I like to remember our “rainbow budgies” on their hatchdays. Today would have been Riley’s.
This year I decided to make videos. I wish Riley’s video were longer, but she wasn’t a fan of the camera, and her time with us was short.

We found Riley on the website of the San Diego Humane Society. She had been found outdoors and brought to the shelter by a good Samaritan. She was in a horrible state. She had a severe mite infestation, with an overgrown beak. She had growths on her face and toes and was missing parts of her toes. We think she was only able to see out of one eye.
The vets at the shelter treated her, and when she was in better health and ready to be adopted out, we brought her home.
We named her Riley in the hopes that she would be “living the life of Riley” with us. Her nickname was “Smiley Riley” as her beak disfigurement gave her the appearance of smiling.

Riley’s health improved and after quarantine, she became part of the flock. She loved being with the other budgies, eating veggies, flying about and taking baths. She was very attached to Emmy and followed her like a little shadow.
Every two to three weeks we would take her to the vet for beak trims and any follow up care she needed.

Sadly, after only 15 months with us, she began to decline. Her labs showed kidney problems and possible cancer (she had a recurring growth on her face).

If only we had had more time her. Riley became such a happy, playful little budgie and we treasured every moment with her.

As always, if you are thinking of adding a bird to your family, please consider adopting and giving a little bird like Riley a happily ever after.
*Riley’s mite problem could have been easily fixed, but her previous owner let it get to a horrible state and then just released her. Budgies are not disposable and many will need vet care at some point in their lives. Please make sure you are willing and able to provide this care if needed before deciding to bring a budgie into your life.