Almost on a daily basis I hear, “It happened so fast! I didn’t think he would fly! He’s never done that before!” If you are one of those people you need no reminders as to why a bird has wings. It’s a painful realization to experience the loss of a bird to a situation that is so preventable. You need no reprimand at that moment only caring support. Arizona Exotic Bird Rescue has a few tips for getting your bird back.
1. First Things First: Go door-to-door. Speak personally with the home owner in your area when available. Leave a flyer with your birds description and your contact information. Deliver the same information to every avian store in your area then check back in-person daily. Stores have been known to sell a found bird on consignment for the finder. Contact rescue groups and post your information online. Don’t stop there! Be up and out the door by 5:00am to look for your bird. Feed the wild birds around your home. They just may be your biggest ally in helping your bird find its way home. Be consistent! You’re going to hear all of this again!
2. Familiar Surroundings: Even if you cannot see your bird, he may be watching you. Your bird may be too scared to come down to you, so entice him. Put his cage outside, full of his favorite junk-food, and leave the door open. If your bird has a feathered pal, put him outside too (in a locked cage). Only attempt this if you are home and watching the cage(s) carefully. This may entice him to come down.
3. Make Some Noise: If there are noises or words that your bird likes, walk the neighborhood making those sounds. Listen carefully; your bird might talk back! Recently a friend of mine located her parrot at bird store by hearing its familiar call. While the store managers had been made aware of my friend’s plight they hadn’t connected that the ‘found’ bird that was turned over to them for sale was hers. Her devotion to finding her bird brought about a happy ending.
4. Let People Know: When your bird becomes hungry or lonely, he/she may make contact with a stranger in desperation. This person may well go looking for the bird's owner. Make posters advertising your lost bird with a description and your contact information. Give these posters to neighbors, veterinarians and exotic bird stores as soon as possible. Place an advertisement in the Lost & Found section of all newspapers in your area. Post your information online. Put up posters on phone poles and in areas where people shop. Go door-to-door asking neighbors to keep an eye out for your bird. This way, if someone has seen or found your bird, they can easily find you.
5. Feed the wild birds! Sometimes your bird will connect with a flock that is accustomed to eating at your feeder. Be up and outside by 5:00am in the event your bird returns.
6. Call Your Exotic Bird Rescue Groups: Be sure to contact your local animal control, Humane Society and all parrot rescue groups in your area. Let them know you have lost your parrot and give them a contact number where they can get a hold of you if someone reports a found bird.
7. Most Importantly: Be diligent about finding your bird. Parrots are very adaptable and can survive in much of the Southwest. Your best chance for getting your bird back is to remain proactive! Often time’s people find a parrot and house the bird for months before contacting a rescue group. DON’T GIVE UP!
To protect your bird and avoid finding yourself in the situation of having lost a bird we recommend you clip your bird’s wings.
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