What a day!

[Tink131]

Well, it was exactly a week ago today that Kermit flew away. He doesn't even like to fly, but he got spooked. He flew to a tree in the back yard, and my husband and I had no idea how to get him back. I know it sound stupid, but we (he) was tossing things into the tree to try to get him to fly out and to me, but he just flew from tree to tree- our hearts sunk. He flew off into the neighbor's yard and we couldn't find him- then he took off for the woods. He has no foraging instincts and doesn't have the first clue how to feed himself or get water, we knew he would die a horrible death and be terror stricken through the whole thing. Well, after much searching and calling he answered us and we located him!! I work for Birdtricks.com and called Chet who called his brother Dave, who is an expert in free flighting. He told us what to do and what to expect. Kerm was 100 feet up and I was able to talk him down about 30 feet before night fell. He roosted for the night The poor little guy spent the whole night in a tree in the woods- it was chilly and rained a little that night. I probably should have camped out, but there was nothing I could do by staying so I went home for the night and came back well before dawn and waited for the sun to come up- he was still there, phew!! He kept looking for a way to climb down because he hates to fly, but he couldn't figure out how to do it, so he had to get the courage up to fly. Silly goose hung upside down to take off- he made it down about another 30 feet Then he had to do it again- he flew to a dead tree and was about 4 feet out of reach I held a stick up to him praying to God he didn't get scared and take off again He wouldn't step up!! UGHHHHH! But he didn't take off either. So I got a capful of juice to tempt him with since he hadn't had anything for about 24 hours and that did it He stepped up and I had him I was bawling at this point and was glad I was deep in the woods where no one could see me So many emotions in those 24 hours!!! So Kermit is home safe and sound

I just wanted to share the story to thank Chet and Dave and to let people know that you can get your bird back if he flies off. I know it's not possible in every case, but if you know where he is or can find him- there are things you can do to get them back. Never throw things at them- they think you are trying to drive them out of the flock that is why Kermit flew so far that last time. Stay with them for as long as it takes to get them down- keep talking to them. Can you get another bird to make your bird jealous? I couldn't, but this is supposed to work really well. I suppose if your bird eats in his cage or spends most of his time there then having their cage in sight would be a good thing too. Kermit is never in his cage except to sleep and sees me as his source of food.

We did a lot of praying that day, I lot of crying, then a lot of rejoicing!! My voice was hoarse for several days after from having to talk to him 100 feet up, singing to him and praising him like crazy whenever he'd make a move. We are just now getting back to normal

[kellywess]

I am very happy that everything turned out for you. You and Kermit are verry lucky. Thanks for sharing your story. Its nice to ready one with such a happy ending.

[bonbebe7]

I am glad your baby came back. I have a teil that is about a year old and he flew out the door one day but I called and he came right back to me (nope he isnt spoiled at all lol). I dont know what I would have done had he not came back I love that bird so much :)

[KimM]

Wow! What an intense and stressful time that had to be. I'm so glad he's home safe with you. It's great to hear a happy endng. I would have been balling my eyes out with you.

[Tink131]

It was intensely emotional!! My husband had no idea how much he really loved Kerm until this incident! It almost bothered him how attached and upset he was- he was very surprised by his own response.

Bonbebe- you are so lucky that your baby came right back! He must be more comfortable with flying than Kerm is, not to mention how spoiled too

We feel very blessed to have him back

[kellywess]

Those little Hahns are trouble...LOL. Actually they are just little stinkers!

[Tink131]

Oh my gosh Kelly- is Dewey a stinker too?!! Kerm has gotten so spoiled the last few days. If I turn my back on him in the kitchen for just a second he throws either his juice bowl or his food dish He is a stinker!!

[kellywess]

Dewey is a stinker / little bully. Who ever would have thought that these little macaws were so smart and chock full of personality? Dewey acts like he is bigger than my Miligold. Very smart little ham he is. Never shuts up... knows all of his flock members names and runs his beak constantly. Yes, we have had to trim his wings back a bit so now he can just glide instead of soar. He is very sociable and likes to visit his flock mates by landing on their cage and yelling "hi, do ya wanna come out" which we cant have since he is the smallest of the bunch. He isn't aware that he is the "small" bird. Somebody forgot to send him the memo.

[Tink131]

That is a riot!! He sounds like quite a character- LOL Kermit is quite social too, but he's pretty quiet, but then again he is the only bird so far I think he's the first of a growing flock- hubby has mentioned getting another and I want a budgie.