aether-drifter
New member
Today I went with a friend of mine to the local Humane Society to check out a cockatiel he was interested in adopting. Sir Pearl is around fifteen years old (possibly a few years older), and looks like he has seen better days. 
Apparently the shelter does not have an avian vet on staff, so he has not yet had an exam. He looks thin, malnourished, and like he hasn't had a bath in...probably his whole life. He also tends to fluff up a lot which I know is not a good sign. However, he is alert, eating and drinking, and his droppings look normal. He will be going to the vet monday morning, which is the soonest we could get an appointment with a doctor who knows birds.
My friend lives in a small, open floor plan condo and as such cannot quarantine 100% effectively, so I'm keeping him in my bedroom until we can get him examined at least.
Backstory on this guy: Apparently his former owners had him for 14 years, and I'm guessing he was purchased as a pet for a child who later lost interest, and I think he's been a victim of horrible neglect for quite some time. The cage he was surrendered in was covered in rust and had several inches worth of poop caked on the bottom. Apparently he used to get out of the cage "sometimes" but not anymore because of the cat.
The shelter manager cried when we adopted him, and said that we had restored her faith in humanity a little. She was relieved that he was going to a bird-knowledgeable home and would be getting the medical attention he needs.
He's actually a sweetheart considering what he's been through. He immediately let me preen his crest (which was just covered in pieces of feather sheaths) when I took him out of the carrier. He seems to have some issues with hands, which is more than understandable...but the fact that he can still trust even a little amazes me.
He enjoyed wandering around on the floor for a little while earlier; I have a video to upload once I find my phone cable. For now, here's a photo of the little trooper.
Apparently the shelter does not have an avian vet on staff, so he has not yet had an exam. He looks thin, malnourished, and like he hasn't had a bath in...probably his whole life. He also tends to fluff up a lot which I know is not a good sign. However, he is alert, eating and drinking, and his droppings look normal. He will be going to the vet monday morning, which is the soonest we could get an appointment with a doctor who knows birds.My friend lives in a small, open floor plan condo and as such cannot quarantine 100% effectively, so I'm keeping him in my bedroom until we can get him examined at least.
Backstory on this guy: Apparently his former owners had him for 14 years, and I'm guessing he was purchased as a pet for a child who later lost interest, and I think he's been a victim of horrible neglect for quite some time. The cage he was surrendered in was covered in rust and had several inches worth of poop caked on the bottom. Apparently he used to get out of the cage "sometimes" but not anymore because of the cat.
The shelter manager cried when we adopted him, and said that we had restored her faith in humanity a little. She was relieved that he was going to a bird-knowledgeable home and would be getting the medical attention he needs.
He's actually a sweetheart considering what he's been through. He immediately let me preen his crest (which was just covered in pieces of feather sheaths) when I took him out of the carrier. He seems to have some issues with hands, which is more than understandable...but the fact that he can still trust even a little amazes me.
He enjoyed wandering around on the floor for a little while earlier; I have a video to upload once I find my phone cable. For now, here's a photo of the little trooper.
