Scared Monkeys Discussion Forum

Thanks to all those who posted in the LCD today for help on the new chicks.  I have some good news and some really bad news.

While my hubby was out to the pet store, and I was on here looking for advice and I kept running upstairs to check on the baby which my DH had taken out.  The cage is a huge and wooden.  It opens from the top, it has a latch door that pulls down and then below that, there are two doors that open out like barn doors.  My neighbor who bred these birds had made it and given it to me.  It's beautiful, but very large.  We kept it in the kitchen for lack of space and easier cleanup on tile floor.  It sits next to our sliding glass doors.

As soon as I walked into the room, I notice the cage doors were partially opened.   My heart dropped when I looked into the cage.  There were 3 eggs and 1 egg starting to hatch, but no mom and dad.   Sometimes, when not latched tightly,  if one of us or the the dogs brushes up against it, it will open.  We are usually good about making sure it's tight, but in all the commotion and excitement over the babies, we must not have shut it properly. The parents escaped and flew out of our sliding glass doors, which we had opened for the dogs.

For hours, we followed there chirps to the neighbors huge maple trees, one even flew back to ours, but when DH went to get her, she flew away.   It was so frustrating because they were all the way at the tops, on the little branches and no way to climb up and get them.   I would whistle and talk and "Birdy"  and "Squeaky" would talk back, but wouldn't budge.  

During all this, my DH was trying to take care of the two hatched, keeping them warm and feeding them.  It's been about 8 hrs. and we can no longer hear them chirping, so assume they have flown farther away.

I used to always keep there wings clipped when we had our 2 older dogs and the birds could walk freeling through the house and the dogs would just ignore them.  But since getting our dachsunds, they made one attempt at getting them, so I decided it was best to let them have there wings, in the event they did get out, they could fly up and away from the dogs, in the house, of course.  I would still get them out and put them on my shoulders and they would just sit there, play, talk and give me kisses.

I made a horrible mistake by not clipping there wings and they are out flying freely and God only knows if they come back or get found, I don't want to think of the other options.  We have there cage outside, doors opened with food and water.  DH has a flood light to light up the cage when it gets dark.  

The good news is, we have 2 babies, eating well and 3 eggs on a heating pad.  Of course, we have no idea if the eggs will survive and hatch, but were giving it a try.

I miss my babies and am so worried about them out there with no survival skills.

Please pray for "Birdie"  and "Squeeky" safe trip home and the little chicks we are left to care for.

I will keep you all posted.

Thank you,

Di

Dihannah - I know you must be really worried about your babies. I'll keep them and you in my prayers.

Get the word out right away!  You may still be able to recover your tiels.   Set their cage outside, with food and water inside, the door propped open. Try your local humane society, vets and put some posters up.  Offer a small reward.  If the bird or birds are spotted, they may possibly land on a person, if they've been friendly to people.  I've had tame birds come onto my porch, because they heard the other birds.   Also, if you or anyone ever has a bird escape and you can see them but they won't come, you can use a water hose to wet them, their wings will be too heavy to fly.  Depends on the situation.  My Mom had a half-moon parrot fly off and we thought he was gone for good.   She waited about a month and a half, and went to an aviary in a nearby town to get Dad a new one.  Well, she walked into the big aviary, and a parrot landed on her shoulder.  It was their long lost parrot, Captain Clyde.  Mom paid for food and lodging and got Clyde back home.  :)   I've had friends lovebirds fly out, and we got them back by leaving their cage outside with the door open, and they came back in.  I hope you find your tiels.  I've had good luck in helping people recover birds in some of the ways I've mentioned.  I have seen people put bird cages outside.  There are problems with this:  They are exposed to the wild birds, who are disease carriers, the birds can escape if their cage is hanging (bottom can fall off), other birds can attack, as well as cats and other animals.  The birds can get sunburned, attacked by ants and whatever.  And of course, there are the birds that are houdinis, and can open their own cage...Good luck with finding your tiels.

Diana..
 I dont know anything about birds.. but I sure hope and pray mom and dad birdies come back to you!!   Sounds like you are doing all that you can!
 Hopefully soon they come back to their cage!!  :)

I don't know if this is a good idea or not , but maybe it is worth a try. I wonder if you played some loud cockatiel sounds outside in your yard maye it would attract your 2 birds back. Might be worth a try.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BWXmnUgbcA

That's a great idea!  I'm going to give it a shot.

However, we haven't had rain in weeks, and wouldn't you know, a storm  with thunder and lightening just came through.  Now I'm afraid they are all wet, weighted down and could possibly get into somebody's yard with dogs or cats...  I'm worried sick.

The rain has let up and it's dark out, but DH is out walking the neighborhood to see if he can hear them.  Even if he does, it's too dark to see.  He feels so bad and thinks it's his fault for opening the cage to get the baby out.  I keep telling him it's not.  It was a freak accident...

BB, I am definately going to try that.

Muffy, I'm getting pics. ready to print out and put up tomorrow morning.
Cage is outside with flood lights shining on it.  Full of food and water.

 I bet those stubborn birds are cussing themselves right now!

Thank you all so much for your help.

I am sure you are worried to pieces.  I don't know how much the rain will disrupt them. It might encourage them to stay put coupled with the darkness..... Come morning they may be hungry and come looking for a meal. You are right though to put out an APB for them in case they traveled a distance before night fall. You might include in the fliers (maybe even call a local radio station?) the fact that they have chicks at home that need tending--maybe this will encourage anyone that finds them not to keep them but  to return them to their family.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed ......... :)

Another thing might be to spread the bird food around where it can be seen, apart from the food you have in the cage. Sprinkle it on the patio around where you have the cage outdoors, and maybe even the driveway or garage roof if they are near by.

Most likely time to find them would be sunrise and dusk.

http://www.birdhotline.com/

We got up this morning with no sign of the birds and put out some flyers.
I even slept in the living room, so if they got close, I could here them from the back and front of the house.

One of the baby's died this morning.  We are desparetly trying to nurture the last one.  An avian expert from our local pet store, gave us some advice and tips and even gave us her phone # with any questions.  We still have eggs sitting on a heating pad, but I know it's highly unlikely they are going to hatch...  :cry:

I appreciate all of your support and tips and have tried each of them,  I am afraid to leave the house in case they do come back.

Well, this has turned out to be a depressing holiday weekend.....

All the more reason, we HAVE to hear some good news about Natalee, since this is the main reason we are all here.  Considering her loss is much greater than the loss of two birds  .. Good news would definately make for a better weekend!

:( Diana... I sorry you are having a rough time.
Hopefully mom and dad bird will find their way back home.

Dihannah I am sorry ... I hope we hear good news from you soon, hopefully they will return safely

Dihannah I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Baby birds are so fragile. Don't get discourage about no finding your birds as quickly as you might hope.  It is probable that you won't be the one to find them, but likely someone else. So keep spreading the word......so the finders know where  to return  your  pets.  If you need additional inspiration, and haven't read the  stories about birds that have been found , try this("I'M  HOME" section ) ......

http://www.birdhotline.com/

Good evening monkeys.  Thank you so much for caring and all your support.

The 2nd baby just passed away about an hour ago.  That was really tough because we tried so hard and then reality set in that we no loner have any birds. That baby was almost my last hope.  But we have not given up on our adult birds.  Keep whistling and talking outside in the yards. LOL, some of our unknown neighbors and passerbys probably think we are lunatics for screaming and whistling to the sky!  Oh well.

I still have all my dogs, especially the puppy who constantly cracks me up, he's so ornery!

Still praying some good news for Natalee this weekend.  Tomorrow is Memorial Day, so here's hoping for the best!

My DH got up while I was still sleeping, drove 2 hrs. to the woman who works at the pet store's house, because she raises tiels.  When I got up, of course wondering where he was.  He walks in with a new baby female tiel, 8 wks old.  She looks just like "Birdy".  She's still kind of nervous right now, from being in a large box and driving for 2 hrs.
But I have her on my shoulder right now, letting her get used to me.   We still have the large cage outside for the others to come home too, but a friend is giving us a smaller cage, which I would rather have anyway.  

The lady said there is a small possibility they will find there way home, so not giving up hope.  DH felt so bad though, he just had to get me one!

Looking for suggestion for names!   :lol:

DH thought of "Sunny"

I was thinking "Faith" or "Hope" for my emotions over the weekend. Any ideas?

Diana~!!
 What a sweet hubby you have  :) :)

My neighbor saw one of my birds yesterday flying around.  She wasn't able to get it though.  So I know at least one is still in the nieborhood.

Sill waiting for some suggestion of names for my new bird!  I have some ideas, but would like some other suggestion too. :wink:

Dihannah,

that is good news indeed ! I felt so sad for you when they escaped, we've had our puppy escape once and be grazed by a car and it just about did me in. It's like worrying about a child when it's a beloved pet. I do hope they will return but I also think your DH must be special. I'm not great at names but little none is so I asked her to think of some, I'll post what she comes up with.

Dihannah-

I don't know if these will interest you, kinda surprised me what little none came back with but.........here they are?

Melena/Melina: female Greek name meaning "yellow as canary"

Nelia: female Spanish name meaning yellow

I know this sounds mean but I read it on one of the bird recovery sites. It said if you get near enough to the escaped bird, have a hose ready, and totally start drenching them with water, it will make it very hard for them to fly and they will be clumsy and easier to catch. Check for them at dawn and dusk. Oh good luck.....

That worked for us once bb One of a pair of Peach Face Lovebirds let itself out of the cage and flew away.  It continued to come back as the second one was still in the cage, so we were able to hose it down with a heavy spray (not a jet of water) until its feathers were too wet and it could not fly away.  The reunion in the cage was very touching and they kissed and cooed for ages.

Dihannah Cockatiels are Aussie birds originally so maybe an Aussie name?  You say "she" so I guess they know that for sure, but you do not say what colour she is.
I would have thought you would name her something that fits with your Tinkerbelle avatar.  Maybe Belle.

TIBRO!!! I can't believe it! I was going to suggest "Tink" or "Tinkie" for the very same reason!  :lol:
The whole Tinkerbell concept is so positive and full of innocence and hope. Millions have children have "wished" for Tink and brought her back!

OK, Dihannah, Tibro and I agree!

Dihannah, if your bird is still around, there's hope! I'm keeping a great outcome in my prayers!

LOL,  I never thought of using anything Tinkerbell related!  Though, I'm sure my family may balk at that, they'd think it corny,  but she is MY bird  :lol:

Tib,  I didn't know they originated from Australia!  I'd be curious to hear some of your Aussie name thoughts...

Here you go, Dihannah

Nymphicus Hollandicus
The Normal or Native Cockatiel

The Normal or Native Cockatiel is the bird that started it all. The native Cockatiel or Nymphicus Hollandicus, as the scientists call it, is a true blue Aussie bird. Its range of habitat is over most of mainland Australia, excepting some coastal and subtropical areas, due to its preference for the drier plain lands of Australia's interior.

These birds in their native habitat are very nomadic and have been recorded to travel long distances in their quest for suitable water and food supplies adjacent to nesting areas. They are a strong, straight flier, this being an important fact to remember when designing aviaries, length being the most critical factor so as to provide ample flight exercise.

The adult male bird is a beautiful shade of dark grey with darker grey, almost black, under the tail. He has a white wing bar extending downwards from the shoulder across the wing coverts. His forehead, crest, sides of the head and bib are a bright yellow and he is topped off with a bright orange patch over the cheeks. All in all, a very handsome bird.

The female is much the same, only she lacks in the vivid colours of the male and supports a tail irregularity barred in yellow, also a stripe or barring on the underside of the wing (unable to be seen unless you either catch her and spread her wings or watch her while she is flying). Although she is not as ivid in colour, she is by no means a dull bird, as people describe them.

Immature birds appear as the female but change after their juvenile moult if they are male.

A good site for names :  www.babynamenetwork.com
- in middle column about half way down the page you can click on Aboriginal names. Plenty to choose from, but I notice one is "Tinka" meaning The Day. So you could call her Tinker for Tinkerbelle and tell the family it is an Aboriginal name Tinka.  Or just call her Iona ( I own her)  :lol:  :lol:

Tib,  thank you so much for all that info!  Interesting as always.

Ok, I announced to my family and friends her name was Tinkerbell.  Then the whole Paris Hilton thing broke and I was reminded of her dog's name.  For some reason, I just can't use that now.  So she still goes nameless right now, but I will come up with something special....   :wink:

Thanks to you all for your help.  And if you think of anything for names, let me know.  :lol:

Dihannah? how about shortening it to Tink?  :wink:

That's a good point.  It's better than being nameless and easier to say!  :lol:   So Tink it is!