Bailey (Congo African Grey Parrot)

This is Bailey; aka Lt. Dangles, Bailey-Boo. He is Approximately 2 1/2 years old. Bailey is a Congo African Grey Parrot. He was a rescue that I adopted from an individual about a year ago. I was told when I adopted him that he had a condition known as splay-leg, that baby parrots sometimes develop when they can't get very good traction on the surface that they are standing on.

Upon examination and x-rays by a vet, it was determined that Bailey had had one leg completely broken on one side, and never fixed. The foot on the other side was completely broken as well, and never fixed. As a result, Bailey is a special-needs bird, and requires slightly different care procedures. He has minimal perches, and more platforms in his cage, for more secure footing; also, he cannot be taken out of his cage, unless he is totally held by one of us; the risk of further injury is very real for him. He cannot use the leg that is sticking out to the side, all he can do is open and close the toes, for the ability to hold on. It cannot be fixed, due to the risk of nerve damage, and the possible loss of function altogether.

Bailey is a complete joy to our home; he is extremely bright, and sociable. He definitely considers his humans as his flock, as he is constantly talking to us. He is always helpful in answering the telephone for us, letting us know when the microwave is finished, whistling "Dixie," singing, and letting us know when aliens are hovering around, by imitating their spaceship. His singing is not the best in the world, but the Bible says to make a joyful noise, and Bailey definitely believes in living by the Word of God, LOL.

When he is especially happy, he likes to dangle from the top bars of his cage, and although he does not feel comfortable getting outside of his cage, due to his injuries, he loves it when we go over and talk to him and pet him through the bars. He makes a soft little "whooooo" when we pet him. He gets nervous when the cage door is open, because he doesn't know what to expect, so we basically have to inter-react with him in his own environment.

He is on mostly a pelleted diet, with the occasional Nutri-berry, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Not too many sugary sweets, due to birds tendencies to develop yeast infections.

We are so thankful to have our Bailey-Boo in our lives.

By one.of.a.kind from Locust Fork, AL