Featured in Ripley's Believe It or Not!
Featherless Bird
Rhea, the featherless bird, is an adopted lovebird with Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD). The disease attacks the bird’s hair follicles, causing their feathers to fall off and keeps them from growing back.
It wasn’t until two years after Rhea was born that she lost all of her feathers.
Ever the animal enthusiast, Isabella Eisenmann adopted Rhea without a second thought.
“I just knew this was meant to be.”
It was love at first sight for the lovebird, and the two are inseparable.
The Naked Birdie
Isabella keeps the world up to date with Rhea’s antics, running both a Facebook and Instagram page. Isabella has even made some Rhea merchandise.
There you can see Rhea modeling all kinds of sweaters and outfits that keep her warm in the absence of her feathers.
In addition to the sweaters, Isabella keeps her apartment at 75˚ F and has Rhea’s cage equipped with heaters.
The naked bird keeps herself moisturized by preening, but cannot fly without her feathers.
Instead, she hops and jumps to get around.
PBFD
There is no treatment or cure for the disease, but Rhea makes regular trips to the vet. All the love and attention she has received, however, has much improved her quality of life. She even laid eggs!
Rhea doesn’t seem to be bothered by her PBFD, and is enjoying life in her new home.
Source: Rhea the Featherless Bird – AKA Naked Birdie