A NEW dad has left a Darwen family in a flap after flying the nest just moments before his two spring chicks were born.

Police are now on the lookout for Alexandrian parakeet Jack who fled the family cage, leaving partner Jill and the two new young birds home alone.

Owner Tony Vickers, 45, of Blackburn Road, Darwen, is frantic with worry about the runaway dad and the family he left behind.

Mr Vickers, 45, is offering a cash reward for Jack's safe return.

He said: "Jill is dependent on Jack to feed her now the chicks have hatched.

"She is going downhill rapidly and has not been out of the nesting box for 48 hours.

"It is really pitiful to see her like this.

"This is the first time they have become parents and I don't know if Jack has even seen them as they are only a couple of days old. I can't sleep at night and the kids are the same. He was not an expensive bird, but he is part of the family and we want him back."

Parakeets can starve to death in as short a time as 24 hours so Mr Vickers has already been forced to disturb Jill from the nesting box yesterday to make her eat.

He said: "The food she has had will keep her going for a little while but we are concerned for her and the chicks if he does not return to take up his role."

Jack made his great escape around 5pm on Friday when he followed Mr Vickers into the garden.

The family's Yorkshire terrier Gizmo witnessed the bolt for freedom and has since been jumping up at the garden wall looking for him.

Mr Vickers, his wife Karen, 41, and their two children John, 18, and Michaela, 13, have also been searching for their feathered friend.

They have printed hundreds of leaflets appealing for information on Jack's whereabouts and have contacted the police, RSPCA and various animal rescue centres with no joy.

Five parrots were found over the weekend but none of them were Jack.

The bird, who is almost identical in appearance to his mate, is green with red on each wing, a black semi-circle underneath his neck and a red semi-circle on the back of his neck. He is around 15 inches long.

If anyone has seen Jack or has heard where he might be they can contact Mr Vickers on 01254 761932.

He said: "We are manning the phone at all times and really want to get him home safely."