Ruffled Feathers Parrot Sanctuary Inc.

It�s with great sadness that I share the loss of my precious Iago. She didn�t like many people�honestly, I might�ve been included in that. She basically just didn�t like anyone. But she was smart. She knew that even if she didn�t like people, she needed them. So, she tolerated a select few to move her around�at great protest, of course.

Evenings with her were some of my favorites. I�d take a break, sit down with her on my chest, and we�d watch TV together. Her arthritis was so bad she couldn�t really bite if you were behind her, but that didn�t stop her from grumbling about it. Despite both of her feet being crippled, she was a fighter. She never gave up. Every morning, she�d sing�completely out of tune�to let the world know she was up and ready to face a new day.

But last week, she lost that song. And we all knew. The light had gone out. Just like that, she went from trucking along to dying. We don�t know her exact age, but based on her ailments, we estimate she was in her late 40s, maybe even early 50s. Decades of walking on those crippled feet. And you know what? Those feet taught me more than I can put into words.

She came to me right after I lost Larry Bird, at a time when I desperately needed something to focus on. She reminded me then�when I was down on myself, thinking about how bad I had it�that here was a bird who had it worse than I could ever imagine. And she still loved life. She learned to trust the people who cared for her. I hope I was more than just a caregiver to her. Because to me, she was family.

The morning we knew it was time, we got her into the vet. There was nothing to be done. We could have had her put to sleep, but her organs were simply shutting down�she wasn�t in pain. And then there was Charlie. Her neighbor, her best friend, the one who screamed, �I�m sorry, Charlie!� over and over again as I took her away. I couldn�t let him think she had just disappeared.

So we brought her home. She had one last day to sit with Charlie, to be with him. He never left her side. He watched over her as she rested, ate a little, drank when she could. Ever vigilant. Ever devoted.

She didn�t pass by midnight, so I got her out and held her in her favorite spot�curled up on my chest, watching TV, with a little extra blanket to keep her warm. It was bitterly cold that night. She passed there, around 4:30 a.m. I�ve noticed a lot of souls seem to leave between 4 and 5 a.m.

Even though I knew she was gone, I gently placed her back in her cage so Charlie could see her when he woke up. But he already knew. Watching them say goodbye, seeing how deeply they understand loss� it leaves me without words. Anything that can love, appreciate, and mourn the way parrots do is on a whole other level.

Charlie got his closure, and Iago got to pass peacefully, at home, in the arms of the only person she truly trusted. I�ll miss her terribly. It�s been about a week, but I just didn�t have the courage to write about her until now.

Rest in peace, my friend. When I see you again, I want you to run my way. You can show me the flying stuff later.

Love you forever and always.

P.S. Tell Larry not a day goes by that she doesn�t cross my mind.

03/06/2025
Find my tribute video below. I'm sure missing her already. ?

Below the info I will share some of my pictures & videos of her. Also the how an original evolves and has to be cut for various social platform . I often don't share much when it comes to our handicapped birds I hold it back for just me. Iago deserves to be shared with the world. She existed and she was loved greatly by me. One of the hardest things for me in rescue is agreeing to take on a bird you know you may not have long at all. I do my best to make that time count both to my benefit and detriment. 

Learn about caring for an elderly parrot here below:

Environment: 
Perches: Softer, flatter perches can help with arthritis. Rope perches may also help with arthritic feet.
Cage: 
Lower perches to reduce the risk of falls. Increase cage padding for safety.
Temperature: Keep the cage in a draft-free, stable temperature area.
Lighting: 
Adjust lighting to mimic natural light cycles.
Nutrition:
Provide easily digested foods that are low in fat and high in omega-3 and -6 fatty acids. 
Offer a variety of fruits and vegetables with high water content. 
Consider supplements to the diet. 
Veterinary care: 
Schedule regular veterinary exams at least once a year.
Have laboratory tests and body weight checks performed as recommended by your veterinarian.
Be familiar with signs and symptoms of diseases commonly seen in older birds.
Mental stimulation: 
Offer a variety of toys for mental stimulation.
Provide enriching items like acacia branches and egg cartons.
Encourage your bird to explore new activities.
Pain management: 
Consider analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories to help with discomfort.
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