BABY

Baby is a 13-year-old red crowned amazon, who became paralyzed after he fell off his perch last year.


He had been totally paralyzed but most of his movement has returned with the exception of his being able to grip his feet. When he sits with his feet pointing outwards, he looks so cute.


Baby spends most of his time in his padded "basket", inching his way around by grasping the edge with his beak. Baby’s owner loves him very much, but felt he needed more specialized care. Since I had previously owned a paralyzed bird, I felt I had the expertise to take good care of this precious bird and was very honored when his "Mom" entrusted his care to me.


Baby came to the Parrot Haven from Delaware. I was all set to make the trip down there, when "Mom" told me that her Mom lived the next town over and would be able to bring Baby to NY. What Luck? I wouldn’t have to leave my flock for the day.

Baby was a mush from the start. He will snuggle all day if I let him. I took him shopping at Pergament’s the other day, wrapped up in a blanket, stuffed inside of my coat, with his little head peering out. Stephanie, of King’s Cages gave him a toy when he stopped in for a visit. Stef is great with my birds and immediately offered to babysit, if I ever needed her services. As if I have time to ever take a vacation. He loved his first day of shopping. Baby also made his debut at the March PFC meeting.

He got along great with all the members who stopped by to see him. Baby weighed in at 355 and was up to 375 within a few days. He loves scrambled eggs, cheese and apples. He eats nonstop. Baby is even potty trained, refusing to mess up his cage or carrier, going to the bathroom when he is held over the garbage pail.

Baby is not for adoption, but please contact me if you have the room and heart to take in a handicapped bird, in case another unfortunate baby comes in.

Update 09-15-01
Baby is doing great. His feathers have filled in and he recently appeared
on News Channel 12, helping to promote Parrot Haven. He attends
every PFC meeting and all club events such as the Balloon Fest,
Lindenhurst's Spring Festival & PFC's Annual Picnic, besides attending
birthday parties and other local events.He has helped the public
recognize the need that even handicapped birds need homes. If you
see Baby at an event, feel free to pet him. He loves the attention. baby
cries if he's left alone more than 10 minutes. He loves to be held, but is
content just being in the same room with a human. He's sitting next to
me as I type this. I feel so blessed that he came into my life.

Update 01-20-05
BABY IS DOING FINE. HE'S HAS LEARNED TO COPE SO WELL WITH HIS HANDICAP THAT I'M SURE HE DOESN'T EVEN REALIZES HE HAS A DISABILITY. HE RESIDES IN A CRIB IN THE DINING ROOM, BEING THE CENTER OF ATTENTION AND STILL LOVES TO GO TO ALL THE EVENTS WITH THE OTHER BIRDS. HE RECENTLY HAD A WELL BIRD CHECK UP WITH HIS VET, DR. HEIDI HOEFER OF WEST HILLS ANIMAL HOSPITAL.

UPDATE:1/2014  
​HEIDI NOW OWNS HER OWN PRACTICE: ISLAND EXOTIC VETERINARY CARE, LOCATED AT
591 EAST JERICHO TURNPIKE, IN HUNTINGTON STATION.  631-424-0300* HEIDI CONTINUES TO PROVIDE CARE FOR THE PARROT HAVEN BIRDS.
​BABY HAS NOW BEEN AT PARROT HAVEN FOR 14 YEARS. HE'S DOING WELL, STILL ATTENDING ALL OUR EVENTS.  HE GRADUATED TO A WAGON SINCE HE WAS CHEWING UP HIS CRIB.  HE CAN'T DESTROY A METAL WAGON.  HE REMAINS PARALYZED, THOUGH HE SCOOTCHES WITH HIS WINGS, TO GET WHERE HE WANTS TO GO.


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