Sometimes I really hate being proven right. I have always said “just because they never have doesn’t mean they never will” in response to people who tell me their cats and/or dogs have never bothered their birds or other prey animals we keep for pets.
I keep my bird cage and rat cage in the same room about 50 feet from each other. I have been very careful about training my birds to stay away from the rats cage. For the 4 years I have had rats and birds keeping them so close together has never been an issue. Its never been an issue until yesterday morning.
I was in my bed room getting ready for work when I heard a loud squawk. It didn’t concern me too much because my birds fight like brothers and sisters, someone is always squawking at someone else. However, the second time I heard it I went to investigate what was going on and found my cockatiel, Squeak, hanging on the side of the rat cage and my rat, Bug, hanging onto Squeak’s toes. I grabbed Squeak and saw his toes were bloody. I freaked out a little bit. Since I couldn’t see where the blood was coming from I used the corner of my shirt to put pressure on his foot. Fortunately, the wounds didn’t bleed for long and the wounds weren’t severe. The situation could have resulted in the amputation of toes or foot. The wounds could have resulted in blood loss that killed Squeak. I will be watching Squee for signs of infection in his wounds, for probably, a lot longer then I need too.
This story has a happy ending. As I type this, Squeak is sitting in his favorite place preening his feathers and telling his cage mate, Riley, off for trying to sit next to him. Squee is eating well and gripping my fingers with both feet when I pick him up. As of this posting, Squee’s adventure has been more tramatic for me then it has been for him. If you have a flock of predator animals and prey animals please don’t assume just because the predator animals have never bothered the prey animals they never will. You might not be as lucky as I have.
Pressure Cooker Breakfast Casserole
1 TBS olive oil
1/2 small onion, diced
1/2 small bell pepper, diced
1 cup baby spinach
1/4 cup cooked pork sausage
1 1/2 cups potato, peeled and shredded
3 egg , beaten
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded
In the liner of your 2 quart pressurecooker, Saute onion and green bell pepper in hot oil until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Add cooked sausage and shredded potatoes.
In a small bowl mix the eggs, cheddar cheese and cottage cheese. Gently stir into the vegetable mixture. Lock the lid and bring to high pressure. Cook for 5 minutes then natural releaase.
A Cuppa And Conversation 