Owner worried for cockatiel’s safety in wild after bolt from Westbury aviary
8:30am Friday 15th March 2013 in News
Mairwen’s son, Ben Guard, with Skits, another cockatiel, keen to see Barry return home
FEARS are growing for Barry, a hand-reared cockatiel, who has flown off into the wild after being accidentally released from his Westbury home.
Animal charity worker Mairwen Guard is appealing for help, after her much-loved cockatiel, got out of his large aviary on March 3.
He shares the aviary with his sister, Willow, and got out after he sat on Mrs Guard’s shoulder while she left the caged area.
Mrs Guard, who runs Cotton Tails Rescue in Station Road, was unaware the bird was there, because she was wearing a thick coat.
She now fears Barry – who is just over a year old and a pearl colour – will not survive in the wild, especially after being chased by a crow following his escape.
Mrs Guard said: “It’s been very distressing for us and especially for Willow, who is beside herself and totally lost without Barry. She knows he has escaped and is clearly unsettled and angry that he’s not there.
“The whole family is upset and we have put up notices all over the place, but idiots have been taking them down and making prank calls, which don’t help.
“He is usually very tame with people he knows, so may possibly try to land on someone’s shoulder if he gets hungry. But it was very cold the night after he escaped and I don’t know whether he will be able to survive.
“My hope is that someone has found him and taken him in, so he can be returned. However, as he got chased, I don’t think he will be able to find his way back on his own.”
Cotton Tails Rescue, which has been going since 1993, provides shelter and safety for unwanted rabbits, guinea pigs and birds.
Mrs Guard added: “I did have one report that there was a bird of Barry’s description flying around Westbury Leigh and we’ve been out around that area, but we did not find him.
“There is a reward for anyone who can provide information leading to his safe return, so please get in touch if you see him.”
Anyone who has information about the missing cockatiel, or who thinks they may have spotted Barry, can contact Mrs Guard on 07977 354514 or leave a message on 01373 864222.
