Rescue Unwanted and Abandoned Companion Birds

We have been busy these last few months! Already in 2025, we have had 38 birds (mostly parakeets) surrendered to us, and found new homes for 40.  Nubs was one of our more unusual recent rescues, one that demonstrates the vital role Mickaboo and YOU play in saving avian lives.

On a cold December day, the day before a rainstorm brought tornado warnings to the Bay Area, a couple in Santa Rosa, California found an injured cockatiel on the ground, its feet bleeding badly. The couple was able to collect the bird and bring him to a local wildlife rescue where the staff performed first aid for his injuries. They determined that some animal, most likely a rodent, had chewed at least 3 of his toes. The wildlife facility contacted Mickaboo so he could be transferred to an avian vet.

The next morning during the brunt of the storm, a Mickaboo volunteer transported the bird to an avian veterinary hospital. During the drive, the little bird was mostly silent, but began to sing happily when a cell phone in the car rang with a quacking duck tone. This bird had some spark despite his recent ordeal in the wild! 

With the generous funding of supporters like you, the male cockatiel was treated by the veterinary team for over a month.  He was underweight and dehydrated from being out in the wild, and he had a yeast infection that required treatment.  His toes were bandaged and he continued on antibiotics and painkillers.  The vets determined that he was relatively young and in good health despite his feet injuries and aptly named the handsome little guy “Nubs”.

Once fully recovered, Nubs was transferred to a Mickaboo foster home in January where he has been thriving.  He is able to climb and perch, though due to his injured feet, landing after a flight can be challenging.  He’s gained weight and eats well, encouraged by another cockatiel fostered in the same household.  Nubs' foster parent says the two birds have quickly bonded and share a cage during the day.

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During March 25-28, GlobalGiving is hosting a matching gift campaign. Eligible donations up to $50 per unique donor per organization will be matched at 50% until funds run out. Would you mark your calendar to help us help birds like Nubs?

Thank you for your consideration!

Links:

• How to adopt from or foster a bird with Mickaboo
• Resources for companion bird owners
• Register to take our bird care class

This #GivingTuesday, GlobalGiving is giving away $750,000 from now to 8:59 p.m. PST on Dec. 3. Up to $1800 per donor per project will be matched! The more you give, the more Mickaboo's birds can receive for their essential veterinary needs.

Your gifts allow us to help birds like Sweeney, the handsome bird pictured in this post.  

Sweeney is a Senegal parrot who came to Mickaboo when his previous human caretaker passed away and left him alone in the world. 

In his previous home, he lived in a small cage with a human who was always nearby. While Sweeney was fond of her, he never got out-of-cage time and didn`t meet many other people. All of this left Sweeney with a narrow comfort zone. Sweeney has a natural flight response when he is scared. Since he never learned to fly very well, Sweeney panics, runs, and hides when pushed out of his comfort zone.

Sweeney's foster dad is broadening Sweeney's experiences by exposing him to new things like toys, play gyms, and vegetables, all while never making Sweeney panicky. He has learned to take food from his foster's hand and will let him pet his head every evening. Sweeney eats a lot of healthy foods now and an occasional treat. He has learned to climb out of his cage and go back inside when he is done. Sweeney can say a few human words and makes kissing sounds. Sweeney has even improved his flight skills so he can safely navigate and land.

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During this season of giving thanks, Sweeney, the 450 birds in our rescue flock, and all of our volunteers, thank YOU for your support.  With your help, we will continue our mission of helping these caring, smart, feathered beings in their time of need.  Please give now to take advantage of this matching opportunity. From all of us to all of you - best wishes for a great start to a happy and safe holiday season. 

Links:

• You're invited to our 2024 virtual holiday party
• See the birds in our rescue flock!
• Learn how to adopt or foster a bird from Mickaboo