Hi, my name is Delly, im a North QLDer currently living in South Australia with my parrots. My journey down here has been "character building" to say the least, my first few months in SA were difficult and super humbling. I spent months experiencing homelessness, while trying to escape a DV relationship and juggle the general trials and tribulations that come with moving to a city where i dont know anyone, nor have a cent to my name.

There were allot of sleepless nights spent in a tent, holding my breath everytime i heard something, praying silently that whoever was walking past had no malicious intent. There were many tears shed out of frustration, hunger, shame, sadness and occasionally joy. I was very determined to get out of the horrible situation I found myself in, and the day my abuser was arrested i felt hope. Thanks to all the DV support workers who pointed me in the right direction, and were there for me when I felt isolated and alone, without you I would not have my name on a lease, a safe place to call home, I appreciate you. ❤️

After a month or two of stability I had the opportunity to adopt a 3 year old Green Cheek Conure called Kermit. He was raised in a free fly home, only caged at night, very loved and adored by his owner, who sadly passed away. From that moment Kermit was put into a cage in the back of the kids yard, away from the house (as Kermits constant screaming was too much for them) and he lived like this for roughly 6+ months. Now, I have allot of experience in keeping birds and after hearing Kermits story and meeting him, I felt compelled to open my arms and home to this little feathered ball of trouble. Its honestly one of best decisions I have ever made and if I had to endure all I had previous to meeting Kermit again, I would in a heartbeat just to make sure our paths always align.

Suddenly, I wasnt so lonely.

Kermit seemed to need me as much as I needed him, and our bond is honestly unbreakable. One of his favourite things to do is come out to the shops or thrifting with me in his carry bag or on a harness. Everytime 100% without fail he will have people dancing, bopping up and down on the spot, in time with him while he squawks in sequence. And I always giggle and think how peculiar it must look from afar. he puts a smile on people's face and I adore that about my little extrovert.

Its safe to say that while im not living in luxury, i am still content and enjoying life with my little guy Kermit and the rest of my adopted flock.

Sadly though, after developing what sounded like respiratory distress I rushed Kermit to an Avian Vet. Luckily he is stable however after spending the last $500 I had on tests, the cause of the distress is unknown, and an infection in his crop has been discovered. He is currently on antibiotics, while i try to get the money together to pay for the next vet visit which is predicted to be upwards of $1500 and will consist of more tests, xrays, sedation, housing overnight fees, medication etc. And thats just to hopefully find the cause, there's still the treatment to come after that. ive heard allot of terrible things about people's birds going under sedation and them just passing away while under. It makes my chest tight when I think about it..i just want Kermit to be okay, and unfortuneately right now, i dont have the money to help him, and i dont have anything worth selling to get that money quickly. I understand that some of you may be thinking "well why get a bird if you cant afford to take care of it", and i totally understand where youre coming from and youre right. I would have the money normally as im pretty good at putting money away, but i had my car fixed only 2 weeks ago so I havent had time to replentish my savings. So my only option right now is this, to ask strangers on the internet to please PLEASE help me, help Kerms. Im sorry for the long winded novel, I do feel like its all relevent to mine and Kerms situation, I hope i haven't triggered anyone by talking about my experiences. If i have and youre not coping please call Beyond Blue 1300 224 636

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