Species: Red lored (Amazona autumnalis)
Arrival Date: 1st July 2008
Approximate age on arrival: 2 years (hatched 2006)
Status: Still at Centre
 
 
1st July 2008
Spike was one of four birds confiscated by the Forestry Deprtment from a house in the Cayo District. He was in a small domed cage with an agressive white-fronted male, although there had been 2 white-fronted up until a week or so before this time. He was forced to sit on the cage floor as the other two bird occupied the only perch directly above him. They would defecate on Spike daily, and he overgroomed each of his feathers until only the shafts remained (hence 'Spike'). The other birds taken at this time were the white fronted 'Mick' and 2 red loreds which we nick-named The Hooligans.
 
17th July 2008
Spike was introduced to the joys of the aviary. He had spent a couple of weeks in the house for observation, but he was very aggressive toward humans and it became clear he would be better off amongst his own kind, even though he couldn't fly at all.
He took to the trees beautifully and soon found his way around and staked his little claim in the far back corner. He unfortunately has a lot of human vocalisations which we hope will diminish the more he interacts with other parrots.
 
30th November 2008
Spike is making excellent progress. He has grown in a lot of new feathers and most of his spikes have disappeared. His chest has some grey areas, but his wings and back are greening up beautifully. We have yet to see him fly, but it's early days. He's never been allowed to fly before and right now probably doesn't think it's necessary to learn since everything he needs is within climbing distance. It will probably take an accidental shove from one of the other birds for him to realise he no longer plummets to the ground like he always used to. It's still gives us tremendous joy to see a bird taking pleasure from simply being free.
He has recently discovered a kindred spirit in Blue, a Mealy Amazon and the two of them groom each other and sleep side-by-side. Yet another new experience for poor old Spike.
 
January 2009
Spike's feather growth is almost complete. He is a stunning bird, with beautiful vibrant colours. He and Blue are inseparable, but they don't actually show any mating behaviour (thanks goodness!) They just seem to be really good friends.
 
March 2009
Flight, at long last! Only two tiny overgroomed feathers are all that remain of the old Spike. Unfortunately, he is using his new skill to get to whoever enters the aviary. Spike obviously doesn't belive in not biting the hand that feeds him.
 
June 2009
Spike's aggression is quite serious now. Some days he has no issues with humans, yet on other days he goes completely wild at them. He and Blue are flying so well now, it may be a good opportunity to release them. His vocalisations are at a minimum now and he is making natural red lored sounds.
 
1st July 2009
Spike was released today along with Blue. He performed a classic orientation flight and returned to the aviary area. For two days he remained around Blue, taking large circular flights occasionally. He still shows aggression and would follow the aviary assistant Dyanna out of the property along the road, which is quite a problem.
We last saw Spike on 3rd July in a large tree by the old quarry. We have no doubts of his flight ability but he has disappeared very quickly: usually a single bird will stay around for a week or two - especially if they have been released with an aviary-mate.
 
  Looking Good! July 2009, just before release
 
4th September 2009
Our neighbours boy was convinced he heard Chilli's distinctive call coming from the watchman's house of a farm half a mile away. On investigation, we discovered both Chilli and Spike, caged and clipped.  We are amazed that they managed to trap Spike: we guess that they used a glue trap or similar as he had very black feet and tail. He will be some time before he can fly again: a severe blow to his confidence.
 
Back to square one: September 2009 after his kidnap ordeal
 
3 January 2010
Spike's feathers are growing well but he is back to vocalising again which may be a sign of stress. He has been in one of the smaller aviaries since his return: he can't cortrol a fall yet and may attempt to fly in the large aviary and possibly hurt himself. He is in with Prico, which is not a perfect match, but by and large they get along. We intend to move him into the flight aviary sometime this month.