Zazu, our delightful African Grey parrot, came into our lives under a different name and with a story that touched our hearts deeply. Working at a veterinary clinic, I had become an advocate for Psitticines, encouraging their owners to bring in their feathered companions at least once a year, or twice if they were older. It was through this role that I first learned about Zazu, then known as “Deja.”

Her first home

Deja’s owners were among the most wonderful clients I had ever worked with, always ensuring the best care for their furry family members. Despite their dedication, they had not brought Deja to a vet, why should they since she was always healthy, and she was now around 24 years old. Recently, when the mother had to return to work and the father stayed home, Deja, extremely bonded to her mom, began feather plucking due to the stress of her mom’s absence.

Knowing their deep love for Deja, the owners asked if I would take her in and provide the care she needed. They had raised her from a baby, and she had always been their cherished companion. Like their other pets, they sought information and advice from a bird store regarding Deja’s diet and toys. Deja had been on the bird store recommended seed diet consisting of mixed seeds, peanuts, sunflower seeds and a soak-and-cook bean mix, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables. While her overall feather condition was good, she had some missing feathers from stress plucking.

Donations and transfer

The owners generously donated Deja’s current cage and a new one identical to those I used inside the house, along with all her toys and extra food (the extra food was given to the outdoor wild birds and squirrels). We moved her current cage to the outdoor aviary. As with the other birds, Deja underwent a thorough health exam and lab work. We quarantined her in our home, away from the flock, until all the lab work results came in. While she required antibiotics and a transition to a better diet of kibble and shelled nuts, her lab work was overall the best in comparison to others.

First Bath

Her first bath at home did not go over well. She apparently was only sprayed with a light mist of water at her last home. She fought me for the first 2 baths, crying out to my youngest daughter for help.  But over the past few months she is now okay with her baths in the bathtub. Her most recent bath was an apple cider vinegar, colloidal oatmeal, and warm water bath. She soaked in it for over and hour before she wanted out. 

Follow up Vet visit

Her most recent visit to a vet was wonderful, all her lab values are normal. It didn’t take long for Deja, now Zazu, to bond with me completely. Although she occasionally pulls out a few feathers, particularly when I’m not home, her condition has significantly improved. Zazu has become our most talkative bird, a trait that led to her new name. Her presence is a blessing in our lives, bringing joy, conversation, and companionship every day.

Co-Ownership agreement

Since I agreed to keep her with our rescue and offered an extension to her past owners to come visit her any time they want to.  She is on a Co-ownership agreement with the rescue. Something I am also willing to do as long as the donating family is able to provide two cages, one for inside and one for the outside aviary and possibly donate yearly towards their veterinary care and wellness visits. Co-ownership just means the birds remain with the rescue and will not be adopted out nor go back to the original owner.