Disaster

[matcho]

Just went out to check on the birds and put up sheeting for the night and noticed that I had not locked the spinner properly on the holding avairy whilst feeding this morning. As a result I will be placing and ad in the local paper which reads like this: "Lost, approximatley 20 gouldian chicks, half coloured, Leichhardt area Sydney. Sadly missed by their remaining siblings and (stupid) owner."

[iaos]

What a bugger. It's an awful feeling when you realise you have made a mistake like that.

Fingers crossed you get a few back.

Cheers Ian

[matcho]

Here is the really sad thing. In five years I had one escapee and that was in year one because I was so excited because it was my first gould clutch and the colourbond avairy wasnt really made for security, with big doors etc, learn't the lesson. Feel really stupid because I got distracted feeding sprouted seed, greens and the mobile rang. The spinner closed naturally because of the weight when I turned away, but when the birds have landed on the feed station the extra weight (however light) has opened it up. I am an idiot! I am not dirty on the monetary loss but the fact those poor little buggers have no chance of survival given the butcherbird and currawong/feral cats that call this place home. Lessons have been learnt. GRRRR

[matcho]

On the upside I have the last lot of goulds just starting to fledge. Counted 15 this morning out of the boxes and there is still half a dozen to go.

[Myzomela]

Sorry to hear of your loss Matcho.

Don't be too hard on yourself mate. We all make stupid makes- it's part of life. The important thing is to learn from them- that's also part of life!

Many years ago I lost a cage of siskins because the phone rang- I ran to the phone- a mate's dogs had swallowed snailbait and were fitting- so I rushed to the clinic to treat them. 5 hrs later after the dogs were stabilised I came home to find the garage door open (where they were housed at the time) and was confronted with a massacre- feathers, blood, heads, one body and not much else. I was devastated, furious, annoyed, guilt-ridden...you name it!

Just enjoy the birds you have- and let that bloody phone ring- if it's important enough they will ring back! ;)

[matcho]

Thanks Myzo,
Makes me feel a bit better to know that others have experienced much of the same. As I said, lesson has been learnt, still feel sad for the escapees. I only have tomorrow to see if some decide to come back because I am off to Moree on Tuesday until Sunday, if only they were homing pigeons! Oh well, such is life!

[jusdeb]

yep we all do silly things so your not the lone ranger there . Hopefully you will catch up some of them before heading off ...fingers crossed .

[Diane]

Tray of seed and water on top of the aviary may help to keep them in the area till you get back and possibly even catch a couple before you leave.

[jluna]

That's a real bummer - hope you get some back.

[matcho]

Kept a close watch yesterday afternoon and up early this morning. Nothing to report except the butcherbirds haven't made their daily appearance. Methinks they may be too full to fly after yesterdays "flying feast" made their appearance. I perish the thought.