Shroomy

This story should’ve been written a long time ago. Shroomy is one of the bravest and most determined birds we’ve had the pleasure of caring for.

Shroomy joined us in March 2023, after being surrendered to a pet shop. When we first laid eyes on him, we were shocked at his condition, and sadly his past is pretty much unknown.

At the time of rescue, he had issues with his beak and swelling around his eyes, and he was missing tail feathers, although could still fly, surprisingly.

His initial vet assessment confirmed what we had thought: he had a big fight on his hands to recover.

The list of issues included:

• sinus infection and damage to his nares, making him more susceptible to sinus issues (also making his eyes quite puffy)

• likely thyroid issues (hypothyroidism), affecting his wing feathers and beak

• heart and breathing issues (he had a gallop rhythm)

• overgrown beak, which could be secondary to nutrition/diet, or due to hypothyroidism (or both)

Thankfully he tested negative to PBFD (Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease). With treatment and determination, Shroomy stabilised and, over several weeks, became well enough to join his new flock.

While this case had a happier outcome than we were expecting (neither the vet nor us expected him to live past the first week), it has highlighted elements of the pet industry which need attention; specifically, ensuring animals receive all medical care necessary.

Shroomy had been at this pet store, after his surrender, for a couple of months, during which he had continued suffering without proper treatment. Animal Welfare legislation needs to consider pet trade animals as living beings, rather than ‘stock’; their wellbeing should be prioritised over profit (which shouldn’t even need to be said).

We love Shroomy to pieces and are so proud of him, but hope to see these changes for future animals facing these situations.