Eclectus parrots originate from the Solomon Islands in Australasia. They are one of the few sexually dimorphic parrot species – with the males having green plumage and the females red, Rosie is a very sweet girl and enjoys nothing better than hanging out with her favourite human, 16-year-old Ella, and best parrot buddy – an Alexandrian Parakeet called Lottie.

Rosie Likes…

• Saying Hello
• Hugs and Kisses
• Playing Hide and Seek
• Going in the caravan
• Playing with balls of newspaper
• Watching the Minions
• Singing and dancing to K-Pop
• Hanging out with her besties

 

 Rosie dislikes…

• When Ella leaves her to go to school
• Going to bed!

 

Why Rosie needs your help

My human’s and I are looking for a little bit of help with some of my vets’ bills. You see I have what the vet calls scissor beak and I need to visit him every six weeks or so. He gives me some magic gas that makes me sleepy so he can trim it. My beak gets very long very quickly and does not meet where it should. So, the vet works his magic and I can eat better again for a few weeks. Sometimes my mummy has to make mushy food and hand feed me, which I don’t mind but, I’d like to get on and feed myself like my other feathered friends.

If you think you would be able to help with some of the costs, we would be very grateful thank you so much.

Peeko came to Birdline with a broken leg. His previous owner had taken him to a vet who told her there was nothing that could be done for him and advised putting Peeko to sleep. This is just one example of why it is essential that you always take your parrot to a specialist Avian vet. Peeko’s first mum couldn’t accept that an otherwise healthy bird should be put to sleep and so she contacted Birdline asking for our help. One of our volunteers collected him and drove him from the North of England to London, to visit C.J. Hall vets.

An x-ray showed us that the bone had overlapped to such an extent that it had become foreshortened and he would never be able to use it properly if it was left to heal that way. The vet recommended surgery to break and pin the leg – using a pin less than 1 mm in diameter. He was kept in for several days to monitor for healing and infection, before going back to safehouse Mum for rest and recuperation.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t all plain sailing, the leg had swollen so much and stretched the skin to the point that it died off, leaving a constricting band of dead tissue around her leg. She had to have antibiotics and pain killers for two weeks as well as F10 ointment to keep her skin supple and clean. She was such a good girl, but he really hated being confined to a hospital cage the majority of the time.

Fortunately, in time Peeko healed well. She is now living in a new home with a little Conure friend called Batman who she loves dearly. Her original mum keeps in touch and we give her updates as to how she’s getting on.

Peeko’s surgery and follow ups cost Birdline over £1000. Vet bills account for over 50% of Birdline’s outgoings. If you donate to Peeko’s fund, you will help other birds get the surgery they desperately need too.

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Update: 2022

Unfortunately, Peeko passed away in 2022. Her foster family are devastated that their loving girl is no longer there to greet them every morning. But she was able to have several happy years of life with Birdline after her broken leg was mended – and that new lease of life was of course priceless.

This is Ziggy He was handed into Birdline as he has a dislike of men and attacks them. He also has seizures which have gotten worse over time and he now has to be medicated four times a day, for the rest of his life. Would you like to help put the bounce back in this cutie and help with his ongoing medical costs?

Ziggy’s seizures vary in severity as does the recovery time which can take anywhere from a minute to 3 months. When he is bad, he is unable to undertake normal birdie activities, hence the beak can over grow slightly. When he is ‘recovered’ chewing commences and his beak wears back down. The vet keeps an eye on this but prefers not to intervene, unless Ziggy gets to the point where he cannot preen or eat.

Ziggy is fortunate enough to live with a wonderful foster mum who he loves lots and lots. His foster Dad has to mind his Ps and Qs though as Ziggy can be very aggressive towards men. Although he does let his Dad give him his medication though – he’s such a good boy really! Please consider contributing towards Ziggy’s vet care. In return he will promise not to attack his Foster Dad too often…

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Update: Dec 2022

Unfortunately, Ziggy had a seizure which he didn’t recover from in December 2022. His Foster mum and all who knew and loved Ziggy are devastated. We’d like to thank everyone who has helped to support his vet care over the last few years, you helped to make his time on this earth more comfortable. Thank you.

 

Rani was sadly handed into Birdline in 2017 when her owner’s decline in health meant she was no longer able to look after her. She is a feisty little lady, whose name means Queen, and she really does live up to expectations, being imperious at times! She has really blossomed whilst living with her new foster mummy. However, she does have some long-term health problems and needs your support.

Rani is a tiny green cheek conure, but what she is missing in stature, she makes up for in personality. It is not polite to ask an old lady her age, but we have it on good authority she’s now in her twenties.

Unfortunately, Rani came to Birdline with severe health problems. She has a deformity of the beak, known as scissor beak, which is a misalignment of the upper and lower beaks. Damage to the growth plate means that her upper beak is also badly scarred and regularly breaks. These problems were more than likely caused by an injury to the beak at a young age. The deformity means that without proper vet care Rani’s beak can become overgrown.

When Rani came into Birdline she was struggling to eat and severely malnourished – weighing in at only 46g (typical weight for a Green Cheek Conure is 60-80g). Her poor body condition led to a lowered immune system and she also had a nasty bacterial infection which required several doses of anti-fungal and antibiotics. Rani was also in significant pain and would scream and scream, especially when trying to pass droppings.

She really was quite poorly and traumatised and all she wanted to do was cling to her foster mum and snuggle. After several visits to the vet, it was decided that it was necessary to give her an x-ray under anaesthetic to ensure she wasn’t egg bound. This was not a decision to be taken lightly, especially considering her overall poor health.

Fortunately, she came through fine and it was determined that egg laying in poor condition caused soft tissue damage. With pain killers, better nutrition, vitamin supplements and time she has recovered. However, considering her tiny stature there is a risk that the same thing could happen again in the future.

Nearly two years later Rani’s feather condition and general health is much improved and she is now an inquisitive adventurous cheeky conure. She doesn’t let her beak problems stop her from doing anything – in fact please don’t tell her she’s a special needs bird. She doesn’t realise that she is disabled you see. You may even occasionally see Rani at Birdline events, she likes to go out and meet people, even if it does mean she has to put up with wearing a harness

The cost of Rani’s care to date has come to over £1000 and she will continue to need bi-monthly visits to trim her beak. She is a real trooper and takes these visits in her stride. Please could you help keep Rani’s beak in shape, so she can happily munch her way through her favourite food?

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 regularly to remove the excess growth and to keep it in shape. 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.

Monty, a one-year-old bird, was surrendered to Birdline due to exhibiting mutilating behaviour and aggression. A visit to an avian vet revealed that Monty was suffering from arthritis in his feet, prompting him to harm himself in an attempt to alleviate the pain. Now, Monty is on lifelong painkillers and frequently experiences relapses.

Managing Monty’s condition involves regular vet visits for medication reviews and an annual anaesthesia-administered blood test to ensure the well-being of his internal organs. During episodes of mutilation, his devoted Foster Mum, must keep a constant watch to prevent him from bleeding out. The toll on her includes worry, sleepless nights, and the heart-wrenching experience of witnessing Monty in pain—an emotional burden that cannot be adequately repaid.

To support Monty and his dedicated caregiver, we can contribute to covering the substantial vet bills. The concern for Monty’s health is an ongoing challenge, making any assistance greatly appreciated. Despite the worry and sleepless nights, Monty’s mom selflessly cares for him, and our support can make a meaningful difference.

If you wish to make Monty’s birthday special, his birthdate is 02/07/2016. Sending a gift through the head office would bring joy to Monty, especially items that engage him and distract him from his pain, such as things he can chew on. Your thoughtful gesture would be a source of comfort and relief for both Monty and his caregiver.

Warning: The images below are somewhat distressing but part of life for Monty. The first photo shows his feet in bandages and the second without…

 

 

 

 

 

 

Update: November 2023

In 2019, Monty faced a significant health challenge when his toe dislocated due to arthritis, bending unnaturally and initiating a distressing cycle of self-mutilation across all his toes. Following consultations with an avian vet, the decision was made to amputate the dislocated toe.

The surgery, performed on 07/10/2019, lasted 30 minutes, and fortunately, Monty emerged successfully. Displaying his mischievous Grey personality, Monty’s attempts to remove his bandage prompted an early return home under the dedicated care of his Fosterer. It became clear that familiar surroundings and attentive care were crucial for his well-being.

The post-surgery phase demanded vigilant attention, with the Fosterer overseeing regular bandage changes and providing day-and-night supervision. Sleepless nights and constant stress were a testament to her unwavering commitment. Many evenings were spent with Monty nestled on her chest, offering comfort and distraction from the discomfort in his feet. To manage pain, Monty was prescribed high-strength painkillers.

Interestingly, the cycle of mutilation which initiated with the amputated toe, abated after he had recovered from the surgery. Once the healing process concluded, he gradually phased out medication. While the spectre of ongoing arthritis looms, causing potential future surgeries and reliance on painkillers, since 2019, Monty has enjoyed a pain-free existence, no longer succumbing to self-mutilation.

The vet, acknowledging the challenges ahead, expressed doubts about Monty’s longevity due to worsening arthritis. Nevertheless, Monty’s Fosterer remains resolute in providing the necessary care, providing hope for a pain-free life for however long Monty graces the world.

Monty, embodying resilience and spirit, now revels in his freedom to soar around the bird-room, occasionally creating chaos in the home with his insatiable curiosity. His playful escapades, including flying to the hallway and evading capture by flying upstairs, showcase the lively and mischievous character that defines Monty. Despite being the naughtiest bird in the Fosterer’s home, Monty’s antics reflect the joy and love he receives.

Heartfelt thanks are extended to all who generously donated and supported Monty’s treatment, contributing to his journey towards recovery and happiness.

Hi, my name is Mac. When I arrived in Birdline I was not in the best of health and looked very scruffy with an overgrown beak and claws.  Since I’ve had them trimed I can eat much easier and preen my feathers again.

Sadly, I don’t have a cage to call my own. My safehouse will provide me with a temporary cage and toys but if you can help me purchase a cage which will be mine forever. Or maybe even buy me a toy or two to decorate it with. I’ll be grateful and show my appreciation by destroying them real fast.

Unfortunately, Mac is unable to fly. But this does mean he can go outside without a harness as he can’t escape or get lost. He loves playing on the swing in the garden with his best bird friend Zeus.

** Update ** My wonderful safehouse has purchased me a new cage. Since my beak and nails have been done, and my diet has improved, I am doing so much better. My feathers are lovely and shiny and in really good condition now. Aren’t I handsome? Love Mac

Mac Likes…

• To be outside in the sun
• Dancing to music
• Making a mess eating berries
• Cracking walnuts open
• Destroying boxes and shredding paper
• Singing Ba Ba Blacksheep

Mac dislikes…

• His foster Dad
• The T.V.

Meet Andy, a feathered friend who embarked on a challenging journey to better health and happiness.

When Andy first came into Birdline he was overweight. After having blood tests, it revealed Andy had a fatty liver, and high Cholesterol and was put on two different medications. Enalapril, a medication commonly used for high blood pressure and heart failure, and L-carnitine, an amino acid often used as a weight loss supplement.

Despite his foster parent’s best efforts to provide him with a healthy diet, Andy continued to face weight control issues and mysterious ‘funny turns’ that resembled strokes. The veterinarians suggested that these issues could be linked to his diet, proposing that healthier feeding habits might resolve the problems. However, Andy had always been treated to the best, with no unhealthy indulgences, making it clear that the root cause was yet to be identified.

 

2023 update

Little did we know that the key to Andy’s well-being would lie in uncovering an underlying a further medical condition. In a breakthrough earlier this year, one vet hypothesized that Andy might be facing a thyroid problem. The introduction of a medication called Thyforon marked a turning point in Andy’s health journey. The positive effects were not long in coming, as Andy experienced a dramatic improvement in his overall well-being. Not only did he shed the excess weight he had been carrying, but he also gained a newfound energy and vitality. No longer trudging around or moving at a slow pace, he embraced a new lease of life. The once sedentary bird became much more active and quicker in his movements, showcasing the positive impact of addressing the underlying thyroid issue.

As Andy’s weight continued to decrease, regular check-ups with the veterinarians became crucial. The dosage of his medications had to be carefully adjusted to suit his changing health status. This ongoing monitoring ensured that Andy’s treatment plan evolved with his improving health. Today, Andy stands as a testament to the power of accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment.  He is now a much healthier and happier bird and he continues to thrive as a cherished member of his foster family, Andy’s story serves as an inspiration for pet owners facing similar health mysteries in their beloved companions.

Andy will require expensive blood tests and thyroid medication for the rest of his life. He is not insured (due to existing condition clauses). Please sponsor Andy to ensure he continues to thrive. Without your help, birds like Andy would struggle to find a forever home.

 

Hi my name is DiDi. I’m about 20 years old and I am a female umbrella cockatoo. I am utterly adorable and my mum’s magic snuggler. We are both disabled you see… If you would like to sponsor me that would be lovely and would help me live my best life.

I can’t walk or fly, and I have a brain lesion which gives me the shakes. I also have regular prolapses, which my mum deals with, or if they are bad, we go to the vet. That all suits my mum just fine, as she has trouble walking and is ill too, so we sit on the sofa and binge Netflix together.

I love shredding Argos catalogues and boxes, and my mum tucks me down her front to take me around the house. I say “hello” a lot, but it means a hundred different things. I also tell you I’m a gorgeous girl when I want a cuddle, irresistible!

I don’t need much; I do love shredding toys though. I need the vet once a year for blood tests or if I have a bad prolapse and have Metacam and Phenobarbital daily. I’m a good girl and take my medicine with no trouble at all.

Darcy is an adorable Ducorps cockatoo who loves to dance. She was named after the ballerina and Strictly judge, Darcy Bussel. She does indeed look like a ballerina, as her wing feathers look like a glorious tutu. However, she has severe medical and behavioural needs and needs close monitoring and supervision…

Sadly, Darcy suffered severe zinc poisoning prior to coming to Birdline and she had to be hospitalised. She is also severely plucked across her back and front, and does not have enough flight feathers to fly, which in turn affects her confidence and behaviour. She has been known to self-mutilate and has opened gaping wounds under her wings. She can be moody and will fly at people and bite for no discernible reason, then the next day she will be all kisses and cuddles.

Darcy needs ongoing treatment, including medication and bi-annual vet visits and blood checks. She has not mutilated or pulled blood feathers since 2017 so she is doing well under her current health care regime.

Hi Everyone, Now that I have been with my safe house mum for a few months, it’s time to introduce myself. My name is Alfie, and I’m about 35 years old – so still a spring chicken! Unfortunately, I have some ongoing health problems and am having to spend a lot of time at the vets, all of which Birdline is kindly paying for as I wasn’t insured when my condition started.

I had a very large calcium deposit, called a rhinolith in my right nostril, this grew and grew and started to erode through my tissue and bone into the infraorbital sinus. As this was left untreated it turned into a chronic condition called Rhinolithiasis. Even now the rhinolith has been removed by my super-duper avian vet, my nostrils still get infected and full of puss and debris. This means, I have had to have repeated procedures to clear my sinus cavities and multiple courses of antibiotics to help the infections go away. Mum says I am a good baby, as I take my prescribed meds easily,

According to my safehouse mum the gunk in my nostrils smells really yucky when its infected, and she has to clean them out every other day. I REALLY don’t like this and sometimes I try and bite my safehouse mum, to stop her from doing it, but I know she is only trying to make me better, so I give her lots of kisses afterwards.

To help with my breathing and prevent my nostrils getting too blocked, my safehouse mum nebulises me several times a week. But this is way better then when I first came to her and was being nebulised four times a day. She also takes me into the bathroom with her when she has a shower. I perch on a towel rail with a baby mat underneath in case I fall. The humidity really helps – but I just love it because I get one-to-one time with Mum.

Due to being so poorly I am severely underweight. Although I’ve put on over 40g since coming here, I’ve still got very little fat coverage on my keel bone. Mum worries that if I fall, I could easily do serious damage to myself. As I’m super clumsy, don’t have much bone and muscle strength and lose my balance really easily, this makes her worry even more. I’m not strong enough to fly, but mum holds me up and does zoomies so I can flap my wings and feel like I’m flying! I also love it when Mum takes me outside in my harness so I can feel the wind and sun on my feathers.

I still have a long journey ahead of me; with many more vets visits (and bills) in my future. But I can do it! I love getting up to mischief, getting lots of attention and cuddles. I do get my way a lot hee hee as I am really really handsome, with big Bambi eyes and mum is a sucker for ‘that look’ .

Sadly as this is a pre-existing problem I am not covered on insurance. I do understand that times are hard for everyone currently, So can you please check down the back of the sofa for some spare change, or almonds to help pay for my surgeries, ongoing check-ups, meds and all the extras I need so I can breathe properly again and live a full and active life?

Thanks Alfie xxx

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UPDATE: NOVEMBER 2021

It is with great sadness we have to let you know that poor Alfie has lost his battle, after suffering yet another bout of pneumonia. He was rushed to the vet with breathing difficulties and despite having some heavy-duty antibiotics, he didn’t have the strength to fight the infection. His mum and another volunteer tried their best to pull him through but his little body couldn’t fight anymore. His mum stayed up Friday night with him. He was surrounded by love and cuddles.

His mum says things will never be the same, this morning was surreal, chopping fruit and veg without talking to Alfie and him calling her fat and saying he is a good boy just broke her. Alfie’s birdy neighbour is confused and has been looking for him. Alfie was very special, having special needs meant he required more, it was like having a baby and packing up everything he may need when his mum would take him with her if she had a night or two away. he came in the shower room for humidity when she showered, he couldn’t fly so she held him up as if he were flying. Little trips in the garden for vit d in the nice weather. He was such a cuddly bird and she will miss him dearly.

We would like to thank everyone who prayed for Alfie and donated for his care.

 

Hi I’m an adventurous little budgie with a mysterious past. I was found in the BBC Garden in White City, London, in August 2021. I was exhausted and very hungry. The kind man who found me called Birdline, who collected me and tried to find my owner. Despite placing adverts in lots of places, my owner still hasn’t been found. A few days after being rescued, I fell off my swing and ended up at the bottom of the cage, unable to put weight on one of my legs.

The lady who is looking after me, took me to the avian vet, who took an x-ray, and confirmed a break which was so far down towards my foot that it was impossible to pin. Whist under anesthetic he gave me a splint and bandage. As the break damaged the tissue under the skin on my leg, I have to have antibiotics and painkillers every day. I DO NOT LIKE THIS and squeak my objection LOUDLY.

Hi, my name is Ken but I call myself Ken Ken. My partner, Amber and I came into Birdline in early November 2021. Our Dad loved us but was unable to care for us anymore due to health issues. Unfortunately, we have health issues too, especially Amber.  I love my girlfriend very much and could not imagine my life without her.  All I want is Amber safe and well and by my side for many years to come. Can you please help me care for my girlfriend because sadly I can’t do it all by myself. 

Unfortunately, ‘old school’ methods meant that our cage and diet was not adequate for us, we were given mite treatment in the wrong quantity resulting in feather loss, we were lacking in vitamins as you can see from my feather colouring, Amber is suffering with breathing issues and has a problem with one of her wings. Luckily now, we have Birdline and with our safehouse mum they are going to help get us better again. 

Here we are after having just arrived at our safehouse, we are in a travel cage whilst our safehouse mum sets up a spare cage for us as ours was far too small and not suitable for parrots. We also sent her out to buy us some toys and big perches so that we could share and sit together.

On our first night it became apparent that my girlfriend Amber had this clicking noise when she was breathing and she wasn’t holding her wing normally. The humans decided that she needed nebulising right away to help open her airways until they could get her an appointment at the vets.

Amber isn’t very tame and she was already quite stressed and exhausted after moving home, so it was a few days before it was safe enough to move her again for the trip to the vets. Amber and her safehouse mum stayed the night at another Birdline member’s home so that they could both rest before returning home again as the drive was quite far.  As you can see the whole experience was very tiring.  Amber was prescribed medication- much to her disgust! Pain relief for her wing and antibiotics twice a day. Our vet was surprised we were not suffering seizures with previous incorrect dosage of mite treatment. Due to Amber’s breathing, it was deemed unsafe to put her under anaesthetic. We had to get her more stable before she would be considered for this. Our safehouse also sent faecal samples off for testing, which came back clear.

Our safehouse was advised to nebulise us as often as she can, she has had a humidifier running with F10 and takes us in the shower room to give us the best chance of getting Amber prepped for an anaesthetic. Here you can see here how Amber isn’t holding her wing normally. Although Amber is not hand tame, she will tolerate being a good ba ba birdy (I suffer with a stutter when I talk) and perches with me whilst in the shower room. This will help her breathing and both of our feather conditions. There is also a crash mat underneath just in case she slips. Amber is getting used to the routine and sits beautifully whilst having a nice chill in the shower room.

 

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Update 30th / 31st December 2021

Well Amber has an appointment booked for today because her breathing still isn’t right. We have had to stop medications in order to gain accurate test results.  I will be going too for support and we will be staying over again locally to the vet for her 9 am appointment. Amber will be going under anaesthetic to have blood tests and x-ray’s on her wing. We hope to establish what’s going on and work out a treatment plan for her.

 

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Update: 31/12/21

Amber pulled through the anaesthetic and is back home with me. I couldn’t be more thrilled as I have been looking for my ba ba birdy all day whilst she was at the vets.

The results of Amber’s x-ray shows that she has thoracic air sacs. This means there are shadows in the upper front of her air sacs which in the ba ba birdy world, means she unfortunately has Aspergillus and will now need expensive medication to help her survive this condition.

The x-ray also showed that she has a granuloma covering the liver and kidney area. Bloods were also taken and we are awaiting results. The injury causing Amber’s wing to drop is an old injury with no breaks or fractures. This has probably been caused by trauma and arthritis. Ambers medication alone will cost over £600.00 and her vet bill today was £477.83 Amber really needs our help to give her the care she needs. Please donate to help my ba ba birdy. Love Ken Ken.

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Update: July 2022. Poor Amber

Not one but two emergency out of hours vet visits. Poor Amber was rushed off to the vets on Saturday 2nd July with suspected egg binding after her safehouse saw her looking lethargic, squinting her eyes and generally not being herself. Amber was placed in her travel cage and on oxygen whilst phone calls were made for an appointment. Sadly, on a Saturday afternoon qualified avian vets are exceptionally difficult to source, but we managed to obtain an appointment 40 mins away.  Amber travelled well and received oxygen throughout the journey. Once at the vets, her safehouse asked the receptionist to place Amber on oxygen whilst waiting for the vet.

The vet could hear the damage from the aspergillosis and a possible heart murmur, but could not feel an egg initially. X-Rays did confirm there was a soft egg, however it was quite high up in her pelvis. Amber was now getting very tired and looking drained. The vet could feel the egg, and was able to deflate and draw 5.5ml of fluid from the egg. Amber was then given inter-muscle calcium which also contained glucose and within 10 minutes Amber was perking up. The relief on Amber’s face said it all as she was no longer struggling with the pressure from the soft egg and the inability to push it through her pelvis. The vet was happy for Amber to return home with painkillers and antibiotics. The hurdle was now getting Amber through the next few hours and then through the night. The vets remained on stand-by should Amber decline in any way. Her safehouse mum stayed by her side on the floor all night, with Amber in her travel cage on the chair next to Ken Ken. Amber declined food, even her favourite and just wanted to rest for the evening. After a very long night and reaching morning Amber started eating and drinking. At 10.15am Amber had managed to pass the remainder of the egg!  Please keep fingers and toes crossed for no more eggs.

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What a difference a day makes!

How amazing is she looking!!  Her dear man Ken Ken has been going back and forth from the food bowl and carrying over fruit and veg for her to take. Amber remains on yet more medication for the next week due to infection risk. As this is the second soft egg that she’s had trouble passing in less than two months it has been decided that as soon as she’s strong enough for another vet visit, she will be having a hormonal implant fitted, to reduce the risk of her laying more eggs. This will cost an additional £196.85 on top of the £760+ for the last three emergency vet visits to deal with the two soft egg episodes.

Despite all of Amber’s issues she is a fighter and for as long she fights for her life, so will Ken Ken and Birdline. But all the back and forth to the vets has cost a lot of money and we really need your help to cover these costs. We thank you for all your support.

 

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January 2023

Amber and Ken bboth look so much brighter and healthier after months of medication and a decent diet.

 

When Charlie came to Birdline he was underweight, his feathers were in poor condition and he was fearful of humans. He would cower at the back of the cage when his foster mum came into the room and it took over two years for her to gain his trust. Now he is a happy lively bird who will sit on his Mum’s shoulder, give her kisses on the lips complete with big smoochy sound effects and loves to sing and dance. Because he’s such an amazing character he has become a Birdline ambassador and has even appeared on German TV promoting the work of rescues in the Covid pandemic.

The lifespan of a Blue and Gold macaw in captivity should be over 70 years of age. At 22, Charlie is still a young bird. However, due to his poor treatment in his early years, his health has been critically harmed, and unless he receives medical intervention, he will not live to see old age.

Charlie was fed a poor-quality diet. Many cheap seed mixes use monkey nuts as fillers, but they should never be given to parrots as they may contain mould spores, which can infect bird’s lungs – resulting in a respiratory condition called Aspergillosis. Aspergillus spores attach to a bird’s air sacs and spread through the respiratory system. White nodules form on the lung tissue and over time these can erode, allowing the disease to spread to other organs as the spores enter the bloodstream. It can also affect the central nervous system, leading to symptoms such as tremors and paralysis.

Aspergillosis is known as a silent killer because the fungus can incubate for a long time in the body, and by the time symptoms are apparent, the condition is often in the more advanced stages. As the condition can take so long to develop, uninformed owners often continue to feed toxic nuts to their birds, not realising the damaging effects they are having on their birds’ health. Obviously, Charlie is now on a much healthier diet with a range of vegetables, fruit and pulses as well as a good quality seed mix.

Over the past year Charlie has unfortunately started to exhibit signs of advanced Aspergillus infection. Suffering asthma-like symptoms, he has acute attacks where his breathing becomes laboured, he pants, and bobs his tail, brings up phlegm and his voice sounds raspy. When he’s in this state he is given nebuliser and oxygen therapy. If left untreated, Charlie could go into respiratory distress and die. Charlie has become resistant to standard antifungal drugs and now requires a drug called Voriconazole, which costs an eye watering £799.45 per 45g prescription. Charlie has maxed out his insurance cover and may require up to a year’s worth of medication. He will also require further vet appointments and swab tests in order to monitor his condition. This is an example of how birds hide illnesses and can start to display the ramifications of a poor diet several years later.

If you meet him you will see a thirst for life despite the many years of neglect that he has suffered and he deserves every chance we can provide to improve his health and beat this illness. Charlie no longer has a cage, nor will he ever be shut away again. He is free to roam about the bird room with some feathered friends where he loves to swing on ropes, play, sing and dance along with the occasional swear word thrown in!

Other humans have sadly failed Charlie, but you can make a real difference to his life now. Our target for one year’s veterinary treatment for Charlie is £5000. Please consider donating, every penny towards his care is greatly appreciated.