Hello from Australia! Sunny my Rescue Long-Billed Corella

HannahandSunny

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Parrot of the Month 🏆
Jan 13, 2019
547
638
Australia
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Cockatiels. Percy & Gizmo

Forever in my heart. Sunny the Corella
Hello everyone!
Thought I’d join as I’m a new bird ‘owner’ and love advice to make Sunny as happpy and healthy as possible!

Soo here is our story. On the 8th of December we found Sunny in the road, there has been a few very windy nights before hand so we are guessing he blew out the best maybe, almost ready to leave but hadn’t quite learnt how to fly. He was also rather skinny like he’d been wondering around lost for a couple of days perhaps. We are unsure but he would have certainly been squashed by a car, eaten by a fox, snake or picked up by an eagle if he’s been left there.
So I took him on, thinking it would just be a week of getting his energy back up with good food and rest and then be released quite soon.
The first day he was obviously rather shy of me, but I just let him be and didn’t disturb him as he’d gone through enough stress and it was a hot day.
The next morning I offered him some apple..that’s it, we became best friends :D
Once he started eating and learnt how to eat seed properly without just de shelling and then dropping it he became much better in his brightness. He quite quickly learnt to climb onto my hand to be let out the cage. We let him walk around the small 2 roomed cottage we currently live in ( blinds pulled down etc).
I’d like to get him out as much as possible as it’s not fair for him especially being wild to be cooped up. After about a week he’d sit on my shoulder and as I knew he couldn’t fly well, more than just a couple of flaps then flop to the ground. I’d take him for a walk outside and he’d sit on my shoulder while I fed the horses. A few more days later I thought I’d do another test flight, knowing he wouldn’t manage to do much.. but to my complete surprise he managed to fly slightly up for the first time!! He fly into a tree and got stuck!! By the time I got him down he was exhausted. Something was wrong with him
Straight away as he couldn’t stand up, I felt awful. I thought I’d used up all his last reserves and now had no more energy to cope. I just made him as comfortable as possible sitting him in the bottom of the cage with towels to keep him warm. I didn’t expect him to last the night, I was so upset.
So as you can imagine I was so pleased and surprised that he was still with us in the morning. I syringed fed him sugar water and critical care for a couple of days until I suddenly noticed that one of his feet wasn’t gripping at all! I realised straight away that he must have injured it in the tree, I couldn’t feel a break so gathered it was dislocated or sprained or something. I booked a vet appointment for him straight away.
We came home from the vets with a course of antibiotics.
Fast forward a week and he was better than ever! Back perching and louder than ever before! He started to call for us all the time and to be let out his cage. And sung (badly) in the morning to get our attention to get out of bed!
Once completely healed and well. I decided to do more test flight as it is he only way he can be wild again, which is 100% my aim for him. We started off with little flys until eventually he was doing laps around the paddock and drive way. He got use to my voice and me calling him from just a few days of me finding him so he didn’t stray far while flying. He’d get worn out and hot very quick, so I started doing it. A couple of times a day to build up his muscle and stamina.

He actually flew off with a mob of cockatoos and Corellas recently, heading off to the state forest. I was devestated, I knew he wasn’t ready and would be left behind by the other birds. I spent all day crying and stressed. I couldn’t find him anywhere. Then 8 hours later I tried again I walked down the farm driveway calling his name (he always replies) then I heard him! He sounded so pleased to hear me, I spotted him up in a tree and he flew down to me, I cried tears of happiness :white1:
Since then I’ve been to scared to let him free fly, I’m going to have to though as it’s his only way of learning. I let him into the peacock aviary for flys and he loves to eat the grape vine that’s growing up it. And I also bought him a big outdoor aviary for outside the cottage as I don’t like to leave him in the peacock one as there is a peahen with her 2 chicks in there at the moment until the chicks are healthy enough. And I have to shut them into there house while Sunny is in there. Plus the mesh is big so I worry he could get his head stuck. I’ve put lots of branches fresh of the tree in his personal one for him which he loves to peck at.
I plan to contact a wildlife rescue to see if they have any Corellas almost ready for release to see if maybe 1 or 2 could come and live with sunny for a week to get him socialised and make friends that he can fly off with.

I of course have fallen in love with Sunny so so much! He is the most amazing, cutest and funny animal I have ever had. His character is spectacular, he is so goofy and just LOVES being ticked around his beautiful eyes and beak. He follows me everywhere and he makes me smile all the time. I know he shouldn’t be this tame if I want to release him but I feel it was vital to socialise with him otherwise he would have given up, been scared and not have recovered and survived. We only had an emergency small cage to begin with as well so it was very important for me to let him out which meant I had to handle him.
It really is my aim for him to be wild. I almost cry every night when I’m putting him to bed and I can see all the wild cockatoos and Corellas getting ready to settle down for the night. And there I am putting sunny behind bars, all alone.
I know he’s happy, he gets so excited when he sees me, he makes to cutest little sniffing noise with his wings slightly up and rubs his beach on my face.

Just bought I should add that When we first found him we did contact wildlife rescues for help and because they are all so full they told us he’d have a better chance with me as he would get one on one attention instead of being one of maybe 10+other animals!
Also I actually have no idea if he is in fact a boy or a girl!:p

Wow that was a long story! Thanks for reading

Oh I’m English in the process of living in Aus permanently. My names hannah and I’m 27.
 

ChristaNL

Banned
Banned
May 23, 2018
3,559
157
NL= the Netherlands, Europe
Parrots
Sunny a female B&G macaw;
Japie (m) & Appie (f), both are congo african grey;
All are rescues- had to leave their previous homes for 'reasons', are still in contact with them :)
Hi Hanna,

great job on saving a life!

(Your story remind me of a baby-blackbird who just decided - for a while- to move in with us. He eventually flew off again, but we had him singing around the house and neighbourhood for quite a few years after that.)

Maybe he will stick around till puberty, may he should find his own bunch to grow up with...or maybe he will just stick around and live the life of luxury-- only time will tell.
Yup, whatever happens he stole your heart (join the club, you are a full member now!) and I think you are braver than most for daring to let him decide to stay around or move on.

(Thats makes you a hero twice, in one post! Once for saving his life en twice for letting him choose his life.)


Glad you found your way here :) happy to meet you.
 
OP
HannahandSunny

HannahandSunny

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Parrot of the Month 🏆
Jan 13, 2019
547
638
Australia
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Cockatiels. Percy & Gizmo

Forever in my heart. Sunny the Corella
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Hi Hanna,

great job on saving a life!

(Your story remind me of a baby-blackbird who just decided - for a while- to move in with us. He eventually flew off again, but we had him singing around the house and neighbourhood for quite a few years after that.)

Maybe he will stick around till puberty, may he should find his own bunch to grow up with...or maybe he will just stick around and live the life of luxury-- only time will tell.
Yup, whatever happens he stole your heart (join the club, you are a full member now!) and I think you are braver than most for daring to let him decide to stay around or move on.

(Thats makes you a hero twice, in one post! Once for saving his life en twice for letting him choose his life.)


Glad you found your way here :) happy to meet you.

Thank you so much for the kind welcome.
That sounds like a lovely time with the Blackbird, they have a beautiful voice so he must have been a pleasure to have around !
Yes it’s all up to Sunny now to decide on his life, I want to give him the best chance possible to be wild and free. But if it’s a struggle for him he has a home with me for life :)
I’m trying to upload some photos but I’ve just joined google photos and it’s being more complicated than it needs to be!
 

Betrisher

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Jun 3, 2013
4,253
177
Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Parrots
Dominic: Galah(RIP: 1981-2018); The Lovies: Four Blue Masked Lovebirds; Barney and Madge (The Beaks): Alexandrines; Miss Rosetta Stone: Little Corella
G'day Hannah, how lovely to meet you and Sunny! I really enjoyed reading your fantastic story of rescuing and raising him. You don't say what part of Australia you live in - I'm in Newcastle, NSW and I've got a Little Corella called Rosetta Stone. I found her on gumtree, being rehomed because her owner no longer wanted her. We're having an interesting time getting to know each other and taking tiny steps each day.

It's a hard decision you have to make about Sunny. On the one hand, he deserves a life in the wild. On the other, he won't enjoy the lifespan and good health you could offer him at home. Is your area badly affected by the drought? We've noticed lots of inland species turning up on the coast lately and I wonder what the water situation is inland.

I wish you all the best with Sunny and look forward to following his progress!

Betrisher :)
 

SailBoat

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Jul 10, 2015
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DYH Amazon
A warm welcome to Parrot Forums!
Love your efforts and care you have provided.
Love the story and look forward to more.
 

Allee

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Oct 27, 2013
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Hello Hanna, welcome to our flock! What a beautiful introduction and rescue story in one. Thank you so much for helping Sunny in every possible way. I wish both of you the absolute best no matter what the two of you decide. If I may say so, it sounds like Sunny has already chosen. Please continue to share Sunny's adventure and photos.
 

Scott

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Aug 21, 2010
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Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
Welcome Hannah and Sunny! What an amazing story of rescue and rehabilitation! Now for the hard part, a decision whether Sunny is released or becomes a beloved companion.

Did the vet evaluate Sunny for likely ability to survive in the wild, ie no permanent disabilities? That would seem a likely fork in the decision process. Betrisher and other Australians have more experience with the duality of wild vs semi tame parrots.
 
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HannahandSunny

HannahandSunny

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Parrot of the Month 🏆
Jan 13, 2019
547
638
Australia
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Cockatiels. Percy & Gizmo

Forever in my heart. Sunny the Corella
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Just seeing if this works for his photo
 
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HannahandSunny

HannahandSunny

Well-known member
Parrot of the Month 🏆
Jan 13, 2019
547
638
Australia
Parrots
Cockatiels. Percy & Gizmo

Forever in my heart. Sunny the Corella
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hannahandsunny-albums-sunny-picture21028-6e8c9a04-4956-42c8-9e89-b2f931cb430a.jpeg
 

ChristaNL

Banned
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May 23, 2018
3,559
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NL= the Netherlands, Europe
Parrots
Sunny a female B&G macaw;
Japie (m) & Appie (f), both are congo african grey;
All are rescues- had to leave their previous homes for 'reasons', are still in contact with them :)
He looks so happy!
 

GaleriaGila

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Welcome! Hello!

Thank you so much for sharing Sunny with us. You both have expressions of absolute triumph!

Really cool to get to know a Corella...
 
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HannahandSunny

HannahandSunny

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Parrot of the Month 🏆
Jan 13, 2019
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638
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Forever in my heart. Sunny the Corella
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Thank you so much everyone for the kind comments, I’ve never had a bird before and he truely is the most amazing, quirky and affectionate animal I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.
It’s going to be so hard to decide what to do for the best, my main concern for him living with me forever is the fact that he can see and hear all his wild relatives flying overhead constantly as there are massive mobs of birds here. It would become stressful for him? And it makes me sad.
And also what if I decide for some reason to move back to the uk, in say 10 years..
I love him so much
 
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HannahandSunny

HannahandSunny

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Parrot of the Month 🏆
Jan 13, 2019
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638
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Cockatiels. Percy & Gizmo

Forever in my heart. Sunny the Corella
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G'day Hannah, how lovely to meet you and Sunny! I really enjoyed reading your fantastic story of rescuing and raising him. You don't say what part of Australia you live in - I'm in Newcastle, NSW and I've got a Little Corella called Rosetta Stone. I found her on gumtree, being rehomed because her owner no longer wanted her. We're having an interesting time getting to know each other and taking tiny steps each day.

It's a hard decision you have to make about Sunny. On the one hand, he deserves a life in the wild. On the other, he won't enjoy the lifespan and good health you could offer him at home. Is your area badly affected by the drought? We've noticed lots of inland species turning up on the coast lately and I wonder what the water situation is inland.

I wish you all the best with Sunny and look forward to following his progress!

Betrisher :)

Hi there!
Thank you so much! Aw you’re little corella really sounded like she needed a good home, poor girl. I bet she’ll take to you in no time, I feel it’s allabout the apple bonding :p
I’m in Victoria, an hour out of Ballarat! The drought here hasn’t been anywhere near as bad as NSW. It was quite green here a month ago but we haven’t had rain since so it’s browned off a lot recently with not much grass in places.. though if you looked at the size of the horses on the property I live at, you’d see they are definitely not struggling :eek: Our Dams have still got lots of water in them, so the wildlife are happy too.

I will continue to post updates on Sunny!
 

Laurasea

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Great pictures.great story, so glad you are there to help. Keep us updated!
 

Betrisher

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Newcastle, NSW, Australia
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Dominic: Galah(RIP: 1981-2018); The Lovies: Four Blue Masked Lovebirds; Barney and Madge (The Beaks): Alexandrines; Miss Rosetta Stone: Little Corella
Hannah, I was thinking about you and Sunny and it occurred to me that you could get in touch with WIRES and see what they recommend for him. My main worries would be that, since he was so young when you found him, he may not have imprinted sufficiently on his parents to know how to be a true corella. His abilities to fly, forage, find water, get along with a flock etc may not be very well-developed at all. Also, I'm not aware of any research that sheds light on introducing a new corella into a wild flock. By that, I mean it's not as simple as simply letting him go when the wild flocks fly over. They might reject him. Also, since he's only just learning to fly effectively, he may not be able to keep up with a flock that typically flies over tens of kilometres in its daily search for food. He needs to be able to fly with the flock in order to find out how to feed, so his stamina and flying ability are crucial.

The more I think about that, the more I'm thinking you should hasten slowly if you want to release him. Most corella chicks have months with the parents to learn and hone their flying skills. Sunny has only had you for the past while and he's coming from a physically weakened state. I'd guess he's going to need a *lot* of rehab and stamina-building before he's ready to fly with a flock.

Anyway, we're all so pleased that you came into Sunny's life when he needed you. It's especially heart-warming that you want to do the best thing for him. :)

Best wishes from me and Rosetta sends respectful shrieks to her new friend, Sunny. ;)
 
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HannahandSunny

HannahandSunny

Well-known member
Parrot of the Month 🏆
Jan 13, 2019
547
638
Australia
Parrots
Cockatiels. Percy & Gizmo

Forever in my heart. Sunny the Corella
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Hannah, I was thinking about you and Sunny and it occurred to me that you could get in touch with WIRES and see what they recommend for him. My main worries would be that, since he was so young when you found him, he may not have imprinted sufficiently on his parents to know how to be a true corella. His abilities to fly, forage, find water, get along with a flock etc may not be very well-developed at all. Also, I'm not aware of any research that sheds light on introducing a new corella into a wild flock. By that, I mean it's not as simple as simply letting him go when the wild flocks fly over. They might reject him. Also, since he's only just learning to fly effectively, he may not be able to keep up with a flock that typically flies over tens of kilometres in its daily search for food. He needs to be able to fly with the flock in order to find out how to feed, so his stamina and flying ability are crucial.

The more I think about that, the more I'm thinking you should hasten slowly if you want to release him. Most corella chicks have months with the parents to learn and hone their flying skills. Sunny has only had you for the past while and he's coming from a physically weakened state. I'd guess he's going to need a *lot* of rehab and stamina-building before he's ready to fly with a flock.

Anyway, we're all so pleased that you came into Sunny's life when he needed you. It's especially heart-warming that you want to do the best thing for him. :)

Best wishes from me and Rosetta sends respectful shrieks to her new friend, Sunny. ;)

Thank you so much for helping, I may give Wires a call this week to ask their advice, good thinking I’d forgot about them!

I’d never just let him go and hope for the best, before his accidental ‘fly off’ with a flock I was letting him free fly about 2/3 tines everyday to help build up his cofidence, strength and stamina. I am so keen to find some other Corellas from a local rescue that he could hopefully learn to socialise with as I’d hope they’d be more wild than him.
He does give me some hope with being wild as when he’s outdoors on the grass he loves digging up roots, and even ate a grub the other day! He only drinks Dam water now (in a bowl) so hopefully he wouldn’t turn his nose up at a Dam or lake haha!
I’m in no rush for him be released, I have all the time in the world that it takes. And if he’s not suitable or isn’t destined to be wild he will always have a home with me. Or if I can’t provide him with the care he needs long term (I’m only worried about when I take trips home to the Uk) perhaps I could find him a big wonderful sanctuary life somewhere with bird friends and lots of space?
I don’t know..but what I do know is that he’s taken over my life :D.
Thank you so much for all your help and advice, I really appreciate it
Sunny sends big hello sqauks back to Rosetta :D
 
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RavensGryf

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Oh wow! I had a Slender Billed Cockatoo! I had to rehome her in 2011, and it makes me a bit sad remembering. It’s such a wonderful story for you and Sunny though :). Here in the US they’re uncommon to rare, while you get to see them in parts of Australia in the wild :)!
 

Scott

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Aug 21, 2010
32,673
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San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
Parrots
Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
Magnificent pics, Sunny appears to smile!

Long-Billed Corellas are rare in the U.S; closest we have are Goffins.

Hope you continue to share Sunny's progress. He is in great hands for now!!
 

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