Become a Mickaboo Angel!
"Give of yourself as the Angels do and wonderful things will come to you." - Ramadan
Update, January 1, 2009: Thanks to increased donations in response to our calls for help, our financial status has become more sustainable. We are still in need of donations in this declining economy, and our vet bills have not decreased. However we are lifting the total ban on intake of birds while we revise our intake policies.
Mickaboo currently has approximately 300 birds in foster care. Our first commitment is to these birds and their ongoing care. For this reason, we need to use our regular donations to maintain a cash reserve for them. Thanks to Mickaboo's generous supporters, the Angel program has been a huge success. Our Angels have enabled us to take in over 100 birds since May 1, 2008. These are birds we would not have been able to help without your generous donations.
Why Become an Angel to a Mickaboo Bird?
Unfortunately, many of the birds that come into Mickaboo's care have been injured, abused, neglected or are very ill. As a result, they need medical attention, behavioral training and extra love and nurturing before we can place them in adoptive homes. These birds are often times considered unadoptable at shelters and by society in general. We believe that every bird deserves a second chance. We allow each and every one of our birds as much time as they need to find that special adopter who is willing to care for them. As Mickaboo has grown, and we have taken in more birds, our monthly vet bills have increased significantly, averaging between $8,000 and $10,000 per month.
We understand that not everyone can foster or adopt a Mickaboo bird, but would still like to help. Becoming an Angel to a bird in need is the perfect way to do that! You can help us take in birds from shelters or from private surrenderers who are in a financial crisis. Your donations to Mickaboo can be directed to care for a particular bird or birds, to help defray the cost of their sometimes astronomical vet bills while they wait for forever homes.
Angel Species
When you become a Mickaboo Angel, you are helping us fulfill our commitment to keeping our doors open to ill, injured, abused, neglected and unwanted companion birds in Northern California and beyond. We invite you to become the species of Mickaboo Angel that suits you best!
- Angel: Our goal is to have an "endowment" of at least $200 before taking in a new bird. This will help us ensure that we always have sufficient funds to provide basic medical care for the birds already in our care, as well as for new birds we take in. As an Angel, you will receive recognition on our website, an email picture of your Angel bird, and regular email updates on his/her progress. If a bird is adopted without using your Angel money for vet bills, we will shift the money to the next needy bird and let you know which additional bird you have helped us bring in.
- Guardian Angel: Your donation in any amount will be used to provide ongoing medical care for a specific bird that you designate. As a Guardian Angel, you will receive recognition on our website, an email picture of your Angel bird and regular email updates on his/her progress.
- Archangel: Archangels commit to covering the full vet costs required for a new bird to be healthy enough to adopt. As an Archangel, you will receive recognition on our website, a 5 x 7 photo of your Angel bird, and regular email updates on his/her progress.
Please email angels@mickaboo.org and tell us what species of Angel you are, which bird you would like to support, and how you would like to be acknowledged on the website: full name, first name only, first name and last initial. If you do not want to specify a particular bird to support, you can also request that your donation be used for the bird most in need--we'll let you know which bird we chose.
Every Bird Gets An Equal Chance
That's the underlying principle of Mickaboo. Once a bird is in our care, we provide all the medical care s/he requires. We do not "triage" birds or spend more money on large species than small. We only euthanize a bird when s/he is suffering without the possibility of recovery. We provide hospice care for terminally ill birds who are not suffering. Since we do not have paid employees, you can be sure that your donation goes directly to the birds. Donations are 100% tax deductible. A receipt will be mailed to all donors.
A special "Thank you" to PAWS for SJACS for their financial assistance with some of our birds. www.paws4sjacs.org
Birds Waiting to be Matched with an Angel
| Date |
Species |
Name of Bird | Current Situation |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/29/10 |
Cockatoo |
Yuki |
Hello there, I'm Yuki a friendly female Umbrella Cockatoo found in an empty apartment. I was brought to the Peninsula Humane Society where I had several prolapses resulting in surgery. The nice people there informed Mickaboo because I'm still not feeling better. In fact - I had another setback just now. I will need a good amount of medical attention from an experienced Avian Vet. Will you please be one of my Angels helping me overcome those rough times ? Yuki has her first Angel: Thank you Doris Muller |
Coming soon |
| 01/19/10 |
Cockatiel |
Cindy |
Hi, I'm Cindy. This is my second time with Mickaboo already. When I came in first I got adopted quickly. Back then I was exhausted from laying too many eggs not having received the right food and attention. My Mom fell very ill and had to return me to Mickaboo. This time I am in bad shape with multiple fractures to my wings and leg. I am sitting in a hospital tank all comfy and warm with a bandage on one wing and really brittle bones. My new foster mom says she loves me a lot and will give me all the necessary care to hopefully make me feel better real soon. I will need ongoing vet care and would love for you to be my Angel ! 02/03/10 Cindy has her first Angels: Thank you Justin Woolley and Tiffany Chin |
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| 01/07/10 |
Cockatiel |
Buzz |
Buzz has been dropped off at the Vet with a broken leg and bite wounds on his toes. He got attacked by a rat in his own cage. His owner never had any intention of picking him up again. Buzz has been through a lot including surgery with partial amputation today. He has a wonderful foster home lined up but will need follow up medical care. Please consider being an Angel for this sweet little guy ! 01/31/10 Update from Buzz's Foster Mom: Buzz is doing really well; still on antibiotics, but I no longer have to gavage him and he's off the pain meds.The radiologist says the prognosis is guarded for the foot/leg that's still bandaged. The fractures have not healed yet, but we will give it more time. There is still a chance it could get amputated. |
 |
| 01/03/10 |
Cockatiel |
Sweet Pea |
I'm Sweet Pea, a pretty little white-faced cockatiel. I used to live with my friend Rocky who was picking on me, to the point where he plucked out many of my feathers and left me scared and bleeding. That is how I came to Mickaboo. After several weeks in foster care, my physical and emotional wounds are mostly healed. I am proving to be a calm and friendly bird. I like visiting with my foster mom and I eat most of what she serves me, which means that I am starting to eat pellets and veggies. Woud you like to help cover my medical expenses ? |
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| 01/03/10 |
Cockatiel |
Sunitha |
Hi, Sunitha here. I was found outdoors, alone and injured a few weeks ago by a neighbor of Mickaboo's CEO. I had probably been attacked by a predator but nobody knows for sure. Mickaboo got me into an avian hospital where I was poked, prodded, stitched, then given a few days to heal and get my strength back. Now that's all behind me and I'm in a wonderful foster home.Please check back soon to see how I am doing next time you need a ray of sunshine in your life. Thank you for making a donation towards Sunitha's vet bill. Update 01/05/10: Sunitha has her first Angel - thank you Susan Schnur. |
 |
| 01/03/10 |
Amazon |
Buddy |
Buddy the orange-winged Amazon is being surrendered to Mickaboo with a history of medical problems like a crippled foot, athlerosclerosis and a history of sinusitis. He will need ongoing vet care we would appreciate your Angel support for. Update 01/20/10: Buddy has his first Angel - thank you Chloe Redon. Update 02/02/10 from Buddy's new Foster Mom: He's settling in pretty well although he is not eating very much. Mainly fresh veggies and a rice/bean mixture that I cooked. He has had a few of his pellets but not very many. He seems very confident, not territorial or cage aggressive, and will usually step up for me. He wants to spend most of his time on top of his cage and seems completely uninterested in any of his toys. |
 |
| 11/21/09 |
Cockatiel |
Austin |
Austin crash-landed in somebody's back yard after being carried away by a hawk and fighting his way free! He is recovering from serious injuries that probably would have killed him if he didn't get prompt veterinary care. Austin is a fighter and his prognosis is good thanks to Mickaboo. Please consider helping us help this tough little guy. 01/03/10 Update from Austin's foster dad: Austin is doing well in foster care now that he has had time to get over his bad experience with the hawk. He loves to visit with people and has a gorgeous singing voice. Austin is a feisty and friendly bird and, because of the veterinary work provided by Mickaboo, he is also a healthy bird who is ready to find a loving forever home. 02/03/10 Austin has his first Angel: Thank you Sonia Cleary Godwin "For Yardley" |
 |
| 11/9/09 |
Budgie |
Charlie |
Charlie was surrendered because his owner thought he had respiratory problems, but he has more than that. He is extremely sensitive to most medications and keeps vomiting them up. He lost weight until he was down to 23 grams. We're hoping that careful nursing will bring him back to health. 01/17/10 Update from Charlie's Foster Mom: While Charlie continues to slowly gain weight, he has not been able to remain free of the avian gastric yeast once he stops taking the medication. He also needs to be kept in a warm environment (an incubator most of the time) or he starts to lose energy and begins vomiting again. We hope that in time his immune system will become strong enough to cope with whatever is causing his recurrent illness. 01/27/10 Charlie has his first Angel ! Thank you Lisa Bobulinski "in memory of Tom" for your kind ongoing support. |
 |
| 10/27/09 |
Macaw |
Buddy |
Buddy has been returned to Mickaboo due to medical problems. He has been diagnosed with aspergillosis - a hard to treat fungal infection- as well as picking at his blood feathers regularly which has lead to excessive blood loss on a couple occasions. A bird with medical issues such as Buddy can use an Angel & many Guardian Angels as his vet bills have been very high! Note: Buddy has one anonymous Angel as he was listed on the Angel page previously. Due to his most recent medical problems and high vet bills, he is in need of additional Angels and Guardian Angels! Update: 01/03/10 Buddy has a new Angel - Thank you Colleen Hindson |
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Click here to become an Angel to a bird from the Pleasanton Aviary Rescue
Click here to become an Angel to a MickaCoo Pigeon or Dove!
Birds and Their Angels
If you don't see your Angel bird here, please be sure to check our Angel Graduates page (link below).
| Angel(s) | Species | Bird(s) Rescued | Reason for Rescue | Picture or Link to Bird's Story |
| Angel: Elise Acosta |
Amazon |
Cappy |
This very sweet Amazon has been surrendered to us because he has severe medical issues. One of them being inflamed air sacs. He will need ongoing treatments and possible x-rays. We would greatly appreciate any financial support to help this wonderful bird. 01/10/10 Update from Cappy's Foster Dad: Cappy is doing fine. His air sacs are still causing problems but he is adjusting nicely to his new environment and has discovered his passion for dried fruit. |
 |
| Angels: Patricia in Memory of Calypso |
African Grey |
Sammy |
Sammy has been seen by a vet and will need lots of medical care including x-rays. Please help us with this high medical bill. | 12/29/09  |
| Angels: Denise Cedar in Memory of Sweet Pea, Anonymous |
Cockatiel |
Flora & Precious |
Flora and Precious were surrendered to Mickaboo with medcal problems resulting from poor care. Flora has a systemic infection which is being treated with antibiotics and Precious has poor kidney function. Mickaboo is cautiously optimistic that these two beautiful and distinctive looking birds can have a good quality of life but that will require ongoing veterinary care. Please help us give Flora and Precious the good lives that they deserve. 02/07/10 Update: The girls are doing great. Flora is the sweetest bird ever. She makes these cute chirping sounds when I hold and cuddle her. Precious is more sceptical and likes to stay in her cage where she feels comfortable. She is taking Essential Fatty Acids to support her kidneys and will eventually need a recheck for her Uric Acid. |
 |
| Angels: Anonymous, Susan Schnur | Cockatiel |
Prince | Prince was found outdoors, terrified after having been attacked by a cat, with a bite wound on his chest and missing a lot of feathers. Prince was just released from the hospital and is getting used to being in a great Mickaboo foster home. 01/03/10 Update from Prince's foster mom: After several weeks in foster care, Prince has grown most of his feathers back and is doing much better. This is from his foster mom: “Someone loved this bird at some point - he's finally starting to sing and talk here. And what he just said had the perfect intonation to be 'I love you.' He obligingly said it about 10 times in a row so I could get a really good listen. |
10/12/09  |
| Angels: Donna C., Patricia G., Susan S. |
Cockatiel |
Verdi |
Verdi has a self-mutilation habit which resulted in a large wound on his back, between his wings. Thus far in foster care, Verdi has responded well to behavioral redirection, socialization and dietary changes. He is a friendly bird who wants a lot of human companionship. |
9/12/09  |
| Angel: For J.V. Hrovat: Happy Father's Day |
Red-Lored Amazon |
Bebe | Bebe is a sweet and gentle 42 year-old bird who had nowhere else to go when her previous owner didn't have the time for her. Bebe is being treated by one of Mickaboo's avian vets and her foster dad for medical problems related to being overweight. |
06/07/09  |
| Angel: Anonymous | Amazon | Prince | Prince was at a local shelter in need of medical care. He is missing a toe and his right wing hangs most likely due to a previous injury. Prince needs surgery on his foot and radiographs of his wing to determine the extent of the injury. 01/17/10 Update from Prince's Foster Mom: Prince is doing great. He loves his toys especially when there are bells attached. He is not terribly interested in people and starts yelling when he is bored. He loves chewing birdie bagels or wood pieces. Sometimes he will sit on his perch practice talking. He imitates the other birds in the house and he is getting better saying "What are you doing?" and "Good Boy!". Prince is very active. He stretches and flaps his good wing. He does have problems with heights. |
5/8/09  |
| Angel: Zora M. Surprise, AZ, & Donna Cresswell |
Conure- Blue Crown | Rico | Rico came to us from a shelter and has an overgrown beak. He will need to see an avian vet as this can signal underlying health issues. 01/22/10 Update from Rico's Foster Mom: Rico has been in for three foot x-rays and since I moved him to a tub to spend the day in this seems to have resolved those problems. He had a broken foot at one time and the beak had become aggravated and he was in pain.There had also been fear of bone cancer but the Vet does not think that is the case. Even with a clear bill of health he will need ongoing beak trims because every 6 weeks it is needle sharp. |
3/6/09  |
| Angel: Janet B. Guardian Angels: Kari Terhark, Santa Clara, CA Bill Kruspe, Dorene's Dad The companions of Buddy, Wookie, and Jinge, Colleen Hindson |
Macaw | Max & Rico | These boys have a very special story and their own web page: A Special Partnership. 01/20/10 Update from Max's Foster Mom: Max had a bad flare up of his Papilloma tissue due to stress. I brought him in thinking "oh, God, he's going to need surgery". Fortunately, his Papilloma tissue is recovering from his episode, but the Vet was concerned about his breathing. He had to get hospitalized and is in need of more Angels to help him out financially. We are sending positive thoughts for a fast recovery. |
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Get updates on Angel "graduates" on the Angel Graduates page.
Please visit our In Memoriam page for Angel birds we have lost.
Please note! Our birds' lives are subject to sudden changes. If a bird is removed from the Angel program, we may transfer your Angel funds to another bird in need. Becoming a bird's Angel does not imply any legal rights over the bird or its care.