A video from the Netherlands showing a bald budgerigar parrot perching happily with her owner has just surfaced online.
The little budgie, named Coco, lost all her hair because of the stress she faced while living with her previous owner.
However, things changed for good when Nardjara Bennaars, an animal lover from Zoetermeer, adopted her.
Coco went viral on the internet after the story of her mistreatment by her previous owner made it to social media. Living with them, she caught a viral disease that caused her to lose all her feathers.
In the video, the little bird can be seen in high spirits even though the loss of her feathers has left her unable to fly again.
It looks like Coco does not care at all about her condition as she sits on her owner’s finger without any worry in the world. But on one point, she can be seen flapping her wings with all her might, trying to take off.
The unsuccessful flying attempt leads to the poor bird falling to the ground but she is not hurt as she walks quickly on the floor and pecks food from her feeding bowl.
Since going viral on social media, Coco has managed to create a considerable fanbase for herself.
Currently, her Instagram account has 7,500 followers and gets hundreds of comments and tons of encouragement from the fans who enjoy the little bird’s cute and silly acts.
One user commented: “She’s such a cutie.” Another wrote: “She’s cute the way she is.”
The condition that caused Coco to go bald is known as psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD), which is highly contagious.
It has detrimental effects on the feathers, beak and immune system of Psittacidae family birds.
Pet Coach says about the disease: “It (PBFD) was first recognized in 1975 by veterinarians in Australia, where the disease affects wild birds.
“Although birds showing signs of disease usually die, it is common for birds to be exposed to the virus, develop a mild infection, and recover.”
The website also notes that this disease mostly affects birds younger than two years.
Coco was also under two years when she contacted the disease. As of now, she is three years old and is enjoying her days with her new caring owner.
Coco’s owner, Nardjara, said: “Coco’s feathers can’t grow. The disease attacks her feather follicles and prevents them from growing.
“Sometimes she has the tiny head of breast feathers that grow a little bit, but they fall off really quickly.
“I take care of Coco. My house is always warm, I love her with all my heart and I do my best to try to give her the best life possible.”
Replaced!