A young couple said they are devastated after their pet parrot Russell escaped from his cage and have sparked a campaign to find their beloved bird.
Richard Ayers, 26, said the one-year-old black-headed caique was like a son to him and his girlfriend Georgia Dodson, 24, and often flew around their Bengate home in Worstead.
But since he went missing on Saturday the couple have been searching around their home, near North Walsham, and have plastered posters around the village in the hope somebody might have spotted Russell.
'It is like losing a family member,' said Mr Ayers, a builder. 'My girlfriend and I do see him as our kid. He is a lovely boy.'
Miss Dodson was at home when Russell went missing, and immediately phoned her boyfriend who was in Norwich for a friend's birthday.
'The first thing I did when Georgia called was to get the first train home and run from the station,' said Mr Ayers.
'Ever since then I have been getting up at 4am to look before work and staying out until 10pm.'
Mr Ayers said he has phoned local vets in the hope someone has spotted Russell but has not yet had a confirmed sighting.
To anyone who spots their bird, he said: 'If you have a grape he might come onto your hand to take it.
'While he is eating it, walk slowly into an enclosed area with the windows closed.'
He said Russell's likes to eat cheese, grapes and blueberries, and might be heard saying his favourite word 'weasel' or making a sound like a 'wolf-whistle'.
He also makes a loud beeping noise similar to a smoke alarm.
He added: 'People don't see birds the same as they see dogs or cats but they are really affectionate.
'When he feels lonely he comes to sit on our shoulders. He doesn't ask for a lot.'
He said Russell would be hungry after being missing for several days and might start flying into people's gardens looking for food.
The couple have set up a Facebook page, Help Find Russell, with pictures and videos of their pet.
Anyone who spots Russell should phone Mr Ayers on 07768695305.
Have you created a Facebook campaign? Email sabah.meddings@archant.co.uk
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