I had a guy bring me his Amazon today to board for 2 months while he is in drug rehab.I almost went into tears when he walked in. This poor bird is living in a filthy rusty Cockatiel cage,With no toys. He is on a sun flower seed diet. He is missing several toes, and has a massive eye invection.He is in such bad shape.
As soon as the guy left We put the Amazon in a nice big cage with lots of toys,I called my vet and we got him started on eye drops and baytril.
Guys I cant let this man take this bird back,I will go to court and fight if I have to,But I can't send him back to this hell hole.






this is the cage he came in

Oh that is so sad, I wouldn't be able to let the guy have the bird back either. Do you think his vision will be affected with such a bad eye infection? The poor baby, i'm so glad he's in your care now and safe.

i almost cried out loud when i scrolled down and saw those photos. the poor angel. i am glad he is with you now, i hope you can gain custody of him.

Wow, that's so sad. You say he's only there for boarding - do you think the owner has intentions of picking him up? And what happens if the owner picks him up after the boarding time and doesn't want to continue any medications he may need?

Oh crap Barb, how awful. That poor beautiful boy, to be reduced to this state. I think I'd be telling the guy (provided he ever comes back), sorry the bird died (hopefully he really doesn't). I'm not a liar by nature, but I think I could make an exception in this case.

I would NOT give that bad back under any circumstances!

I don't know the laws of your state, but I would suggest you take the poor bird into your vet for an examination. In the event you wind up in a legal dispute with the owner over the bird, I would think it will be helpful if you have a written statement from your vet regarding the bird's condition and hopefully your vet will not mince words. And I would shoot many more photos of that bird, his seed bowl and anything else that will establish his neglect and be sure to not throw that cage away. You may need it as evidence.

Like others have hinted, it may be the owner will never return for the 'zon (I'll keep my fingers crossed). But you should get your ducks in a row just in case.

Do you have a written boarding contract with the owner? Did he sign it? Does it give you the right to take the bird to a vet and be reimbursed for charges? I hope it does, as that may be another reason the owner may decide to just leave the bird with you.

Thank you for taking care of this needy bird. Sounds like the owner has his own personal problems and is trying to take care of them. I guess we should be thankful he at least brought the bird to you -- that does show some responsibility. Some folks in his situation may have just outright abandoned the bird to expire in the cage. I've heard of such things happening. Please keep us posted.

Does the bird have a name?

Very sad I would not give the bird back if he ever returns.

Oh my God. Please do not give him back!

Before I left the shelter tonight I went over to Poncho opened his cage and just burt into tears,Poncho came close to me and I swear if birds could cry he was crying.I made a promise to him that I would not allow this to happen to him again and that I would protect him,and that is a promise I plan on keeping.
I did call my vet and will be taking him in for a appointment,and to have everything documented.
I do not plan on letting Poncho go back to this man,I learned more information that I am not suppose to know,That this man lived outside last winter in a tent with Poncho.This will not happen again to this bird.I decided not to have him sign my boarding contract this way there is no proof the bird was even with me.
I just pray Poncho has the strength to get well so that he can feel real love in his life.