I first met Toby moving into our first house after leaving Women’s Refuge. The tenants before us were cockatiel breeders. I bought him as he kind of chose me- their words not mine. I later found out that they don’t let anyone buy the bird unless the bird approves.
From there on out he picked up how to play peekaboo, sing if you’re happy and you know it clap your hands, speak many different words, etc. He even had a bird backpack while he was on outings. Put himself in there too. He loved being social.
On the 26th of December 2023 my mother had Toby on her head and stepped outside. It was a windy day and he got a fright and flew off. He landed in our tree but then got carried away. For the next two days me and mum printed and distributed over 1000 flyers into letterboxes in our neighbourhood. I took to Facebook posting on our community groups and followed every. Single. Cockatiel being found even if it didn’t look like Toby I can’t stress this enough FOLLOW UP!! And reply to EVERY COMMENT LEFT!
on the 28th of December I was tagged in a post of a found cockatiel over in Papakura. I live in wattle downs so it didn’t seem too likely and the picture was showing a cockatiel with different colours and patterns. But I followed up! Turns out the picture was off the internet and wasn’t correct. After racing over there I discovered it was Toby that had been found. He was dehydrated and starving! I think being home he had 3 meals worth and 2 millet spray. I’ll watch him overnight and provide heat for him. But I think he’ll recover just fine. He’s already been signing ‘if you’re happy and you know it clap your hands.’
There is hope. I was honestly starting to give up. People are willing to help too! Without the ones who recognised it may be him I wouldn’t have Toby returned to me. FOLLOW UP Facebook it your best friend! There are many different bird specialists and lost pet groups, also join every single community grapevine or page within a 50km radius. There are bound to be signings that aren’t quite right but in this case it worked out.
