I'm crying like a baby right now...

Jade · Post by **Jade** » Mon Sep 26, 2005 6:52 pm

This morning at 7.00am I went into my aviary to feed and water Chuckles and Sunny. Chuckles wouldn't get off the door to his cage and when he finally did, I opened it. As I was putting the food container in, he flew under my arm and escaped. I watched him fly into the neighbours paddock and so I chased. He was up a 30ft gum tree. Magpies and pee wees were attacking him because its breeding season for them. Little Chucky was attacking them back and saying 'hello' when they came near him. I was calling and calling and he would just peer down at me and blow kisses and say 'hello'. I got the ute and parked it under the tree and stood on the roof but I was still about 3 metres too short and another bird attacked him and he flew off. All morning I spent chasing from one tree to the next trying to get him. I had to go because I had to take Lonnie to school and I had to go to work. I am so scared for my little guy. I know I saw him fighting back at the other birds but he is only 1 year old and still a little baby. I called my husband and he said 'its just a bird'. My neighbours also think I'm a little weird because was driving all over their back yard and calling up trees and blowing kisses and making clicking noises. The hardest thing I have had to do was sit here at my desk at work. I am petrified that my little guy will be killed by other birds or fly off and die because he doesn't know how to get food and water. Here I go again - bawling my eyes out. Boss thinks I'm crazy too. I had to cancel my clients today, I really don't think I can handle listening to them whinging and whining (so what if their husbands/wives have left, they weren't attacked by birds and killed). :cry:

Sorry for depressing you all once again. Its like my child has disappeared.

Post by **ringneck** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 12:45 am

Jade
I am so sorry you lost your Indian ringneck! I know how sad it can be. I know if I lost my Archimedes, life would just end! They bring so much joy!

I am very sorry your boss and your husband cannot understand your loss! It’s not just a bird, it was a friend.

Please don’t give up hope. Tomorrow is a new day! Post fliers and inform neighbors, pet shops, vets, and local animal shelters!

I am sure someone will catch him and return him home! Please hang in there and don’t give up hope—you have all the right to grieve! We are all behind you! :cry:

Good luck and please keep us updated!

P.S. I feel your pain! :cry:

Best Wishes,

Imran Chaudhry

Melika · Post by **Melika** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 1:36 am

I know what it's like to think you're being safe and then have to chase a bird. One of our first budgies glew out the door if it's cage when I giving them the water dish. It was horrible. Ditto to everything Imran said! Birds really do become friends.

I really hope to hear you've gotten Chuckles back.

Jeremy · Post by **Jeremy** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 3:25 am

Don't give up searching for your baby, in most cases, lost birds turn up about 3 blocks from your own house. He shouldn't be too far and will most likely fly into someones house looking for food.
On the Australian Parrot Society website there is a lost/stolen bird section where you can list Chuckles. Also, put a few flyers up around town.

I hope you find Chuckles

Post by **Datsun and Family** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 4:56 am

Big hug from me and Datsun!!!!!

Hope you find him! We will be wishing all our happy thoughts your way... keep us posted!

Mikaela · Post by **Mikaela** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 5:43 am

Jade:

I am so sorry for your loss. Try to put his favorite treats in a cage outside and MAYBE by the grace of God he will go in there.

I so hope you get your baby back. This is why I am pro-clip. Full flight is majestic but it isnt worth it. I cant imagine how you feel so I wont pretend I do but know that we are here for you.

jen5239 · Post by **jen5239** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 10:55 am

Jade,
I wish I was closer to you so I could come over and help you search! My heart is breaking for you as I write this. I am sooooooooo sorry! It's like losing a family member. If you need anything and I can help, please don't hesitate to ask. We're all here for you and we KNOW how you're feeling. I will say a little prayer for you and Chuckles! I always include my babies in my prayers! Be strong and keep looking!

Hugs,
Jen & Byndi

selma · Post by **selma** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 12:35 pm

jade i've been feeling so sad all day after reading your post. I can only imagine what you must be feeling. We grow so attached to our birds they become like our children. And others can't seem to understand that. I've heard that a few times: it's just a bird. It makes me so angry. I will say a special prayer for Chuckles. I feel like it's my baby too out there. Do let us know as soon as you have news. God bless!

Jade · Post by **Jade** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 6:01 pm

I got up at 5.00am and sat out the back and just listened. I heard him at about 6.00am over on the next property - about 3 acres away. I stood in the middle of the paddock and called for him. He flew out of his tree and into another tree closer to me in our paddock. He just won't come closer. All morning its like he's taunting me :twisted:

. He is calling and blowing kisses and flying over the top of me and the house but when he lands in a tree, its always way too high for me to get to him. I'm hoping he gets hungry soon and comes closer to the house. The other birds are calling out and he is answering so at least he hasn't left the area. I have even seriously contemplated hiring a cherry picker and chasing him around with that. I'm am a bit happier because at least he is still alive. I just have to get him.

I haven't ever clipped his or Sunny's wings because they are aviary birds. Even though I hand raised them. I did it because we get heaps of snakes and rats and stuff and I didn't want them to be sitting ducks for any attacks. Did the chop this morning with Sunny though!

Thanks for all the support. I'll keep you all updated. Hopefully I will have a good post soon.

jen5239 · Post by **jen5239** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 6:18 pm

Jade,
I'm happy to hear he's okay! I still wish I could be there with you to help. Not that I could do much. But I could be a shoulder!! I am a shoulder, if you need one. You have lots of them here for you. I'll say another prayer for you and Chuckles. And I'm happy to hear you've clipped wings! Don't want this to happen again. Well I'll keep you and your baby in my thoughts and prayers. Keep us posted!

Hugs & Prayers,
Jen & Byndi

selma · Post by **selma** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 10:16 pm

Hi jade
I am sooooooooooooooooooooo happy to hear that Chuckles is alive and well...now hopefully you can find a way to get him down and bring him home safely. Good luck and let us know how its going.

Jeremy · Post by **Jeremy** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 10:28 pm

Next time Chuckles comes back to a nearby tree, try holding on of his favourite treats out and he should come down for a bite.
I am glad to hear he is ok

Mikaela · Post by **Mikaela** » Wed Sep 28, 2005 4:27 am

I have been praying you are able to re-capture. Put treats everywhere, even on top of your house. Then, you will know he is eating and he will also stay nearby knowing there is a food source there. Then, by the grace of God, you may be able to get him back.

Jade · Post by **Jade** » Wed Sep 28, 2005 4:58 pm

HE'S BACK!!!!

I came home yesterday and he must have heard the ute coming up the driveway and flew out of his tree over the top of the car. He landed in a smaller tree and I jumped out of the car and started screaming for my husband. He came over with a net but Chuckles flew off (hubby wearing one of those stupid fluro work vests scared him with the net). Anyway, he circled for a while and I saw him land in a gum tree. By this stage it was about 5.45pm and getting dark. I stood there in the one spot until 6.30pm eyeballing him so I wouldn't lose him. Jamie by this stage had the net attached to a broom handle and an extendable pole strapped to that and stood on the roof of the ute and I shone the torch into the tree and we got him!!! I think because it was dark he was too scared to fly off.

Anyway, my baby's back and I have hacked off his wing. I left one full wing so that he can still get around in the aviary but can't fly off again (I hope).

THANKS FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT & PRAYERS EVERYONE. WITHOUT YOU GUYS I WOULD HAVE BEEN A COMPLETE MESS.

I know I am a very lucky girl and trust me, new aviaries are being designed as we speak! Any suggestions??

Mikaela · Post by **Mikaela** » Wed Sep 28, 2005 5:16 pm

Yay!

Gonna clip? :shock:

Melika · Post by **Melika** » Wed Sep 28, 2005 6:00 pm

Double doors on the new aviaries. Or a netted (caged) hallway with aviaries on both sides, only opening to the netted hall, that way escapees are in the hallway if they get that far. That's my best suggestion, lol.

I'm so happy to hear Chuckles is back!

Post by **ringneck** » Thu Sep 29, 2005 3:38 pm

Wow! Congrats! I am soooooo happy! Clip both wings though! Never only clip one!

This post really put a simle on my face! Wow! :wink:

Best Wisehs,

Imran Chaudhry

jen5239 · Post by **jen5239** » Thu Sep 29, 2005 4:04 pm

Jade,
As I said in the other post, I'm sooooooo happy for you. What a craft thing to do with the net and broom and the other thing. Good job. I would love to give you a big hug. So consider yourself hugged!

Jen & Byndi

Jade · Post by **Jade** » Thu Sep 29, 2005 4:18 pm

If I clip both wings for both Sunny and Chuckles, will they still be able to get around an aviary. Chookie has both of his wings clipped but he prefers to ride around on my shoulder and if he wants alone time he just climbs up the side of the cage and gets in.

Thanks for the suggestions on the aviaries. We were thinking of doing the aviaries in the front (about 6 of them, measuring 2m x 2m or more) with a large aviary behind that that is not sectioned off (so that the babies can mingle once they've left their folks) and then a hallway type thing going on at the back of that. I'm just curious what other people have done. We only have bought aviaries at the moment and they are crap in the wind, even though they are dyna bolted to concrete we still had two tear out.

Once again, thanks guys.

Melika · Post by **Melika** » Fri Sep 30, 2005 2:07 am

One of our clients (landscaping) had a gigantic aviary built with only one double-door area for safety. Every aviary led to the next one. It worked just fine.

But they really felt foolish for getting peacocks though, LOL! Peeps with money don't stop to think when they just want the look.

Peacocks are... very loud.

Post by **ringneck** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 12:26 am

Yes! Peacocks are a lot of work. I spent many years working with them! They are fantastic creatures!

Best Wishes, :wink:

Imran Chaudhry

Sassi1320 · Post by **Sassi1320** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 2:14 am

Jade, I am SO HAPPY FOR YOU!! What a Second Chance Hey!!
I only just saw your post and read it from the start. I was (and still am)
sitting here sobbing while I was reading from top to bottom. The only difference now is I am also smiling!~ GOOD LUCK AND KEEP HAPPY!!

Hi from Helensvale!

Jade · Post by **Jade** » Mon Oct 03, 2005 7:07 pm

Thanks Sassi. Helensvale - not too far from me!

Mazziemom · Post by **Mazziemom** » Tue Oct 04, 2005 1:04 pm

Please clip both his wings, one wing clips cause muscle problems.

I don't mean to butt in, I just worry about health when I hear of single wing clips. You see, the wing with feathers has much stronger wind resistance when he flaps... and the muscles can overdevelop to compensate, throwing his whole body off. Its much much better to clip both wings equally.

Athena

Jade · Post by **Jade** » Tue Oct 04, 2005 7:39 pm

Yep. Already did it. I read (can't remember whose post) that both should be done and the following day I did it. Both get around the aviary well. They jump from branch to branch and clamber up the ladders and wire more so than ever.

Very happy birdies and happy mummy.

Bryan · Post by **Bryan** » Tue Oct 04, 2005 9:48 pm

I only just read what happened I am still crying, but I think because every one kept you in their prayers and because you never gave up, you got him back. :mrgreen:

Now I am soooo happy I am crying lol :lol:

Mikaela · Post by **Mikaela** » Wed Oct 05, 2005 5:45 am

*hugs Bryan*

Jade · Post by **Jade** » Wed Oct 05, 2005 6:57 pm

Thanks Bryan you SNAG. My hubby hides away by himself to be emotive! Nice to see a guy being honest with their feelings.

(By the way, I'm really sorry if you're not a guy...just thought of that then!) :oops:

ringybaby · Post by **ringybaby** » Thu Oct 06, 2005 5:42 am

OMG I was crying - now I cant get the smile off my face.

I am so glad that you managed to get him back

Neokireina · Post by **Neokireina** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 8:34 am

I'm so glad you got him back it's heartwrenching to lose a bird like that. I dont think clipping is the answer tho >.<
Even though I've contributed more than my fair share of birds back into the wild (only native australian birds anyway) and went through a clipping craze out of grief. I regret clipping them.
It's better to have double doors or an escape cage enclosing your aviaries so there is no chance of escape.

edit: I know I sound really anti clipping, I'm not trying to push anyone into anything. I just hope people will consider both sides and do whats best for the bird if clipping isnt the only answer.

Bryan · Post by **Bryan** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 10:26 pm

Yea I am a guy, I find on this site you can really let yourself go

A fine cage won't feed the bird.

Mikaela · Post by **Mikaela** » Sun Oct 09, 2005 5:10 am

In America, comtemporary homes are built with very high ceilings. Especially here in Florida. My ceilings are over 30 ft high. Also, we have what are called planter shelves where the wall doesnt meet the ceiling, rather they leave an edge to put plants ect. Anyway, my point is there is no way I could have unclipped birds because of this reason. I would be chasing them constantly.

Furthermore, I am very PRO-CLIP, it is unfair to leave a wild animal unclipped to risk escape and it having to fend for itself, usually not being very successful at doing so. It is the responsible thing to do, especially considering the powerful flight an IRN has, even as a baby. They take off like bald eagles.

Also, I have four boys that run in and out of the house like a revolving door. My babies may get out but it will be by them waddling their little butts out the door.

Jade · Post by **Jade** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 7:52 pm

I have learned the hard way and am very pro-clip. Although in saying that, only my handraised guys are clipped. I don't clip the King Parrots or Yellowy and Greeny (I know, the names suck - son chose them). Thats because the Kingys and Y & G are breeders and need the flight. My other little ones, Chook, Chuckles and Sunny, are all clipped so that I can wander around outside with them and let them climb in the bush and chew my plants and chase the dogs, without the worry they won't come back.

Neokireina · Post by **Neokireina** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 10:50 pm

I'm not anti-clip but I think it depends on the circumstance really. In your situation it's fair enough.

It's just me and my BF living here. Front and back doors are locked. Birds go in the bird room and the door closed when people come in or out. Since it's just the two of us there's no chance of any escape. My ringneck is "trimmed" so he can still fly around the house but if he gets out hopefully he gets tuckered out before he gets far.

I had my birds clipped for a while and I do kinda miss taking bappy for drives in the car and walking around with her on my shoulder. But I had one scare where she took off, the wind gave her lift and my heart froze as she soared across the quiet street. I got her back off the neighbours lawn but even clipping has its perils.

Jade · Post by **Jade** » Tue Oct 11, 2005 6:17 pm

Yeah, Chook loves it on a windy day. He spreads the wings and flaps like mad and pretends he is flying. If he jumps off my shoulder he flutters to the ground about a meter away and looks at me and says 'come on' to pick him up again to repeat the thrill. :roll:

natalie · Post by **natalie** » Mon Feb 27, 2006 5:13 pm

Jade, I could hardley beleive my eyes when i read this forum. Thank goodness you had a happy ending. You were so very lucky. Gona do the wing clip thing asap. Im still amazed at your luck. Your baby must love you. I knew hubby would be there for you in the end, good old brooms and nets etc. Anyway phew. xxx natalie

Jade · Post by **Jade** » Mon Feb 27, 2006 6:28 pm

Thanks Natalie! It was so long ago now!!! Its funny, Chuckles completely changed after his experience. He is a much friendlier, happier bird. Even though he is an aviary bird (but hand raised), he is now so much more loving and attention seeking of me than he ever was. I too am really glad we got him back. I love the little guy :wink:

birdman5000 · Post by **birdman5000** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 6:23 am

i know this happened a long time ago but i didnt read it till just now :oops:

your old man and nieghbors are crazy "just a bird"

when you have a pet that youv cared for and raised its not "just a"-anything but a deep loss if it escapes :cry:

there are a million times more humans than indian ringnecks in the world so id say according to supply and demand irn's are worth more than "just a human" :wink:

~*Gwennie*~ · Post by **~*Gwennie*~** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 8:10 am

wow I am so glad he's home!

Jade · Post by **Jade** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 4:41 pm

My husband is one of those country boys who accepts that when animals are sick you put them out of their misery and when birds fly away, no point getting upset about it....keep on going. I however, have not yet adjusted to this way of thinking. ALL of my animals are my children!! Incidentally, I have seen hubby out by the aviaries giving Chuckles a stern talking to about flying away and making me sad!! MEN :roll:

red192 · Post by **red192** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 2:50 am

YEAAAAY He's home! So sorry to have read that. My heart was aching. I lost my sun conure that way 2 years ago. Only I had him out in his cage on the deck and when coming in, my puppy tripped me causing me to fall and cage coming apart when we all landed on the floor of deck. Paco flew away, For 3 days I saw him in the trees between our house and a neighbor's house. I missed work for 3 days cause I was gonna get my baby back. Only I never did. I had a heart ache for a year before I decided it was time to fill the cage with another colorful personaility. I don't care if this bird demands in english, spanish, french or what ever, she will visit the out doors by the big window! ! ! !!

Ed Loschi · Post by **Ed Loschi** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 11:35 am

What a great story with a happy ending...good on you!
I can't believe I just caught up with this thread today.

I'm all about clipping and even more so now after reading your story.

The Bebe dude is an amazing flyer and I do wish I could see him in full flight maneuvering and darting around, it would be a great sight. But unless we get a big aviary with a flight, or I go on a bird watching trip to India, it's not to be.

All his primary flight feathers get clipped tight to the wing with the cut end under his secondary feathers.

After his first molt I wanted to see how it would be to leave him one or two primary flight feathers but keep him symmetrical. He looked real fine and he liked it too. When he folded up his wings the primaries criss-crossed his back. When he streached out and flapped his wings he created so much air pressure you could feel it from six feet away and you could see that big wing span he had for that little little body of his and know this bird was a real good flyer...as good as or better than a Swift or a Swallow.

So get this, he had only the #1 primary on his left wing and the #2 on his right, no other flight feathers whatsoever. I tested him in the apartment and he safely crash landed, so I'm thinking he's good to not go.

We're out on the porch fifteen feet above ground taking in a nice sunny breezy Saturday. Bebe is in the Rosemary bush on the railing, he gets spooked and goes overboard. Nothing new to this, he just flutters down and I go collect him and bring him back up.

Except this time he catches the breeze and is gliding in a straight line nearly horizontal for the trees. It was breathtaking and heart stopping at the same time.

He ended up about 175 yards upwind out-of-sight in a patch of tall grass. He tried to make the trees but missed by only 10 feet and man o' man was he tryin' for those trees. This with just two flight feathers!!...and the #1 isn't a very aerodynamic feather!!!!

I ran the 175 yard sprint in a personal record time but couldn't see him to save my life though I saw exactly where he landed (green on green in green grass is good camoflage) . We whistled to each other and I still couldn't see him in the grass until he was just underfoot, his beak and his ring gave him away.

A 35 : 1 glide angle, into a headwind, with just two primary flight feathers. It boggles my mind. These Irn birds are areodynamic marvels. I believe if he had just one more flight feather or even just a half more flight feather he would have gotten lift and he would be gone.

So the moral of these stories for me: No flight feathers for my fid for as long as I live, or we get a big aviary/flight, whichever comes first. If he knew this he'd kill me or have me killed....so...shhhh...

Jade · Post by **Jade** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 5:19 pm

I still remember the day of the flight very clearly. And yes, they are terrific fliers. I sometimes wonder if he reminisces about his flying days and whether he tells the other guys about it! My king parrots have escaped their aviary about 4 times now - we always get them back though because my male kingy loves his fruit and veg too much to go wild!

New aviaries are nearly completed. This weekend should be the big move for all my guys. I'll post lots of pics once its all happend.

IndianRingNeck.com

I'm crying like a baby right now...

I'm crying like a baby right now...

What a strained couple of days you must have had.

A happy ending...good on you.