Just thought I'd share this little story with you all. I currently have 9 breeding cages on my back porch, protected from the weather but not from potential budgie escapes. On Sunday I was cleaning all the cages in a hurry - never a good idea to hurry. I was halfway through, and removing the feed dishes from a cage which held 4 chicks who were now out of the nest and spending their last week with Mum and Dad. To my horror there was a flurry and rustle of feathers and a green streak shot past me and into the sky. Chick number 3, a light green opaline male, was gone! I was furious with myself for this careless mistake. There was no sign of the chick again that day. The following morning there was still no sign of the little escapee. I could only hope that he had been found by someone, and had not met an unpleasant end. I commenced my normal morning cleaning/feeding routine and had just reached the cage of the escaped chick. I was bending down when there was a 'swish' by my ear. Imagine m surprise when I looked up to see the little guy clinging to the bars of his cage. I plucked him off the bars, and popped him back in his cage.I must say I've never seen a bird so happy to get into a cage again (and get a feed from Dad). I guess he must have been perched somewhere in one of our trees overnight and was waiting to make his return. Either that or he's a homing budgie. What a relief! My children have nowchristened him 'Lucky', because that's what he is.

Thats amazing very blessed little one

Great story Flip. I love a happy ending : )

If only that happened to mine, he sat in a tree too high to get him, for about an hour, and eventually flew off (he had just started to breed before he flew away). I still think wouldn't it be cool if he came back one day, even though its been a year and a bit, you never know.

Amazing story. I know how fast those little guys can be. Lets hope they all stay put next time.

A friend's cocatiel escaped and was gone two days (with 40-degree F nights.) He was found 6 miles away. He "gave himself up" on a large, outdoor dog kennel (the type with the chainlink sides and roof). We're guessing the sight of that "cage" from the air was the best thing he ever saw.