Henry's heart is broken.... and so is mine

It's been three days today since Fonda got out. Henry and Fonda (named after Henry Fonda) are our two large Parakeets.

It was Thursday in the morning... the last time I saw her. I gave them all a shower w/ water. She loved it. She stretched out her wings and let me soak her. Henry did the same. They were partners - she and Henry. We've had them for about a year 1/2. You can't hold them but they don't bite. They're both very shy but Fonda was the shyest of the two. She always seemed so skeptical and unsure... and now she's gone.

That day, I gave them their bath and told my husband that we should let them out in the bathroom, which we've done before w/out a problem. He agreed, but as we were letting them out, I had a bad feeling... and ignored it. I wish I hadn't. We've let them out in the bathroom before for a day and a night and never had a problem... I don't understand why it happened this time. I guess she wanted to be free....

I think she must have escaped through the fan/vent in the bathroom. That's the only explanation I have. I've seen her sitting up on it before and after the hubby got up and put his hand through it on Friday, it's obvious that it opens wide and would be big enough to let her slip through. I sit and wonder about this and wonder what happened to her after she went through. Was she able to fly immediately? Did she hurt herself? Where is she? Why haven't I heard her outside or seen her? It makes me wonder if she's dead.

I've looked all about for her. I've called to her but nothing. I look in the trees, on the bldgs.... everywhere. I watch every day for a glimmer of hope but still I see no Fonda. I opened the windows in the TV room hoping she'd fly home but she hasn't. I was hoping that she'd hear Henry, her loving partner, call to her (which he has done) and fly back, but she didn't. I did some research on the net and found that you should put out bird cages w/ food and sometimes they'll come back. We did this but still nothing. They say it takes two days for the birds to go back to their natural instincts... and if the bird is smart, they'll be able to survive... IF there are feeders in the neighborhood and such. There aren't such in this neighborhood. There are lots of cats who are hungry... and she'd be a tasty meal, I'm sure!

Henry is so upset and lonely. My heart breaks for him. He does nothing but cry/squak every day all day long. I know he must miss her. They were so good together. He would feed her. They'd share food and share tearing up their toys together. It was obvious they loved each other and now she's gone. I put a mirror in his cage tonight. Right now he's sitting next to it and he talks quietly to it sometimes. He is going to roost there this evening.... and it makes me sad.

My husband said that we should let him go... but I don't know what to do. I feel like maybe we should but I know that the chances of him surviving are slim.. so, to me, it's like sending him to certain death and I'm not comfortable doing that. I've never had caged birds before coming to Bahrain... and I'm not a fan of it. Now I know why the caged bird sings... it longs to be free. I told my husband that we should get him a mate... it's the only solution I can think of. Setting him free would be nice but how will he get food? There are no places around here w/ outside bird feeders. He's not afraid of cats... so one could easily get him.

I am so sad and so is Henry. It breaks my heart to see him standing there w/out his mate. My heart aches for him.... the poor little thing. And poor Fonda... I only hope and pray that she's ok. That she has found everlasting freedom... one way or another.