Paco the Parrot

We got another parrot. Yes, we are crazy. That's partly why we work where we do. It is hard for us to say no to animals that need homes. Paco was at a good home that couldn't care for him anymore, just like TJ, our other African Gray Parrot. TJ is a Congo African Gray, Paco is a Timneh African Gray. The Congos are a bit larger with red tails and all black beaks, the smaller Timnehs have maroon tails and pale upper mandibles. Both are near threatened in their native Africa.

Paco seems to be a more accepting soul than TJ. TJ likes a few people. Paco likes everyone. TJ bites a lot. Paco doesn't bite at all, at least not hard. Paco is here on a trial basis though. He had developed a habit of feather picking with his original owner and we are hoping his feathers start growing back, a sign that he is doing well here. Birds pick their feathers for a variety of reasons, and Paco's owner thought it was due to stress from one of their family members having a serious illness. His lack of feathers does make him cute. And harder to resist (see picture above). But we want him to be less stressed and more stimulated and start looking like an African Gray again!

Right now, he's doing pretty well. We are spending time with him, he has other bird buddies down where his cage is, and he loves to sit in the sun. He has been trying a variety of foods, including lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, which might also help his feather situation. I will keep people updated, but a few positive thoughts for Paco as he learns to adjust to his life here after 12 years somewhere else would be appreciated.