A NAUGHTY goat ‘butting’ a door lock led to the accidental release of more than 30 exotic Cockatiels and budgies, many of which are still on the loose in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.

Udupi, the boisterous billy, bashed an internal door to an aviary owned by Vicky Richards Barton, of Cardigan, last Wednesday, August 22.

The rampaging ruminant’s door destruction saw Vicky’s much-loved flock take to the skies some time between 8pm and 10pm.

While some eight birds have already made their way home, Vicky, of Tenby Road, is appealing for help in recovering the rest of her feathered friends.

There have been sightings of the missing 25-plus birds as far afield as St Dogmaels, Llechryd, Cilgerran, Newcastle Emlyn, Cenarth, Haverfordwest, and even Carmarthen.

Vicky said pygmy goat Udupi, named after an Indian village, had developed a taste for the millet used to feed the birds and must have broken a slide bolt and clip used to retain the aviary.

“I can only assume he had head-butted it, opening the aviary door,” said Vicky.

“At least 30 birds were released; I’ve got eight birds back, one being the most important, the matriarch; she was found two miles away, she was found by somebody who had been bitten by her several times.”

Vicky has taken to Facebook appealing for the return of her beloved birds, and her appeal has received thousands of shares.

Vicky, with the help of Cardigan Pet Centre, is offering free millet sprays which may be placed in people’s gardens to entice the exotic birds.

“They are usually fed at 8-8.30am, so will be hungry now, please be on the lookout in gardens, especially with bird tables/aviaries/chicken coupes in, many have been drawn in by other bird sounds.

“Thank you to the hundreds of people who have liked, shared, commented with sightings, and to whoever has been also looking after the bait cages dotted around Cardi, I salute you.”

She added: “They come to being called as well, if you whistle or call out ‘Billy’ they seem to follow.

“They tend to stay in pairs or small flocks.”

Anyone who has seen some very unusual birds for Pembrokeshire or Ceredigion please contact Vicky on 07817950124, or through Facebook.

While Udupi is in the dog house, he won’t face gruff justice for his ‘butting,’ but measures are now in place to ensure it won’t happen again.

“Lessons have been learned, my husband has put a second bolt on the door; a new protocol has been enacted, with new bolts and new locks,” said Vicky.

She warned other goat owners: “Check your security and point your finger at your goat angrily.”