Appeal to help find missing pet Cockatiel 'Chip'

The mother of a devastated 11-year-old boy whose his pet cockatiel went missing a week ago has appealed to the public for their help in locating their much-loved pet.

Gail Cullen told how 'Chip' is very much part of the family and how there were lots of tears when they broke the news to their son Jake that Chip was missing. They are hoping that he may still be found and are offering a €100 reward.

The Cullens live in Kilmessan but had been abroad visiting family when Chip went missing on St Patrick's Day. Gail's sister Karen Cummins, who lives in Lackanash in Trim, had been looking after Chip when he escaped through a gap in the patio door that was open for a split second.

Karen immediately put up an appeal on facebook and they have put up posters around the town but a week later, there has still been no sign of Chip.

"We love Chip. We minded him a few times. He has a great little personality and kind of chats back to you. We are absolutely devastated," said Karen.

Gail and husband Noel didn't break the news to Jake until they got home and he was devastated.

Chip has been missing for a week but the weather has been mild so they are not giving up hope yet that they could still find him safe.

"The window of opportunity is getting narrower but the only thing is the weather has been favourable so it is not impossible that he could show up," said Gail.

The Cullen family have had Chip since July 2018 and Gail told how he is very much part of the family.

"A lot of people would say it is just a bird but he is very much a character and a part of the household. He has become part of the family like a dog or cat would. If you were on a phone call, he would get jealous and start making a racket and you would have to move to another room.

"We used to let him out of his cage when we were at home so he was out quite a bit and would sit on your shoulder while you were getting dinner ready. Or hang out with our Staffie 'Skye' at the bay window. We had Chip first and he very much let Skye know who was the boss.

"In the evening time Chip loved the heat of the fire and would snooze on your shoulder on or on your lap. If you kept him up too late he would get cranky. He is a total character."

Chip was being looked after by Gail's sister Karen while they were away.

"Karen and Niall always looked after him if we were away and he would go on a sleepover for his holidays so it is horrific for them," said Gail.

She told how Chip got out once before in May 2019 when the door handle wasn't latched properly and it blew open. He flew straight across the fields and was gone for over three days. Thankfully there was a happy outcome on that occasion when a farmer 5kms away came across him and the family is hoping for a happy ending again this time.

The weather being so good is a big help and Gail said he would rummage around for food and would eat grass or seed or leaves.

If you come across Chip, Gail said not to try to grab him as he will fly away but said he will sit on your shoulder all day and to move inside and contact them.

"The only bit of hope is that the weather has been so good since he got out. His biggest danger would be crows and magpies who may be territorial and try to attack him. But he managed to steer clear of them last time and hopefully can again.

"He is not used to being out. they tend to keep flying if they get out. He could have flown 2km the first day. They don't know where home is. It is not like a pigeon. They don't have a homing device built in."

Anyone who has spotted Chip is asked to contact Gail on (087) 2368103.