A sick prankster called the devastated owner of a missing cockatiel joking he would “post the feathers back”.

Betsy the male cockatiel, who is known to sing “If You’re Happy and You Know It”, went missing last Thursday after the wind blew him outside when owner Laura Lambert opened the door.

Laura, 34, from Linthwaite, said: “I am absolutely devastated. He’s my baby.

“He went missing on Thursday, it was very windy and raining and I had opened the door.

“He was flying towards my husband when the gust of wind came and he got blown away.

Betsy the missing cockatiel, who can sing "If You're Happy and You Know It"

“It was Friday evening when I got a call from a withheld number.

“This man said his cat had eaten the bird and he offered to post the feathers back.

“When I asked who it was he just laughed and hung up.

“He must have got my number from the advert I put online.

“It’s just sick.”

Laura added: “My children are so upset Betsy is gone, he’s a very much loved pet.”

Laura bought the cockatiel ten weeks ago when he was two months old.

He was called Betsy before they realised he was a boy.

Betsy the missing cockatiel

Betsy is described as a “very tame and intelligent” grey and white-feathered cockatiel, who will step up onto people’s fingers and is able to whistle the popular children’s song. He also is known to chirp “pretty boy” and “pretty girl”.

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PA Laura said Betsy had been sighted by Cowlersley Pharmacy on Monday, and had hoped he would return home.

“If anyone sees this bird, please get in touch.

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“He is a very much loved family pet and we are beside ourselves with worry.”

Anyone with information or who has seen Betsy is urged to call the Examiner on 01484 437761.