Need Help, Rescued Birds - Urgent

[racheletc]

One of our neighbors (because we have birds and other rescued animals) dropped off 2 parrots with us. He said they had been his grandmothers for 20+ years (although I have no idea if this is true). I believe they are a green conure (not 100% sure, will post a pic in a sec) and a amazona aestiva (100% sure on that due to the turquoise color patches - will post pic). The conure was in cage suitable for maybe finches - I have it in a temporary cage that we have, but it's no good as a permanent cage. The cage the amazon is in was likely bought in the 70s (from the style) and has not been cleaned in at least 5 years. They are full flight and not hand trained. The amazon is in a state of what I would call in humans catatonia (after the cage cleaning). The conure attacks you every time you approach it.

Their cages had no toys and no swings, only 2 wooden perches, food and water.

We cleaned the cage the amazon was in and put it back in it wit some better perches, it was an enormous task as the amazon is not well mentally and cannot be handled. I felt bad about the trauma, but the cage was filthy beyond belief and I don't have a suitable spare cage. I believe it is a wild caught bird (originally).

The seed in their cages was clearly for wild birds and consisted of sunflower seeds and cracked corn.

I do not know if we can handle the rehabilitation of these parrots.

The first question I have is can I throw out the seed they are eating and at last give them better seed?

Right now, as we have 2 parrots, I have them on the patio (it's a well sheltered patio), but they are looking in the window of our living room. Is this okay? I do not want to bring them in as they pose a potential danger to our birds (I'm in the south bay of LA, so the are fine for the weather).

I put toys in their cages, is that okay? The conure seems okay-ish but I am very concerned about the amazon.

We could not refuse to take them as they were clearly in dire straits. If you saw how they were living, it would break your heart.

Also, does anyone know someone in the LA area to contact to help?

Thanks much.

[racheletc]

The amazon:



The conure:


Verificiation on the species ID would be great.

Thanks again.

[debbielabella]

I'll take a stab at it. Blue fronted amazon and blue crowned conure. Poor things look terrified. This must be overwhelming for you. I hope you find help soon. It's amazing they survived those conditions. Thank God you are there to help them now.

[jenseits]

Don't know anything about Amazons, but that looks like a blue-crowned conure (BCC) to me (like in the movie Paulie). Poor guys... but lucky they ended up with you. You're obviously already doing a lot to help them. Are they buddies? Are they at least drawing some comfort from each other's presence?

I think it's possible they could come around with LOTS of TLC, patience and love. Parrots are much more adaptable than we give them credit for, so if you establish some consistency and reward-based/positive reinforcement interaction with them, they'll learn to trust you in time. Were you planning on keeping them and seeing if you could work with them or are you thinking of turning them over to a rescue right away?

You're right to quarantine them from your current birds. Also go ahead and throw out all their old food and start feeding them better. Sounds like they were on a terrible diet. You may need to keep them on seed if that's all they'll eat, but at least make it a better quality of seed and see if you can sneak some healthier foods in there.

Please keep us updated on how things are going and ask whatever questions you have. We'll do our best to help.

[chapala]

Poor birds! I hope there is a good rescue organization where you are that can help with these two if you can't keep them.

Yes, do change the seed for a healthier mix. I converted an Amazon recently that had been on sunflower seeds, peanuts and corn-on-the-cob for many years, a very restricted and high fat diet. She is now a feathered piglet and eats whatever I put in the cage, gobbles up the fresh Mash. It took about two weeks to convert her to a better diet by offering the new food in the morning, sunflower seeds later (no peanuts at all!).

Sprouted grains (or overnight soaked) usually work well to get them eating something besides dry seeds. Just buy several different whole grains at a natural foods or other grocery store that sells bulk food in bins - wheat berries, kamut, spelt, raw buckwheat, millet, quinoa, hulless (not pearl) barley, whole oats. Rinse and soak a small amount, maybe 1/4 cup, in a cup or small bowl overnight. Drain into a strainer in the morning, rinse and serve some then, and continue to sprout the rest by leaving the mix in the strainer that sits over the cup or bowl to catch water drips, rinsing a few times during the day until the next morning or following afternoon. Then after they are reasonably dry (not completely dry, not sopping wet), the sprouts can be refrigerated and keep for several days. The sprouts are ready just when you see white roots emerging from the grains.

I might cover one part of the cages to give these birds some sense of security.

[hollyhawkz]

How could you turn down those sweet feathered faces!

Give them a few months.... they will probably watch how you interact with your birds and may come around. Poor Zon! He is so pretty. They are both pretty.

Keep us posted.

[RicosMom]

I'm in Colorado, but if there is anything I can do to help, please let me know! They are both adorable and very lucky to have you. The amazon is gorgeous (as is the conure....just a zon fan personally). :0)

[Tom Lawless]

They are pretty but I can see why you would feel overwhelmed. I can't really give you any advice. I do hope that you are given some help or, if you can not keep them, find good homes. You are doing a nice thing, whether it is just a transition or a permanent placement. I think in a week or two you will start to see them settle in with less fright.

[Winged_Victory]

Thank you for taking them in. They look healthy and in good feather from the pictures you posted.

gary

[Shana413]

the conure is definitly a blue crown conure- i have one myself.. good luck :)