Puppy

Sulpher-Crest Cockatoo

Hatched 03/10/2024

First things first—Majick Feathers is not a breeder. We weren’t trying to breed parrots, and we certainly weren’t expecting to end up with a baby. But sometimes, life throws you a curveball… or in this case, a tiny, featherless, peeping surprise!

For years, Capone and Woody had laid eggs, but none had ever been viable. So when they did the same thing in 2024, we assumed nothing would come of it. With Nathan’s cancer treatment taking priority, Melissa didn’t check this year’s eggs too closely—because why would she? But life had other plans, and, against all odds, one little egg hatched! That’s how Puppy, the unexpected but very much adored addition to our flock, arrived.

Cue sheer confusion and mild panic.

Now, because we aren’t breeders, we were completely unprepared for this situation. No brooder, no setup, just one tiny, helpless chick staring up at us like, “Well? What now?” So, naturally, we did what any reasonable people would do—frantically contacted every breeder we knew across the entire state, trying to beg, borrow, or (in a moment of desperation) consider some light brooder theft. After a lot of phone calls and a little bit of bargaining, we finally tracked one down… an hour and a half away. So off we went, embarking on a last-minute road trip to secure the very thing that would keep Puppy warm and safe. Because, apparently, when you work with birds, unexpected adventures are just part of the deal.

Unfortunately, Capone and Woody must have taken one look at parenthood and decided it wasn’t for them, abandoning Puppy just one day after hatching. Since we’re all about parrot welfare, we don’t take hand-raising lightly. Baby parrots raised entirely by humans can sometimes struggle emotionally, but with no parental care or clutchmates, hand-raising was the only way to give Puppy the best shot at a happy, well-adjusted life. So, armed with a whole lot of love, knowledge, and the support of the entire Majick Feathers flock, we set out to give Puppy the best start possible.

Now, about that name—why Puppy? Well, that’s where Pirate Nate comes in. See, he has this thing where every baby animal is a “pup.” Dog? Pup. Cat? Pup. Bird? Pup. Dinosaur? Definitely a pup. Since we had no idea if Puppy was a boy or girl at the time (DNA tests take a little while), we needed a gender-neutral name, and “Puppy” just stuck. By the time the DNA results came back—congratulations, it’s a boy!—he was already Puppy, and there was no changing it!

Oh, and just to add to the hilarity of this whole situation—Puppy managed to hatch on the exact same date as Luna: October 3rd. Only, you know, in 2024. We couldn’t have planned that even if we tried. Clearly, fate had a sense of humor with this one!

Now, this little surprise has become quite the rising star. Puppy is currently in training to be part of our shows and experiences, getting out and about in public, meeting new people, and learning how to be a well-socialized parrot. And the best part? He’s already started talking! His favorite phrases so far? “Hello, Puppy!” and “Walk, Puppy!”—which, let’s be honest, is just ridiculously adorable.

So from a completely unexpected beginning to a future full of adventure (and probably some mischief), Puppy’s story is just getting started, and we can’t wait for you to be part of it!