12/27/2024
💚💚Two special Quaker Parrots are now at a new home,
for the holidays, safe and warm. 🏠
A week before Thanksgiving we received a phone call from the California Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW). They had confiscated two Quaker Parrots and needed placement. Keep in mind that Quaker Parrots (aka Monk Parakeets) are illegal to own in California (they are considered an invasive species and agricultural pests) and without assistance from out of state, euthanasia would have been their fate.
https://the-oasis.org/donate/
The warden described the two parrots as being in “pretty bad shape”. One was totally blind, no eyes at all, and missing a toe. The other one was labeled a neurotic plucker and was missing a foot. Upon hearing that, it was an urgent call to Executive Director, Janet to gain approval to accept these two parrots, who literally had no other options.
We immediately responded to let them know The Oasis would accept them. Timing and transport discussions went back and forth and thankfully, one of their staff was willing to drive more than halfway of the 620 miles for transfer, which occurred a few days after Thanksgiving.
A California alliance rescue had been working to get these Quakers to safety out of state, after hearing they had been surrendered to a humane society by a homeless woman. The information shared by CDFW shed a different light on the situation and the urgent need for help. These two parrots lived separately in small cat carriers, approx. 14 x 9” (about the size of a shoebox) in a “drug house”. The woman also had owls and was trading. Owls are wildlife and also illegal to own. The woman was arrested by the police department for drug dealing, fined and taken to jail. CDFW confiscated the animals- the owls finding safety at a raptor rehab facility. But the Quakers had nowhere to go and could not stay in California.
In temporary foster care at Lori’s, clean cages were set up with enriching toys, fresh water, food, and treats. We were ready to accept these two precious ones. They have been named, and over these past few weeks it seems like these names will stick.
The blind one, “Keller”, is beautifully feathered and can be handled. Keller gets around and seems to be comfortable with his surroundings. Before approaching him for a scritch or offering a treat, we say “touch” to let him know we are there. He finds his water and food bowls easily. The CDFW caregiver gave him two plastic cat toys which he enjoys rolling around and shaking. He is the most vocal of the two. Oh, and he stepped up several times. Even without vision, he has a good quality of life. We don’t know if his impairment was a birth defect or from an incident that occurred later.
“Kipper”, or Mr. Stumpy is mostly bald on his chest and legs, and wing feathers mostly intact. Even with fewer feathers, it was reported that he flew across their office. He’s a bit shy but allows scritches and some head feathers to be preened. His entire right foot is missing but has a leg with a stump on the end to lean on. He also has a droopy right wing. These characteristics indicate that he likely suffered some kind of injury to that side of his body. But that's not going to stop Kipper! He is still very mobile, navigating swiftly around the cage and various perching.
Dr. Yeager will assess their condition during their intake veterinary exams this week. Other than those few physical impairments, they are not in "bad shape" as first thought, but appear to be in generally good health, full of energy and vocal, like any rambunctious Quaker Parrot.
It was reported that both birds didn't like fresh food but they have enjoyed both veggies and fruit, and have good appetites. And they have been tearing up toys! These two are adaptable and are doing well considering the whirlwind they have gone through. Precious angels caught in unfortunate circumstances give us inspiration to do whatever it takes to help parrots in need.
https://the-oasis.org/donate/
We are grateful that CDFW called us for help so these two can live. After quarantine, they will join an indoor flock in The Plaza to start a new life!
Thank you for making this second chance possible for them! Without your loving support, Keller and Kipper's story may have had a very different and grim ending.
https://the-oasis.org/donate/
