Some of our Inhabitants

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Click on the thumbnails to see the larger image.

SASSY, a Moluccan Cockatoo, was born in 1995. She hatched out with crippled feet. She came to the Oasis at 7 months of age after she had undergone extensive reconstructive surgery on her legs, followed by intensive therapy from her previous owner. However, like many Special Needs Parrots, today Sassy has no idea that there is anything "wrong" with her. She climbs *everything*, has learned to perch by balance, yells and shrieks for the sheer joy of it, and is "learning" how to play a toy piano! (See BirdTalk "Sassy Plays Piano")

COSMO was born December 28, 1996. She is Sassy's little sister. Her egg was given to the Oasis by the breeder, Margaret Ann Lindsey because of a polyoma scare at her home. Margaret Ann had rescued a baby CAG who tested positive for the disease. While no one ever became sick, and all the birds at Margaret Ann's home where innoculated thereafter, the virus was still considered a threat for six months. Since polyoma is a deadly killer of baby psitticines, any eggs or babies brought into her house would be at risk. Therefore we took the egg, incubated and later hand reared Cos. At between two and three weeks of age, Cosmo aspirated while normally "chugging" (head bobbing) her food. Soon thereafter her feeding response completely vanished for three or four weeks. It was finally ascertained that she had only half a crop as well as other internal soft tissue difficulties specifically connected with the proper swallowing of her food. Rearing her was a struggle but the little birds will to survive prevailed. Cosmo is successfully weaned and is showing none of the difficulties with "grownup" foods that she had with the liquid baby foods. She is beautiful, well socialized, happy, affectionate and intelligent.

RAINBOW is a four year old domestic born Scarlet Macaw who arrived at the Oasis in October of 1995. At 16 months of age he had learned to deal with 7 previous care-givers. He had emotional and behavioural problems as a result. Rainbow and the caregiver work together to create an atmosphere wherein he learned to trust. Today Rainbow gives kisses, and says "hi", "what's dat??", "step up", is learning to say "l-l-lllove!" and answers each telephone ring with "Hello!!" Rainbow's new "best friend" is a Military Macaw named Sam.

ANDREAS VON BYRD arrived here in February 1996. He is an adult, imported (wild caught) Moluccan Cockatoo of indeterminant age, who has been in this country for approximately 7 years. Before moving to the Oasis, he lived with a young woman for 4 1/2 years, and although he was "loved", sat alone in a cage, with one perch, no toys, on a seed-and-water diet. He arrived malnourished, ill, and unable to be handled. Today Andreas is on a mixed seed, pellet and dried fruit and vegetable diet which is supplimented with a few fresh foods. He has decided that head and body skritches and even the occational kiss are even better than his favorite food, bananas!!

Two retired pairs of macaws arrived here last year. PRICILLA and PHILLIPE, the Scarlets, were put together as a pair in 1972. EDITH and ARCHIE, the Blue and Golds, were paired in 1974. Edith and Archie are both estimated to be at least 50 years old. During Edith's years in captivity, they produced over 200 babies together. When Edith stopped being as productive as she had been, her owner decided to place her at the Oasis where the two could enjoy the rest of their lives without the pressures of breeding. Pricilla and Phillipe are an odd couple. Based on past history from owners as well as xrays taken in 1993, Pricilla is estimated to be around 75 years old. She is blind in one eye, developing a cataract in the other and has severe arthritis in her feet, limiting her mobility. Her husband, who is estimated to be in his 50's, is extrememly protective and caring of her. Of all the birds here, Pricilla and Phillipe exemplify the loving bond mated macaws develop. (Priscilla passed over the Rainbow Bridge on January 15, 2001, at the age of 79)

Some of the birds here at the Oasis are foundlings, given to me by people who rescue the wayward birds but cannot keep them. Often they are very weak or sick when they arrive here and need some specialized care. Our local daily newspaper offers free "found" ads for found pets. I always run an ad, and can reunite about half of the lost birds with their happy owners. But many end up living here, joining others of their kind in large flights, when their quarentine period is over and their health and strength have been regained. Among these birds is a very friendly little cockatiel I have named JACKIE, who now has a girlfriend named Pearl.

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A balanced, healthy diet is provided for the parrots at The Oasis. Species-specific seeds and pellets are given fresh daily in conjunction with fruits and vegetables.

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Lolita the Sun Conure

George the Lovebird

Suzu the Senegal Parrot

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Foundling Johnny has been with The Oasis for about a month now. He arrived starved, dehidrated and very very weak. Johnny is doing better day by day and he is enjoying life now. 11/2/2003

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Our newest foundling, Isis. She has been with us since Oct 27 and is in Quarantine awaiting Vet check. She is underweight and scraggly looking.

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Tom and Ruth Ann picked Nicky up at 4 PM yesterday, 11/1/03. She has had all her Vet work-ups and is is good health. We hope she will regrow her feathers her at the Oasis.

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Pretty Boy lives in foster care with Tom and Ruth Ann LaRue since he needs extra human hands-on attention. It's hard for Tom and Ruth Ann to find toys that he will play with. This is one made by a Canadian friend of theirs ruth Anne's friend, who owns her own birds, just seems to know what will be pleasing. And WE all are pleased that PB will consider playing! 11/2/2003

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This was a foundling who spent a week with Tom and Ruth Ann while they found his owner... He left foster care on 10/30/03. His name is Bogie and he's 12 plus years old. He is now back with his family in Ahwatukee, AZ.