Papayago Rescue House, Inc.

11/10/2024

It was a dark and stormy night in January 2019 when a parrot found herself lost, far from home, as a fierce storm raged on. Seeking shelter, she nestled close to the trunk of a tree, waiting out the night as a tornado passed through. The next morning, the skies cleared, and a kind couple spotted her caught in the brush and brambles. They knew she needed help and made a call that would change her life forever.

PRH quickly responded, rescuing the poor, damp parrot. At our sanctuary, she received immediate vet care, a safe and comfortable cage, toys to play with, and the love of kind people. Until her owners could be found, and her real name restored, we called her Nicole Harris.

But no one ever came forward to claim Nicole Harris. So, she began to adjust to her new life with us. At first, she was slow to trust, but over time, she began to explore her toys and try new foods. Slowly but surely, a new side of Nicole emerged—a whistle here, a flair of her tail there—signs that she was becoming more confident and comfortable.

Nicole Harris set her sights on a new mom. Susan, one of our dedicated volunteers, had been spending time at PRH making chop and reading to the birds. Nicole began to warm up to Susan, and a bond was formed. It wasn’t long before Susan decided to give Nicole Harris the loving home she deserved.

In her new home, Nicole Harris truly blossomed. New feathers started to grow on her chest, and when she returned to PRH for boarding, we were greeted by a completely different bird. This Nicole Harris wanted to talk to everyone who passed by, didn’t shy away from people, and had every feather proudly in place.

We are so grateful to Susan for adopting Nicole Harris, who was once a shy, scared, and plucked parrot. Thanks to her love and care, Nicole Harris is now an interested, bold, and fully feathered parrot with a new lease on life.

Stories like Nicole Harris’s are why our work at PRH is so important. With your support, we can continue to provide rescue, rehabilitation, and loving homes for parrots in need. Please consider making a donation to help us transform more lives.

https://papayagorescuehouse.org/donate-now/

11/08/2024

Welcome to Parakeet Paradise, our special walk-in enclosure dedicated to 50 lively, playful parakeets who call Papayago Rescue House their sanctuary home. Budgies are the #1 most surrendered bird we receive, and it's no surprise. These small parrots are fun, inquisitive, and full of personality. Sadly, they’re often purchased on impulse—especially for children—without enough understanding of their social needs.
A common misconception is that budgies should be kept alone to bond better with their owners. In reality, budgies are highly social and thrive when they have another bird to interact with. This is why they love living as part of a flock in our sanctuary. At PRH, our budgies eat well, bathe, play, preen, fly at will, and receive the best medical care—all within their own indoor paradise. While they may not have a home in the traditional sense, they are happy, healthy, and love being together in this space.
But even in this idyllic sanctuary, our budgies still need your support. Consider becoming a monthly sponsor to help us provide the best possible care for these beautiful birds. Your contribution will directly impact their well-being and ensure that they have a happy and fulfilling life.
Join us in celebrating the joy and beauty of these amazing birds. Together, we can create a brighter future for all parrots.

https://papayagorescuehouse.org/profiles/parakeet-paradise/

11/07/2024

Caesar is a bright and curious Moluccan cockatoo with a big personality. His journey started when his first owner had to move out of the country, and a kind family friend stepped in to give him a loving home. They did everything they could to care for Caesar—putting him on a healthy diet, getting him a large cage, and learning as much as they could about the unique needs of a cockatoo. But after several years, they found that the care required for a Moluccan cockatoo was more than they could manage. Now, at 30 years old, Caesar is looking for the next step in his life.
Moluccan cockatoos like Caesar can live up to 80 years, so he has many years of joy and companionship ahead of him. He is a sweet, intelligent bird who loves to be involved in everything happening around him. Keeping Caesar happy means keeping him socialized, including him in family activities like meals and playtime, and giving him plenty of space to do what he loves—running around, yelling, talking, and being the lively cockatoo he is.
Caesar thrives on attention and enjoys being part of the action. He’ll need a family that understands the energy and time it takes to care for a cockatoo, but in return, he’ll bring endless love and entertainment to your home.
Join us in celebrating Caesar's resilience and supporting Papayago Rescue House's mission to provide a safe haven for parrots in need. By becoming a monthly sponsor, you'll be directly contributing to his well-being and helping to create a brighter future for these amazing creatures.

https://papayagorescuehouse.org/profiles/caesar-estrada/

11/06/2024

Damien is a lively, near 60-year-old blue and gold macaw who has seen his fair share of homes. Over his long life, he’s been through at least three different homes, with his last family caring for him for over 25 years. Unfortunately, when an elderly sister and an elderly dog moved in, Damien became too much for the family to manage, and he had to find a new place to call home.
Despite his age, Damien is incredibly active and loves being out of his cage, watching what you’re doing, and interacting with the world around him. He’s famous for saying “I love you” and “Hello” when he wants you to come closer and chat. But Damien is perhaps best known for his signature goodbye—loud and clear, he always says “BYE” to visitors as they leave the rescue. While Albert the umbrella cockatoo greets people at the door, Damien has proudly taken on the role of saying farewell!
Damien has now participated in several rescue events, including supervising our wonderful volunteers from Marriott as they made toys. He’s a social bird who thrives on attention, and he’s looking for a forever family that can give him the space, love, and interaction he craves.
Consider helping him thrive by becoming a Papayago Peep with a monthly donation to Damien’s care!
https://papayagorescuehouse.org/profiles/damien/

11/06/2024

Ever heard the phrase, "You are what you eat?" For birds, water quality is even more vital. Clean, fresh water is essential for nearly every bodily function in your feathered friend.

Water makes up about 75% of a bird's body, and they need to consume 5% of their body weight in water daily to replace losses from breathing, waste, and body heat regulation. Water keeps their cells hydrated, flushes out waste, transports nutrients, and maintains a stable body temperature. Without enough water, a bird's blood volume drops, and critical organs like the kidneys, liver, and heart can’t function optimally.

For pet birds, the bigger issue isn’t access to water but keeping it clean. Throughout the day, birds often defecate, dunk food, or rinse their beaks in their water bowls, creating an ideal environment for bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella. Bacterial growth can multiply every few hours, which can make even a seemingly clean water dish dangerous by evening. One easy check: if the dish feels slimy, it's time to clean it!

Most urban tap water is safe enough for birds, though if you have well water with high mineral content, using filtered water can help prevent health issues though. Also, adding vitamins directly to the water isn’t ideal (and not recommended by veterinarians), as it can speed up bacterial growth.

Daily water changes are crucial, even for bottles. Routine cleaning helps prevent bacteria buildup, ensuring your bird has a fresh, safe water supply. They rely on us for this basic care—clean water is one of the simplest, most impactful ways we can support their health and well-being.

We use an amazing filtration system that stands the test of getting rid of all sorts of things that birds don't need like disinfection by-products, by-product precursors and disinfectant residuals, inorganic non metals, inorganic chemicals (IOC) and other contaminates not tested for in public drinking water. Actually, neither does your family. If you are using a Brita, or another home unit, trust but verify that it is doing the job you THINK it is doing. They have units for well water as well.

11/06/2024

Now is the time to get your feathered companion nano-chipped. It doesn’t hurt them and you have a higher recovery rate if they accidentally get out.

Microchipping your pets is an essential step in ensuring their safety and increasing the chances of being reunited with them if they ever go missing or get stolen. We want to microchip your cats, dogs, birds & rabbits! Thanks to Papayago Rescue House, Inc. () for partnering with us on the bird microchips! RSVP to [email protected] today!

Papayago Rescue House will microchip the following birds: parakeet, cockatiel, cockatoo, amazon, lovebird, macaw, grey, pionus, lorikeet, conure & eclectus.

11/05/2024

Mia, a gregarious and friendly Goffin’s cockatoo, is on the lookout for a family with the energy to keep up with her playful spirit! Mia came to Papayago Rescue House in 2018 when we took in 23 parrots after Vicki’s Parrot Village shut down. We don’t have much information about Mia’s past, but what we do know is that she’s full of personality and eager to be part of whatever you’re doing.
One thing we’ve noticed about Mia is that she’s missing many of her toenails, which likely suggests she had encounters with other birds who weren’t too happy about her visits. Despite this, Mia is resilient and loves being involved in everyday activities. Whether it’s tossing around laundry, helping “rearrange” dishes, or learning something new, Mia wants to be right in the middle of the action. She’s also a big fan of watching YouTube and keeping herself entertained, and she'll definitely bring lots of joy to any family willing to give her the attention she craves.
Mia absolutely loves to destroy toys—nothing makes her happier than a fresh batch to chew on. She’s been fully vetted and received an A+ from the vet after having her blood work done, so she’s healthy and ready to find a home where she can thrive.
Join us in celebrating Mia’s unique personality and supporting Papayago Rescue House’s mission to provide a safe haven for parrots in need. By becoming a Papayago Peep, you’ll be directly contributing to her well-being and helping to create a brighter future for these amazing creatures.
https://papayagorescuehouse.org/profiles/mia/

11/05/2024

Does your parrot love to nibble and shred? Give them the ultimate crunchy combo with squash and peppers! Squash, soft, sweet, and packed with vitamins and bell peppers bursting with color and flavor, perfect for brightening your bird’s feathers and giving them a health boost. Let your parrot savor the sweet life with these two tasty treats!

11/04/2024

Meet Betty Davis, a cheeky green cheek conure with a personality as bold as her namesake. In 2017, Papayago Rescue House received a call from a local animal control asking us to take in a green cheek and her Nanday conure sister. Their owner had sadly lost their home and was forced to surrender the birds at a shelter. They didn’t come with names, toys, or any belongings—just a new chapter ahead of them.
Now in her early 20s, Betty has proven to be incredibly smart and quick to learn new things. She adores walnuts, pine nuts, and almonds, and always keeps us on our toes with her sharp wit and those signature Betty Davis eyes. Like any typical green cheek, she can be a little cheeky at times, but she also loves interacting with people—though she's not one for being spoiled!
Betty is looking for a new Mom or Dad who has experience with birds and can provide her with the safe, nurturing environment she deserves. She needs someone who understands her spirited nature and can give her the structure and protection she craves. Betty has already started her life over once, and now she’s ready to settle into a forever home where she can truly thrive.
If adopting isn’t possible, you can still help Betty by becoming a monthly sponsor or by sending her a gift from her Amazon wishlist. Every little bit helps make her life a little brighter!
Could you be the one to give this smart, sassy conure the fresh start she needs? Betty may have come to us without much, but with your love and care, she’ll have everything she needs to flourish.
https://papayagorescuehouse.org/profiles/betty-davis/

11/04/2024

How Parrots Get Their Colors!
Ever wondered why parrots boast such vivid colors? It’s not just for looks – their plumage plays essential roles in both survival and social interaction. Parrots are unique in the avian world, displaying a range of intense colors, including greens, yellows, reds, and oranges, thanks to pigments called psittacofulvins. These pigments, exclusively found in parrots, are synthesized within their bodies and combine with feather structures to create their beautiful hues.

The Science of Parrot Coloration
Psittacofulvins, a class of polyene pigments, are produced internally in parrots bringing out the bright yellow, orange, and red tones in their feathers. But the magic doesn’t stop there – by combining these pigments with blue feather structures, parrots create the green hues common to many species. Previously, scientists had identified a key enzyme, polyketide synthase, involved in psittacofulvin creation, but the detailed mechanisms for how parrots achieve such diverse colors were unknown.

New Findings on Color Diversity
In a recent study, researchers used spectroscopy, chromatography, and genetic mapping to uncover how parrots fine-tune their color palette. They discovered that the balance between carboxyl and aldehyde groups in psittacofulvin molecules determines color shifts from yellow to red. In red-feathered parrots, aldehyde psittacofulvins dominate, while green or yellow feathers have more carboxyl psittacofulvins.

One parrot species, the dusky lory, provided a fascinating case for genetic analysis. This species has two naturally occurring color variations – yellow and red – linked to differences in a gene called ALDH3A2. This gene produces an enzyme that helps convert red pigments to yellow. Variations near ALDH3A2 influence how much of this enzyme is produced, affecting feather color.

Understanding Parrot Colors
These findings give us insight into how parrots’ remarkable colors evolve, revealing the role of ALDH3A2 in parrot coloration. This pathway not only shows how parrots' colors adapt and vary but also opens doors to future research on vibrant color evolution in the natural world!

11/03/2024

11/03/2024

For today’s story, as part of our 30 Stories in 30 Days, we share with you Phantom an African Grey.

In 2018, we received an urgent call from an extended-stay hotel. A parrot had been left behind in one of their rooms after its owner was rushed to the hospital for cancer treatment. Our volunteers quickly responded and found Phantom confined in a table-top cage meant for a cockatiel. The cage was filled with layers of newspaper, seed, and even Doritos chips.

Shortly after Phantom’s rescue, his dad called, fearful that we might give his beloved bird away. We assured him that our only goal was to care for Phantom until they could be reunited. Over the years, we kept in touch, sending pictures and updates to let Dad know how Phantom was doing, all while he bravely battled his illness.

For five long years, we waited and hoped for a reunion. Sadly, it became clear that Phantom’s dad would never be able to return to a home that could provide the safe, supportive environment Phantom needed. With a heavy heart, Phantom’s dad made the decision to officially surrender him to PRH.

Since coming into our care, Phantom has truly blossomed. He’s a curious and engaging bird who loves interacting with people, flipping through picture books, and snacking on his favorite treat—almonds. He’s received disease testing, blood work, vet visits, and x-rays, and he’s now ready to meet families who can offer him a new adventure.

Phantom’s story is one of resilience and hope, and it’s a reminder of why our work at Papayago Rescue House is so important. We strive to provide the best care possible for every parrot in our sanctuary, but we can’t do it without your help. Your support allows us to continue caring for birds like Phantom, ensuring they have a safe and loving environment to thrive in.

Please consider becoming a monthly sponsor. With your support, we can give Phantom and other parrots the bright future they deserve.

Thank you for your compassion and generosity.
https://papayagorescuehouse.org/profiles/phantom/

11/01/2024

Our 1st story for the 30 Stories in 30 Days campaign, we would love to share Sunny. Her journey is one of resilience, but it also highlights the importance of providing specialized care for parrots with extensive medical needs.

Sunny hatched in April 1994 and spent the first 5 years of her life in a home where she was exposed to smoking. In 1999, she was rehomed with her dads, where she lived for the next 21 years. During that time, she only saw a vet twice because she was perceived as “healthy.” Her diet, however, was far from ideal, she ate pork, crackers, cheese, pasta, pizza crusts, seed mix, sunflower seeds, and pellets.

When Sunny arrived at PRH, she was in poor body condition and was clearly not feeling well. She had cataracts and was noticeably sad. We immediately worked to get her diet under control, focusing on the right kinds of fats and supplements to improve her health. Once she was more comfortable, we had her vetted and radiographed. The results were heartbreaking.

Sunny has an enlarged heart with vessels that are tortuous and prominent. Her heart’s contractility is decreased, and we suspect that she is experiencing secondary heart wall changes due to severe atherosclerosis. Additionally, she has an old wing fracture that was never properly repaired, making it impossible for her to extend her wing.

Sunny’s prognosis is not good, and we know that her time with us may be short. But while she’s here, we are committed to keeping her comfortable with medication, pain relief, a managed diet, plenty of affection, toys, and most importantly, a stress-free environment. We are honored to provide Sunny with the care she needs and to enjoy her company for as long as she has quality of life.

Providing medical sanctuary for parrots like Sunny is a critical part of our mission at PRH, but it also comes with significant costs. Your donations will ensure that Sunny and other parrots with extensive medical issues receive the care, comfort, and love they deserve in their final days.

Please consider becoming a monthly sponsor today to support our medical sanctuary program. Your kindness makes all the difference.

https://givebutter.com/SunnyMacaw

11/01/2024

GA PSA: A little one was found October 27, 2024 at Paper Mill Road and Paper Mill Drive SE at Sope Creek Elementary School grounds of Cobb County, GA. The little is with us and receiving care. The kind finders/fairy parents donated for her disease testing so that is already in progress...thank you kind peoples. As an educational side note: these birds do not belong outside unless they are conditioned to be out there and are in a safe enclosure. If you hear of someone that is going to let their bird out in "some nice park somewhere", please contact us so we don't have to risk their lives. Thank you so much, so please share away you wonderful, caring people you. Cobb County Animal Services, please be aware.

11/01/2024

We are so excited to share stories from the rescue with you for the next 30 days! We invite you to find a story that resonates with you to become a monthly sponsor of a PRH Parrot.

What have monthly sponsors accomplished? They have helped purchase over 1000 pounds of pellets! Covered 70 parrots getting their bloodwork and literally, helped keep the lights on.

Become a Papayago Peep today!

https://papayagorescuehouse.org/donate-now/