When Winnie’s elderly owner could no longer care for her and five other birds, the family reached out to Mulberry Acres Parrot Rescue for help. Six parrots would be a challenge for any rescue — but one look at Winnie, and the decision was clear.
Her beak had grown so long it curled under her chin.
“We knew something had to be done,” said Mandy Kocevar, founder of Mulberry Acres. “Her beak was severely overgrown, almost curling down into her neck. There’s absolutely no reason for a parrot to be in that condition, and that photo of Winnie was the reason we fought so hard to bring them in.”
The other birds also had health problems, but Winnie’s case was the most urgent. Despite her enormous beak, she was actually overweight — likely a result of being fed human fast food, including Burger King.
“It's unbelievable that she could eat with such an overgrown beak,” Kocevar said. “She learned to scoop food with it and then use her tongue to push it into her mouth. With beak issues like this, it’s almost always an underlying health problem made worse by poor diet. I believe that’s what caused her overgrowth.”
Before rushing into treatment, rescuers gave Winnie time to adjust to her new surroundings. Almost immediately, her affectionate nature shone through.
“It’s obvious her previous owner loved her and handled her daily,” Kocevar explained. “She’s always ready to step up, cuddle, and ask for head scratches. And she’s very food motivated — if I’m eating near her, she’s right there wanting a taste.”
After a few weeks, Winnie was finally ready for a professional beak trim. The transformation was remarkable.
“We brought in our avian vet, and Winnie took it like a champ,” Kocevar said. “She already feels so much better. She’ll need another trim at her next checkup, since you have to do it in stages to keep the bird safe, but she’s on her way.”
Now, Winnie is thriving. With daily exercise, a healthy diet, and regular care, she’s steadily regaining her strength and comfort. She’ll remain at the rescue for several months while she continues to heal before it’s decided whether she’ll stay permanently or be placed in a forever home.
“She’s got a brand-new makeover, a fresh start, and she’s on track to be in the best shape of her life very soon,” Kocevar said.
If you’d like to help care for Winnie, you can donate to Mulberry Acres Parrot Rescue.
