I first met Christopher at a breeders home when he was about 2 weeks old. I had gone there to look at all the babies who were being handfed and there was this pitiful looking little Timneh African Grey. One of his legs went straight out to the side, his beak was a little deformed and on his good leg, the back toe jutted forward instead of backwards! But that did not stop his cute personality from shining through. His little head started bobbing as he vocalized his baby sounds to me. I couldn’t help but fall in love with this funny little guy! The breeder told me how he was a burden on her being as he required so much care and how she could never sell him. Then she surprised me by saying "why don't you just take him? I really want to get rid of him. He's wasting my time." While I was overjoyed that this precious little guy could come home with me, I couldn’t help feeling a stab of pity for him. Surely he could've sensed how the breeder felt about him.

When we got home I set him up in a brooder and put a beanie baby (he still sleeps with it to this day!) in with him for company and reassurance. What a big eater he was! Anytime of the day or night, if you went by his brooder that little head would pop up and he'd beg for food. Needless to say, he got a little spoiled. I named him Christopher!

As he grew, he thrived! That leg didn’t slow him down one bit! I had him evaluated at UGA veterinary school and decided that surgery was not an option. Amputation was discussed and Christopher vetoed that by starting to use his leg! He can't walk on it but he can hold fold and use it to climb. He has turned into the best little bird and the pity I feel now is for the breeder who missed out on such wonderful companion!

The only problem I've experienced with Christopher is his fear of strangers. I started taking him to the local nursing home to visit the residents and lo and behold, he became "Christopher Friendly!" I don't know who enjoyed his visits more, him or all the sweet folks that he would bring a little joy to!

Today Christopher is a happy, well adjusted member of the family. His best friend is a little Spectacled Amazon who's also handicapped. He's been traveling with us a few times and you could not ask for a better travel buddy. We took him to Myrtle Beach with us. Christopher and I trekked out on the beach very early every morning, so he could see the ocean. His eyes would get so big and then he would start whistling and talking. It was very exciting for him! One day, a family noticed and came over to met him. I was afraid he'd be wary but no, he went to each one of them and had his picture taken with the whole family! They loved him!

He also attended a concert on the beach and was, again, well behaved! He's been around to a few places now. He was the first bird ever to go across the newly completed Ravenel Bridge in Charleston, South Carolina.. TV crews filmed the first cars across the bridge. As we drove by, I held him up to the window. I never did see the film clip but I'm sure he was a big hit! We love him with all our hearts and he has brought such joy to our home. Just goes to show that you should never overlook a sweet feathered soul because he's not perfect! More

By Angela Plunkett