Re: Jean almost flew away Thank you for sharing your tale of caution. Even some of the most experienced people have accidents... birds chew through screens, and can be crafty escape artists. I lost my beloved African Grey a few years ago. He was a clipped bird, and I was in bed with a high fever from Lyme Disease. I awoke and went downstairs and saw the back door open. My heart stopped. I ran around the house screaming for him, and even very ill, combed the neighborhood searching him. I did everything I could think of, but he seemingly disappeared into thin air. My husband says losing Kikuyu made me flip my wig, and it's true, I cried over him daily for at least a year. That's when I realized that most people do not have a clue how much you can love a parrot. I hated my kids for the longest time (I say that somewhat tongue in cheek) thinking they had left the door open, until I saw the dog open the door and walk through. My heart felt like it skipped a beat. Since that time, I have invested a lot of money in stainless steel mesh and enclosed our entire back porch. If the door is open, no problem! Now the birds have air and sunlight. They are also fully flighted. It is much healthier for them, and I see, they love to fly. I also do believe that Kikuyu was taken by a hawk, and was defenseless without flight. Accidents happen. I have heard many stories, and we cannot be vigilant enough. It's heartbreaking to lose your beloved parrot. I am so happy it turned out well for you. |