Sad day for my NOID spike...

[mooburr]

I've just discovered that one of my cockatiels snuck over to my orchid shelf by the window and chewed off one of my NOID phal spikes.... I'm so heartbroken! It was about 6" along and I was looking forward to seeing it bloom, of course. I have never seen any of them over there before, but they are flighted and I try to give them plenty of time each day out and about with me. No more un-closely-supervised playtime!
But I have to console myself a little and say that at least they didn't get their little beaks on any other plants over there. I only see a couple of little nips out of a leaf on the same phal. It could have been much worse. When they get in a chewing mood it's seek and destroy, but usually on more appropriate chew toys!
I needed to vent a little to my orchid enthusiast friends here so that I do not decide on some roasted cockatiel for dinner tonight. I'm glaring at all four of them now, trying to decide who looks the guiltiest. Better luck next year for my little phal.
Here are a few pics of the damage and the culprits. From L to R they are Willie, Pearl, Tony, and Stan.

[Orchids4ever]

Too bad about the Spike-but don't be too mad at them--- they sure are cute( and also very smart) Birds The spike will come back sometime-but if one of the Birds is gone that would be a lot worse.

[mooburr]

Originally Posted by Orchids4ever

Too bad about the Spike-but don't be too mad at them--- they sure are cute( and also very smart) Birds The spike will come back sometime-but if one of the Birds is gone that would be a lot worse.

Thanks they are cute. I adore each one with all my heart. I love my orchids but I'd give them all away for my little birds if I had to make the choice. They are so smart! Willie sings the Star Wars theme song and says "What are you doing baby bird?" among other things. And every time my husband pulls in the driveway they go nuts because they know he's home I love it. Maybe that phal will throw another spike if it's determined to bloom.

[TOMMYMIAMI]

Sorry to hear about the spike, but it would be the same if our doggies broke or knock off my orchid, I love orchids, but for sure love my doggies more:-) Spikes can grow again, in time, animals won't:-)

[rebelcowgirl82]

My Indian Ringneck did that to one of my NOID Phals last year, I just left what was left of the spike alone and sure enough it started a new spike just blow where my bird decided to chew it off. So don't be to sad it could still bloom for you.

[Optimist]

Cockatiels up to no good! I had a cockatiel once!

[Tabbyblack13]

It should still be able to bloom. Your little pets are quite naughty but at least the damage was minimal.

I had a foster kitten that ran off with my cattelina seedling once.

[mooburr]

Originally Posted by Tabbyblack13

It should still be able to bloom. Your little pets are quite naughty but at least the damage was minimal.

I had a foster kitten that ran off with my cattelina seedling once.

Oh my I bet that was a sight! Were you able to save it? I'm glad they didn't run off with or bite into my tiny Angraecum didieri which was right next to it.

[vjo]

The next thing they have to learn to say is
'I didn't do it....I didn't do it...I didn't do it....lol....Jean

[Vanda lover]

At least phals aren't toxic. I looked that up when I had my Amazon, and I still keep a close watch on my Pacific parrotlet. My husband is very happy that I keep collecting orchids because I used to collect pets. My tiny parrot does minimal damage. He is 13 years old and I wouldn't trade him for anything.