Amazing Grey |

How Sinbad ended up here.

He came from a loving home that just wasn't ready to deal w/such extremes and thought someone with more experience in dealing with feather plucking would help him thrive better. Getting a grasp as to why he started and how to get him to stop is what's important now. It's a very committed job to keep them in a happy and well adjusted state of mind.

Sinbad has come a long way from where he was when he first came in my home.

Read on, and hear about the milestones he has overcome already.

Feather Growth update....9/23/04 pics

Looking good on his back!!

His chest is looking good too!

A big change

When Sinbad came to the rescue, he loved his small little sleep cage and did not like to stay in big cages. He also didn't like heights too much.

Well, with how many months later, he has moved into the bird room-into a big cage. He wouldn't like to eat in the cage also, now this has changed. He climbs way up to the play top toy hanger and shows no fear!!

His barbering of his feathers are less and less now. And still letting his feathers come in after a molt. He actually has feathers all over his back and more coming in on the front of his chest.

Check here for updates!!

I would like to add Sinbad gave me a very special Christmas gift. His normal words are "cheeseburger" and alot of whistles, but this day he let out, a clear as day "hello" as a greeting!! Whooo hoooo!! I'm so proud he has chosen to show his feelings in a verbal way!! You made that a wonderful present, Sinbad!!

Sinbad at home, updates!!

He's home!!!! We arrived back Feb 24th, 2005!

See the progress and set backs involved in caring for a feather plucker.

Sinbad is such a sweet natured DNA sexed male. Hearing the stories of his life previously, I have to sit back and understand what has happened in his life to have him in such a nervous state.

I still need to read the vet history to understand where things went wrong and how to get him back were he's confident and learning in a fashion to distract him from abusing again.

Naturally, he loves to chew paper/wood products, so having an abdundent supply will help his chewing desires.

I was prepared when I expressed interest in Sinbad, what his needs were, and so ever willing to help give him what he needed to thrive. I, to say the least, still was set back when I first saw him in person. I love him unconditionally, but to see the actual features of a bird, most normally missed because of feathers, is an eye opener. It makes you want to do that much more to help him.

My time visiting was good for him to get adjusted to us, but also took a toll on him emotionally. He started plucking most of the feathers he had grown in, and going to the vet, to get his health certificate for travel, opened my eyes as to how sever his problems were. It freaked me out to see him in such distress, that I vowed I would not put him in a carrier unless absolutely needed. He pinned his wing to the gated door and w/his other foot held it there as he chewed horribly at his wing. I was mortified when I saw this!! He definitely has a stress meter bar, and when it hits the red, action needs to be taken immediately before damage is done. That's the main reason for letting him ride on me the 14hr drive back to home.

This is where he suprised me. He did actually very well during that long ride home. As the night grew later, he got closer and closer to me, wanting to snuggle and had me as security. This is where I think it helped with bonding. No doubt, that's where he started building trust in me.

I have not seen a whole lot of feather plucking since he got here, in fact has done remarkably well with growing down and feathers in. He does very well w/his misting even though he don't really care for it. I know it has helped, as they say a wet bird doesn't pick.

He has started to really open up vocally here as well. I have heard new sound effects which are totally cool!! He does this lazer gun sound, and finially whistling away such sweet songs! I swear he said "hi" like me. I hope to continue to hear such sweet sounds coming from him, as this helps him communicate.

I love having him around, and can only hope for the best outcome for the future!

3 wks after being home:

Sinbad enjoys his snacks, lol. He is adjusting to his cage well, and likes hanging out at the top! This pic was taken 3/11/05

Updates....

Here's some new pics I wanted to share

Sinbad does remarkable with new feather growth. He allows his feathers to come in after a molt, and keeping on top of misting helps them to stay there. He is looking so beautiful, I can't believe the change since he has been here!! He is bonding to the family and able to express himself here. He's looking like a normal feathered bird....I'm so happy, I can shout for Joy!!