It's a frightening experience when a pet escapes from the home. This is particularly true if you happen to have a pet bird since they can hide in trees or on rooftops and be difficult to see. If your bird escapes, the most important thing is not to panic. It's important to have an action plan in place should this unexpected event happen. Here's how to find a lost bird:
Keep your ears open
If you bird has just escaped, the best course of action is to stand outside and listen carefully for vocal calls from your bird. If you saw your bird escape, check thoroughly in the direction he headed looking both high into the trees and towards the ground. Try making some whistling noises and then listen carefully. If you have a second bird, bring him along in a cage. Your first bird may respond by vocalizing when he hears the sounds of the second bird.
Place his cage outside with the door open
If you've searched exhaustively for your bird to no avail, try placing his cage outside with the door open. Make sure there's food in the cage to attract him to it. Check it frequently.
Contact local authorities
If you had your bird banded, you can contact the humane society, local pet stores, and veterinary offices with the banding number and instruct them to notify you if they come upon your bird. If not, it still pays to contact your local animal control officers and the humane society to make them aware of your lost bird. You can also have your bird microchipped. When birds or animals come into the humane society, they are automatically scanned for a microchip and can be traced back to you should your pet be found.
Contact your neighbors
Always have a photo of your bird available to show if he should escape. Make a copy of the photo and take it around to neighbors. Offer a reward to neighborhood children if they find your bird. The more people who know, the better.
Report your missing bird to Bird Hotline
Bird Hotline is a website where you can report a lost bird. They also have a section where you can view birds that have been found. This is great way to get the word out to a larger audience than just your immediate neighborhood. Report your lost bird to this site and check it frequently to see what birds are listed as found.
Clip your birds wings
Clipping your bird's wings is the best way to prevent unplanned escapes. Sometimes despite how careful you are, an unclipped bird can escape through an open window or even fly into a closed window, sustaining a serious injury. Wing clipping is a means of preventing injury and escape which could result in loss of your bird's life.
If your bird escapes, don't give up the search. By having a plan and being consistent, you have a good chance of recovering your lost pet and returning him to the security of his cage.
