One of the biggest fears for any bird owner is their beloved pet escaping into the outside world. Many pet birds are non-native and bred in captivity. This means they lack the survival skills needed in the wild. However, this also means they will often return home.
It’s important to act quickly and smartly if your pet bird has escaped. There are several steps you can take to increase your chances of bringing your feathered friend home. Let’s see what they are.
1. Stay Calm and Keep Your Eyes on the Bird
It’s understandable if your first reaction is panic or distress. However, it’s important to stay calm. Your bird can pick up on your energy and any frantic behavior may scare them away further. You want to remain calm with your actions and voice.
If you see your bird fly out, then don’t immediately chase it. Instead, keep an eye on it and note where it lands. Most birds don’t fly far initially and it’s likely for bird will have perched on a nearby tree to assess its surroundings.
It’s not a good idea to climb after it if it’s on a tree or high building. Not only is this dangerous but you are likely to scare your bird. Even if you can catch it, you may cause it harm by trying to keep hold of it while climbing down.
2. Use Familiar Sounds and Calls
Birds are responsive to familiar sounds. It’s part of how they recognize members of their own species but also the humans that raised them. You should call your bird’s name in a calm and upbeat tone.
You can also play recordings of yourself or other household members. This will save your voice and means you constantly have a sound for your bird to pick out. Shaking their favorite treat container or toy can also work for them.
If that fails, you can use a mobile app or video recording that mimics your specific bird’s calls. Repetition is key, as your bird is more likely to respond when it’s tired or hungry. Pet birds can struggle out in the wild, and often return to the comfort of home.
3. Put the Cage Outside
If you have a portable bird cage, then place it outside where it’s clearly visible. Keep the door open and then make sure it’s full of your bird’s favorite treats and toys. This can act as a lure as they seek relief in their familiar surroundings.
This can work with a number of their senses, as they can pick up sounds, smell, or sight. If they are bonded with another bird you have, then you can also place that bird nearby and let it call out. However, you want to make sure the bird is secure, and the cage isn’t in an unsafe area for too long.
4. Alert the Neighborhood
Many birds don’t fly far away at first. They may have gone beyond your property but landed in a nearby tree. Knock on nearby doors and give them a photo of your bird, or at least a description. Let them know what happened and how to contact you.
It’s also a good idea to create and distribute posters. Along with a clear photo of your bird, you want a name, species, color, and size. Detail when and where it escaped, along with contact info.
Make sure to collect these posters if your bird has been found. Also, check them for removal or damage and replace them if necessary. Place these wherever you feel is appropriate, including local pet stores and vet clinics.
5. Spread the Word
Along with the immediate neighborhood, you also want to spread the word further. Social media can be a powerful tool so look for local Facebook groups, lost pet databases, and other resources such as Nextdoor.
You’ll want to notify any local authorities and rescue groups. This includes animal shelters, humane societies, wildlife rehabilitation centers, and exotic bird rescues. Research any place in the local area that may receive a call or information about an exotic lost bird.
6. Search Early and Late in the Day
Birds, including popular parrots, are generally most active around dawn and dusk. If the search extends for a few days, this will be the best time to look and call for your pet. It’s best to use a set of binoculars to search for tree branches and rooflines.
Make sure to keep listening to bird sounds. You should be able to pick out your bird’s call from any wild bird. Place food and water out for them, preferably near the cage or in any area they were last seen.
It can also be a good idea to step outside and listen to them after sundown. If your pet is frightened or alone, it may call out when other birds have gone quiet. Make sure to remain calm as a desperate attempt to rescue them could cause them to flee further.
7. Remain Vigilant
Even if your bird doesn’t come home after a few days, don’t give up. Many birds are found and returned weeks later. Despite being out of their natural habitat, pet birds can find ways to survive even though it will be a dangerous environment for them.
Be patient and keep spreading the word. Check posters are still up, make sure they have food and water to come back to and keep up with social media posts. There is a good chance your bird will come back, especially if you keep up your efforts.
How to Prevent Future Escapes
Once your bird is safely home, review how they escaped and take steps to ensure it doesn’t happen again. The obvious step is securing all windows and doors when they are having time out of their cage.
Check the bird’s location when opening any exterior door. You should also have a double-entry policy. For example, if your bird is in the living room, put a rule in place that the front door always has to be closed before the living room door is opened.
Harnesses or travel cages can be used for outdoor time, and it’s good to have your bird microchipped and/or wearing a leg band. Wing clipping can also help to prevent escapes, but there are negatives to doing so.
Finally, train recall commands with them. This uses positive reinforcement by giving them a treat when they return to you indoors. When you practice this, it can become instinctual. If they do escape again, this will increase the chances of them coming back to you.
