After being fed a diet of beer and chips, a parrot lost all of its feathers.
Charlie, a two-year-old African grey, was also given monkey nuts and kept isolated in a dark corner without any social interaction.
With a brain comparable to that of a four-year-old child, parrots require ample stimulation and care as they develop.
However, the stress from his circumstances led Charlie to pluck out his feathers, and by the time he was rescued, he was nearly bald.
M&K Parrot Rescue took him in after his owner was unable to manage his care.
New owner Alison Haybyrnes has successfully nursed him back to health, and he is beginning to regain his feathers.
Mrs. Haybyrnes expressed, ‘It was heartbreaking when he arrived. He resembled a piece of meat you’d find on supermarket shelves because he was so bald.’
‘Initially, he was very nervous, and the rescue team advised not to expect much from him during the first few weeks.’
‘The following day, he came out of his cage and immediately sat on my hand. Moe from the parrot rescue commented that she had never seen a bird settle in so quickly.’
Thanks to the devoted care of Mrs. Haybyrnes, 40, his feathers have begun to grow back after six weeks.
His playful personality is also starting to shine through, according to his new owner.
‘He brings me joy every day; he’s incredibly funny,’ Alison added.
‘He chews on my wallpaper, he’ll nip at the cats’ tails if they come too close, and he’s even begun to talk.’
Additionally, with a special diet that includes bottled water and abundant fruit, his preference for healthy foods is aiding in his recovery.
Alison shared: ‘He adores red grapes and will toss away green grapes when I try to serve them to him.’
‘He also enjoys having toast for breakfast with me. It creates a bonding experience; he hangs off his perch while enjoying a piece of toast.’
by John Jackson
