Someone hold me while I recover from shock...

[Alisana]

Had just finished celebrating Chinese New Years at home, so I had Pocket out for a night time feed and play. (Seeing as I had been busy all day)

Pocket likes to fly off after each feeding session before flying back to me from the top of the curtain rod.

He stayed at the top of the rod for a while longer so I stood up to offer my hand for him to step up on. My sister was behind me in another room, and opened the door...

I quickly yelled at her, "Close the door! Pocket is flying!" She didn't hear me/couldn't respond in time, then -

- he flew STRAIGHT into her bedroom where the fan was ON! I screamed, my friend (who was over at the time) lifted his hands up to stop Pocket from flying high (straight into the fan), so Pocket ducked back down and flew to me. I quickly covered him with one hand and flicked the fan off. My friend grabbed the fan blade to stop it from spinning while I held Pocket.

It took me so much self control to not go balistic at my sister for the oversight - (I didn't want to terrify Pocket). So I grabbed him, bundled him up in my shirt and sat in the corner shaking like a leaf.

Oh my god, I was absolutely terrified. Even writing it now, it still brings tears to my eyes.

Before anyone asks...

Pocket is fully flighted - and no, even though the thought entered my mind, I still will not clip him after this incident.

We have ground rules in the house when it comes to my birds. If it's hot, aircon is switched on and fans are off.

If fans are on, the doors are to remain CLOSED and people are supposed to call out to me BEFORE opening their door and I give the OK. (This has been working remarkably well) I also let each family member KNOW Pocket is out when he comes out for flying sessions in the evening.

My sister know's she was supposed to check before opening the door and checked to see if I/Pocket were OK after the incident; I know it was just a moment of forgetfulness, but it's still rattled me greatly...

 

[plax]

WOW Alisana! That's definitely too close for comfort . I'm very glad to know Pocket is okay! Hopefully this incident has made a strong enough impression on your sister to override her forgetfulness in the future!

 

[Alisana]

I hope so...

I know she know's how dangerous fans are and why it's so important, but I don't think she realised just how close I was to losing him, and that scares me the most.

When I sat down with him, he stayed rather still - I would've been sitting in that corner for at least 30 minutes and for him to stay still longer than 5 minutes is an achievement. I think he knew I was rattled.

I keep tearing up thinking about it. He's in bed now, but I don't think I've been that terrified before...

On a side note, I've been looking at getting a new place so I have more control over the house; this just reinforces my want/need to get my own place.

 

[blackhawk007]

OMG 1/2 way through your post my stomach hit my throat. Hell, i felt like I was watching a compact car get run over by a simi-truck. But you saved the day. I am very happy you were able to save Pocket. I hope that never happens to you again. I live in a rather large apartment but still removed my ceiling fan and put it in the garage until I move out. I just can't take the chance.

 

[Alisana]

OMG 1/2 way through your post my stomach hit my throat. Hell, i felt like I was watching a compact car get run over by a simi-truck. But you saved the day. I am very happy you were able to save Pocket. I hope that never happens again. I live in a rather large apartment but still removed my ceiling fan and put it in the garage until I move out. I just can't take the chance.

Mm... Trust me, I NEVER want to experience that feeling again.

I've been running the idea of getting the bladeless Dyson fans by my partner, and I think I'm going to push to get them. =\ While expensive, I don't want that risk again...

 

[JerseyWendy]

My reaction was the same as Steve's. As I was reading your post my heart started going faster and faster.

I am SO glad Pocket is safe and sound. WHAT a scare!!!

You must be beyond elated that nothing happened. HUGS Alisana!! Breathe in....breathe out....repeat.

 

[Alisana]

My reaction was the same as Steve's. As I was reading your post my heart started going faster and faster.

I am SO glad Pocket is safe and sound. WHAT a scare!!!

You must be beyond elated that nothing happened. HUGS Alisana!! Breathe in....breathe out....repeat.

Thanks *hugs back*

I know he is OK, and safe and sound, but I keep going through so many tissues thinking about it.

He gave me such a confused look though before when I started crying all over him. *teary smile* God, I love that bird so much.