Desperately need help with Cockatiel advice!! URGENT!!

[mener6896]

I am "watching" my sister's cockatiel while she is gone for a 2 week vacation (actually my nephew's) 'Oscar' is used to being out of his cage, he likes to sit on top of it. My kids accidentally left the back door open and Oscar disappeared. I was sickened!!

Several hours later, we found him up in a very large oak tree, probably 30 feet up. I set his cage outside in hopes that he would come down. No such luck, it is now very late... I am hoping he is like my chickens and will roost for the night, but fly down to his cage in the morning to eat. Please help, I need advice!! I actually considered calling the fire department if he isn't down tomorrow, but I thought if they tried to get him, he would fly off. I really don't want to have to pay to replace him, he was over $150!! I know I was irresponsible, technically, my kids were watching him (ages 10 & 11) but I really hope he comes down tomorrow!!

They just lost their teacup yorkie a week ago because my dad accidentally ran over him!! They couldn't handle another trauma!! I don't know much about cockatiels, or their behaviors.

Thanks!! And say a prayer for Oscar!!

 

[Eggs4Sale]

I don't know much about cockatiels, but in my experience with calling the fire dep't for an animal 'rescue', they wouldn't help me. Maybe you live somewhere where there are friendlier firefighters, but be aware your call may not turn out as you expect.

 

[Attack Chicken]

My cockatiel always comes to his favorite blanky or sock but all birds are different. Do you know of anything he likes? Try taking some of his food outside and rattling in a cup.

Things happen it isn't your fault

 

[sweet tweets]

Leave the cage and food out. Keep calling.

My cockatiel flew to my DS's head and then out to the Wild Blue Yonder, never to be seen again (at least by us).

But a baby that I hand raised and gave to a friend flew off her shoulder a few years later. She called and I rushed over - started calling for the baby and I did find him, clutching onto a stucco wall near a neighbor's front door.

Best of luck!

 

[lotzahenz]

Just wishing you luck. I would leave his cage out, but once it gets dark, like a chicken, he won't be able to see. If he is able to fly well, be careful not to spook him. He may fly off even further. I'd wait till it's pitch dark, then spot him with a light and try to get to him somehow if he doesn't come down on his own. I think the fire dept. will charge you a big fee, maybe even as much as a new bird, but if he is a much loved pet, a new bird won't work. Maybe a tree-climbing kid with a fish net on the end of a long pole?

 

[redhen]

Can you climb the tree at all..

 

[mener6896]

gosh, I had a kid offer to try to climb the tree, but it's about 6 feet around, and 20 feet up to the first branches. Would it be bad to leave him out all night and try again in the morning? I seriously doubt he will try to fly down in the dark. I'm hoping he will be really hungry in the morning....

 

[redhen]

What are his favorite treats? put them all around his cage outside. Does he respond to certain words?

 

[quiltnchik]

Just keep his cage there with food and treats in it; he should come down eventually.

Also, when you get him back, keep him in his cage until your sister gets home and then INSIST that she clip his wings!

 

[redhen]

I'd climb the tree and bring a bag or something to put him in. He may not be there in the A.M. Anthing can and WLL spook him at night..I'd do it now if it were my pet.. edited to say, i just saw the tree was 20 feet up...*sigh* oops..i woulnt risk that..