You guys! It was awful. In a split second my worst fear came true. Coco was on my shoulder and the back screen door was ajar. She flew out so quickly. She flew into our large Brazilian Pepper Tree out back. For 4.5 hours I did everything I could to coax her back to her cage, call her, got a ladder. You name it I tried it. Feeling horrible about it being my fault made the situation even worse. I cried. I cried a lot. My husband and son came home and I told them what happened and they tried to help her. We got a hose and sprayed her with water hopeful that it would slow her down or bring her to her cage or within reach. My son’s friend climbed high into the tree and was able to grab her. Everyone including her is safe. It was terrible. I’m still not okay from it all.
And now I’m concerned because I saw her munch a few leaves and bark during her adventure. Does anyone know are these trees toxic to budgies???
Learn from my mistake. Be extremely careful of doors. Accidents like this happen so fast and I have so much guilt and regret. Thankfully my story has a nice ending. Coconut is home safe and sound. Anyone have a similar story? Now that she has a taste of the outdoors what can I expect in behavior??
I don't know the answer to your questions, sadly, but just wanted to say I'm so sorry you had to go through that!! Every budgie-owner's worst nightmare, I'm sure. I'm lucky (so to speak) that my Charlie has french moult and can't fly too well so I've not had to worry as much about it but I can just imagine how awful it would be.
So glad you got her back, when I saw the thread my heart sunk. She was out a short time, I don't think that will have too much of an influence on her future behavior. Is she acting normal now that she is back?
I've changed the title of your thread to indicate Coconut is back.
Like Cody, when I saw the thread title my heart hit my stomach!
Thank goodness you were able to rescue her.
I'm so glad Coconut is back and doing well.
Her behavior shouldn't be affected by her recent adventure
Let this be a reminder to every member to ensure that all doors and windows are very securely fastened before allowing your precious budgies to have out-of-cage time.
Too many members have had budgies "escape" due to doors and windows being left open and way too often the bird is never found.
Oh my, my heart sank as well. Thank goodness she is back. It just reinforced to me how easy it would be for my little girl Sam to do this. She is an inquisitive little hen and thinks nothing of flying whereever her little wings take her. A split second is all it takes. Thank you for reinforcing this.
Coconut escaped today (Thankfully she's back!)
State: 
