Mickaboo has some very well established principles that are taught in our classes, reiterated when people adopt our birds, and (I hope) pop up in conversations when our volunteers talk to family and friends about keeping companion birds.  We forbid breeding and emphasize the importance of feeding a varied diet, for example.   Read More

This is the story of how Ms. Pickles, a cinnamon green cheek conure, contributed to Mickaboo’s Angel Program by touching the hearts of her family.  Ms. Pickles was adopted by Lorrie and Justin in July 2009 when they saw an ad for her on Craigslist.  They fell in love with her at first sight, later saying “this tiny bird was as brave and fierce as a lion, but a slave to head skritches”. Like most companion birds, especially adopted ones, Ms. Pickles was a fighter and a lover.   Read More

Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue is very proud to announce the fledging of its first offspring, MickaCoo Pigeon & Dove Rescue. MickaCoo has been a part of Mickaboo for four years, and has grown into a highly successful rescue. Under the wing of its new fiscal sponsor, Community Initiatives, a California nonprofit organization, MickaCoo will continue to pursue its rescue goals in ways not feasible for Mickaboo, including hiring paid staff. Elizabeth Young, founding director of MickaCoo says, “I turned to Mickaboo for assistance starting with the very first pigeon that I ever helped to find a home and their incredibly generous support has profoundly contributed to our success.”   Read More

Doves make excellent pets.  I’ve kept -- and loved-- many species of birds including geese, chickens, pigeons, parrots and finches, but I have a special place in my heart for doves, especially Ringnecks.   They are beautiful, gregarious, friendly birds and are easily cared for.  They don’t bite or scream and they will amuse you with their antics.   Read More

It was a normal afternoon in my home, when I decided to break routine and get Monty, my Eclectus, out of cage during the lunch hour.  He was sitting on his playstand, happy as could be while I sliced fruit in the kitchen.  I looked over when I heard a strange noise - it was clearly coming from Monty, but was the eek of a voicebox muscle that was paralyzed.  Read More

Seizures are frightening to see. The bird may be unable to stand, fall off its perch, lose consciousness, and exhibit violent muscle spasms such as twitching legs and flapping wings. Alternatively, the bird may just stand and stare blankly with an “out of it” demeanor. Seizures may last from a few seconds to one or two minutes. The bird will often seem confused afterward, and may just sit on the floor of the cage while it recovers.  When it is a beloved bird you are watching, it fills you with fear and confusion.   Read More

Next year is near, and Mickaboo’s 2012 calendars are here!  We have colorful year-at-a-glance and wall calendars for you and your bird-loving friends and family, with bunches of flocks to choose from.  Every one loves a partridge in a pear tree, but how about a budgie or Umbrella ‘Too calendar instead?  Take a peek at our Mickaboo store to see these and other gift ideas.  Your purchases will help Mickaboo pay for the rescue and care of a variety of birds.     Read More

I’ve always loved animals and most living things – pretty much anything that wasn’t a poop-hurling monkey or a poisonous, creepy biting insect with stabbing prongs. I’m also not so fond of inhaling the random spider web or flying bug either. Nonetheless, animals are one of my greatest passions in life and I “ooh” and “aah” over every cantankerous, uncooperative Yorkie that happens to come close enough for me to pet   Read More

Cabernet the Crimson Rosella came into Connie Wood’s life in the passenger-side seat of a little yellow car. He was on his way to Oakley to have a good health check-up at the Medical Center for Birds. The first words out of Cabernet’s beak sounded very much something like “what are you doing?” and in response, Connie said,  “you are so beautiful” and “I love you” using hand and arm gestures. .   Read More

"The dogs actually love the birds.  At dinnertime, the birds feed them."  This is Mickaboo volunteer and foster dad Scott Shipley's response, when asked whether it's possible to have canine or feline family members in the same home with avian ones.  And no, he wasn't referring to the birds becoming the dogs' dinner!   Read More

Hi, I am Alemany and this is my very best friend Baker, our foster mommy and daddy say we are something called a bonded pair. I don't know what that means I just know I would be heartbroken if I were ever separated from my best friend. Baker and I were hatched in the wild flock in San Francisco and both are youngsters.   Read More