Photo/Video Shoot of Francis AKA Tacky Bird

[FoxersArtist]

Francis really is tacky - but he's tacky in the most endearing, loving, and sweet ways possible. He is unrefined, completely trusting, a bit sloppy, gobbles up everything in sight, and he doesn't follow any of the rules that were set before him when God made him an african grey. We have had the little fellow for almost a month now and already he will allow any person to approach and pet him, he is letting us scoop him up and carry him around, and he takes enthusiastic bathes in the sink. When no one is looking he spends his day rolling around on the floor of his cage, tossing toys around and gleefully honking at himself. To my delight, I am now able to roll him over onto his back where he will happily play as long as I leave him that way! He even likes belly rubs. Just this past week he went with me on vacation and he was made for road trips. He totally adored the trip from start to end and all the friendly faces between. We went to visit his footless sister Jude who now lives several hours away and they had a good time. Francis remembered his sister instantly and bowed his head for a little sibling love. Jude seemed happy to see her brother again. They had lots of fun playing together with toys, splashing in the bath and going around town with us to show amazed people how special they are, despite having no feet.

Here are a few videos I took of Francis this week. Please excuse the messy bottom. Francis has a thing about getting poop on himself, since he is so short and though I try to bathe him daily, he got REALLY messy being in the same cage with his sister this week.

A very cute little rolly polly (If I called him a girl it's because I'm trying REALLY HARD to get used to the fact that he is likely a boy!):
YouTube - Francis Laying On Back

Francis takes a bath, and tries to drink the whole ocean at the same time:
YouTube - Disabled Grey Francis Has A Bath

Jude & Francis after their bathes:
YouTube - Francis & Jude All Wet

Francis says hello in his adorably cute little upside down way. He is the ultimate hammy bird.:


Waving with his little nubs, Francis lets the world know he is here:


Who needs taste when you can be adorably cute looking like something the cat dragged in:


Momma with Francis. Can you tell that I'm totally in love?


-Anna

[janfromboone]

So amazing how they have adapted to their disability and wonderful that you are willing to keep a so profoundly handicapped bird. How did this happen? Was it inbreeding??

[Tom L.]

Why is it I think Francis is now part of the permanent collection and no longer on the watch for a 'forever home'?

Those videos are so great. I absolutely love that Francis.

[FoxersArtist]

Sometimes new or stressed parents become overly worried about their newly hatched babies if they don't feel they are eating or eating enough. The parents nip at the babies in an effort to get them to have a feeding response, not realizing that they are seriously handicapping their babies. The babies are so tiny that the smallest nip can take the foot right off - which is what happened in this case.
-Anna

Originally Posted by janfromboone

So amazing how they have adapted to their disability and wonderful that you are willing to keep a so profoundly handicapped bird. How did this happen? Was it inbreeding??

[FoxersArtist]

I feel like we are losing the battle with this one as well...hehe. I'm not sure Francis would object.
-Anna

Originally Posted by Tom L.

Why is it I think Francis is now part of the permanent collection and no longer on the watch for a 'forever home'?

Those videos are so great. I absolutely love that Francis.

[Malaika]

aaw, they are so cute! It looks like you love Francis very much and that he is well taken care of!

My CAG has one toe missing on one of her feet and has had this as long as I know (don't know what happened to her). Your explanation about what happened to Francis and his sister could possibly also explain why Malaika has a missing toe. I just think it makes her more unique and it has become a "part of her personality." True beauty really does lie within!

[Lisa B]

Originally Posted by Malaika

True beauty really does lie within!

yes it does!!

[parrotforlife]

just curious do what commadations you for her? Special perches etc