Topic: It Won't Happen To Me (Read 13914 times)

Pat · « **on:** April 25, 2011, 07:30:54 AM »

It won't happen to me! That seems to be the way that us humans get through life, we never think that other people's misfortunes can happen to us. Maybe it's some sort of defence mechanism or maybe it's wishful thinking, I don't know. We like to think that we know our birds, that they love us unconditionally but the truth of the matter is, they don't. They let us cuddle them, tickle them, look after them in general, because we feed them, they don't have to go hunting for food, they have toys to play with so they are happy. They have the intelligence of a small child, there are so many small children that if someone talked to them, offered them sweets, played with them, they would quite happily go off with that person because that person made them happy, so the child would trust them and no matter how many times we say to the child, don't go with strangers, don't talk to strangers, don't take sweets from strangers....they still do it, because they think that nothing bad would happen to them. When we take out birds out into the garden without a harness or a cage, we think that the birds are loyal to us, they won't fly away because they love us, always comes back when called (indoors), always steps up when asked (indoors), whereas the truth of the matter is, once a bird is unrestrained and something spooks it, then you will be very lucky indeed to get that bird back. Survival instinct kicks in, fight or flight, and your bird will choose flight every time. Any smidgeon of loyalty that your bird might have had will vanish up into the sky along with your bird. Why even chance it, why give your bird the opportunity to fly away, would you put your child in danger from being led away by other people? If you love your child you protect it from all dangers, if you love your bird you don't even give it the chance to be scared and take flight. Use a harness, or a cage when you take your bird out of the house. It is heartbreaking to see so many birds lost because of one moment of lack of concentration, but it is even more heartbreaking to see a beautiful bird flying away from you because of your own pigheaded belief that the bird won't leave you.

Toria · « **Reply #1 on:** April 25, 2011, 07:36:42 AM »

very well said Pat

Dobiedogz · « **Reply #2 on:** April 25, 2011, 08:17:24 AM »

Is that why there are so many reports of missing birds lately? I must admit I had assumed people were a bit careless due to the nice weather and having doors and windows open.

sarahbirdie · « **Reply #3 on:** April 25, 2011, 08:47:42 AM »

well said!

Mrs Piker · « **Reply #4 on:** April 25, 2011, 08:48:10 AM »

Well said Pat

Julie

Pat · « **Reply #5 on:** April 25, 2011, 08:59:13 AM »

With the warmer weather, people can sometimes forget that the window or door is open and unfortunately it only takes a second for a bird to escape. They are a lot quicker than you to get to a window. So yes, there have been a lot of birds flying away by accident but I can't help feeling that the people who take their birds out without harness or cage are living under the "It won't happen to me!" illusion. I think maybe the problem could be that they have taken their bird out once with no restraint and all was well, it then leads them to a sense of false security that it's going to be ok the next time as well. It might well be, but there is going to be the one time when something happens to spook the bird and it won't look back as it is flying away up in the sky. Greys are notoriously nervous in new situations, so outside is a whole new ball game for them, a seagull screaming, a crow cawing..any of these natural things can cause a Grey to be startled, so why risk it? I just don't see the point.

geffsgrey · « **Reply #6 on:** April 25, 2011, 09:15:50 AM »

Great post Pat, we need a kick up the where the sun dont shine sometimes. Well said.

tattoo · « **Reply #7 on:** April 25, 2011, 09:35:50 AM »

excellent post pat and well said

lizduncan · « **Reply #8 on:** April 25, 2011, 11:00:16 AM »

well said

pip · « **Reply #9 on:** April 25, 2011, 11:11:09 AM »

Great post! There is no room for complacency when it comes to our precious parrots.

claire+Bella · « **Reply #10 on:** April 25, 2011, 11:16:43 AM »

well said pat

even if your bird has been clipped still not worth the risk.

jennifer steadman · « **Reply #11 on:** April 25, 2011, 12:57:06 PM »

Talking of opening a windows and doors etc when the bird is out, is it possible to buy window cling stickets of parrots to remind people to check first before they open the door or window?

I have french doors, skylight windows and ordinary windows where my bird will be housed and so wondered if these would be the perfect reminder to stick by the door or window handles and even small ones to stick on to the velux window remote controls?

I'll have to have a look online to see if I can find something if you guys cant recommend anything.

I would be heartbroken and panicked to the core if my bird ever flew away.

Pat · « **Reply #12 on:** April 25, 2011, 01:07:16 PM »

Even a clothes peg pegged onto the handle would make you stop and think, until you can get something better.

bkhowe · « **Reply #13 on:** April 25, 2011, 01:14:32 PM »

Yeah good idea

and maybe also something on the cage door to remind you to check before opening it.

jennifer steadman · « **Reply #14 on:** April 25, 2011, 01:25:57 PM »

I dont think that clothes pegs will stay clipped onto my door handles and my lot would probably remove them or knock them off after a while. Yes, with my family, I would need something perminant.

If I cant find any 'ready made' parrot window clings' I've found a company who make them to order with no minimum order amount too!! I've e-mailed them to request a price.

Jennifer XX

Pat · « **Reply #15 on:** April 25, 2011, 01:30:38 PM »

ooooo who's that then? Put a link up please x

pinky · « **Reply #16 on:** April 25, 2011, 05:42:51 PM »

Brilliant post Pat, well said without any hint of been patronising. To me its common sense about not taking a bird outside in the same way I wouldn't leave any one of my animals out, unattended or restrained. As for the window/door situation, I can se ow escapes happen. We have Lockdown when I put out the throws on the sofas, Kids go and shut everything whilst I protect my new leather sofa from destructive beaks!!!

Kat76 · « **Reply #17 on:** April 25, 2011, 05:51:47 PM »

Well said Pat, i am a person that is having to live with losing my baby. It was an accident, i didn't take him outside he flew out of the backdoor that was barely open, it all happened in a moment but i will live with it for the rest of my life

I cannot understand people complacency taking their birds outside with no harness. I now check and double check and check again, i have locked the cage doors before even opening a door or window. It will haunt me forever, please people don't let it happen to you........

Pat · « **Reply #18 on:** April 25, 2011, 07:33:30 PM »

Thank you kay for posting on here. I know it must be still very sore for you.

as I said, accidents happen, but there is no reason to go looking for one to happen.

Mandi · « **Reply #19 on:** April 25, 2011, 09:18:01 PM »

well said Pat, needs sticky i think

It Won't Happen To Me

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Author Topic: It Won't Happen To Me (Read 13914 times)

Toria

geffsgrey

lizduncan

bkhowe