Hi from California

[Tishrei]

Hi,

I joined earlier today & thought I would introduce myself -- well, actually, I'll introduce my bird. He's my featherless severe macaw. He's my rescue - and my very first bird and he's been with me for almost 5 years. It's late here so I'll do a proper introduction of him tomorrow but I'm attaching a photo. He may be featherless but he sure is a character.

[gbird]

What a sweet naked baby. Can't wait to hear his story, and more pics please. We love pics here.

Welcome, hope you are safe from the fires. Where in Calif. are you from. I've been in Colorado for 4 years, but I was born & raised in Southern Cali.

Anyway, welcome to you & your baby.

[catschair]

Welcome to BB! I have one of those naked fids, too. Look forward to hearing more about you and the little guy. Hope you are both out of the fires and have some clean air to breathe.

[Tishrei]

Hi,

Thanks for the welcome. Here's Ducky's story. I am his 4th home. His second home was abusive in that they would hit him with a stick. His 3rd home was not physically abusive but unfortunately, he was more or less ignored. If he screamed, his cage would be covered and he would be regulated to sitting in his cage in the dark. That's when he eventually started plucking his feathers out. I used to feel sorry for him when I would go over and he would have the dark cover placed over his cage. I was asked to babysit him as I lived close by. They brought his cage over to my place and I had it placed next to the sliding glass door in the living room. Now, keep in mind this bird was a BITER -- very, very aggressive and a screamer. But it was supposed to be only for 2 weeks and I do love animals. Anyway, for some odd reason, Ducky just took to me. He seemed to love it here, wanted to spend time with me instead of just walking around or perched on his cage. I did not set out to win his affections for he was going back home in 2 weeks. And to be honest, I didn't really like birds as pets, they were great to see flying around but to have in the house and clean up after, that's not something that I wanted.

Long story short, when they returned, they asked me to keep him since he seemed to like me so much. My initial thoughts were no, but I was talking to another friend of mine and she told me that it would be mean to send him back to a place where he clearly was unhappy. So I bit the bullet and said yes -- and boy am I glad I said yes. He sure can be a royal pain but he's such a sweetie and he will have a home with me for the rest of his life (unless, of course, he outlives me).

I have no idea why he liked me so much right from the start -- perhaps it was because I did not lock him up 24/7 or perhaps he liked where I placed his cage. He rarely screams anymore -- actually, lately he hardly screams at all. To be honest, I was getting a bit concerned that he didn't scream as I thought birds were supposed to scream at least a little bit. In thinking back, I don't think I've heard him scream once in the last 3-4 months. Prior to that, the only time he screams is when he sees something outside that startles him.

I also have a pet potbelly pig that he is insanely jealous of. One night when I forgot to lock his cage, I woke up to the screaming of my pig. I jumped out of bed not knowing what was going on. I ran to where my pig was and found Ducky hanging on my pig's snout. He was attacking a 175 pound pig --sheesh. You know how birds can bleed? Well, so can pigs.

Pancake: I am in Southern Calif -- I live 2 blocks from the Rose Bowl parade route.

Catschair: So you too have a naked birdy -- I don't know why they pluck like that but I've been told by the vet that he probably won't grow them back because the follicles are destroyed since he's been doing it so long. By the way, what does "fid" mean?

[Kiwi1224]

Welcome to the forum! Ducky is a cutey and he's so lucky to have found you. What a great success story that he is now happy and doesn't have to deal with the awful treatment in the past. Who could resist that face!

[ROYJOY]

Cute bird, that Ducky, and lucky to have you.

fid = featherd kid. you can also call them fildren, grandflidren, oh well you get the picture. welcome.

[4HAND]

The world needs more people like you!Some may think less of a bald bird,but I think he's hansome.Thanks for stepping up when he chose you.I doubt you'll ever regret it.
Tena

[jenseits]

Awww... I'm so happy you rescued the poor thing (and it really was a rescue if they were treating him so poorly). Just breaks my heart that he's plucked himself so much, but I'm sure he's as happy as can be now that he has a home where he's loved. Thank you for taking him!

[Tishrei]

Originally Posted by jenseits

Just breaks my heart that he's plucked himself so much,

Well, what I say is I get to kiss him on his bare belly -- LOL

Even with no feathers, IMO, he's a total cutie pie

[Kevin]

Welcome to BirdBoard! I am in Orange County and frequent the rose parade in the past gotta love marsh mellow wars while camping out the night before....