Charlie the Coulsdon parrot is at risk in the freezing cold
9:00am Thursday 9th February 2012 in Where I Live By Nick Hitchens
Charlie the Coulsdon parrot is at risk in the freezing cold
A bird-loving pest controller hoping to breed rare African Grey Parrots is appealing for help after the male escaped his aviary.
Lee Jell, of Caterham Drive, Coulsdon, is desperate to find Charlie, his seven year old parrot, after it escaped as he cleaned its cage.
The 30-year-old is not alone, five year-old Amy, Charlie’s breeding partner, has been calling for him since his escape on Tuesday January 31.
He said: "She is distraught she calls for him daily. They have been together for three years - it takes a long time to form a bond but now they are very close."
Mr Jell, who inherited Charlie from his uncle and picked up Amy when he saw her kept in a tiny cage, is worried Charlie will struggle to survive in the freezing temperatures.
He said: "He could have frozen by now. With all the snow I think he must have got disorientated and doesn’t know how to get home. I have spoken to the Parrot Society and they say they are good at finding hot spots but the longer he is away the less likely he’ll survive."
The animal enthusiast admitted when not caring for rare birds he works in pest control erecting nets to capture pigeons and prevent them fouling public areas.
He said: "It is a bit ironic I guess. I hadn’t really thought about it."
He has been attempting to breed Charlie and Amy, but though the pair have produced 15 eggs, none have hatched.
He said: "Both are still young for breeding so I was hoping they may have success in a few years. I just hope Charlie is returned safe to her. Charlie can talk and is friendly. He talks to my dog and orders him around."
If anyone has seen an African Grey Parrot they should contact Lee on 07891372817.
