Bird Left the Cage…

 

When Birds Fly Away

Very sad to share that one of the BC4L family members had a bird fly away and not come home. We are pretty sure the bird is in a flock of local Maui parakeets and/or lovebirds. Perhaps, Kiwi is very happy and we certainly hope this is his outcome. For most owners, the thought of their pet bird flying away is their worst nightmare. If a pet happens to fly away, it’s a potentially dangerous situation; a domesticated bird is unlikely to be able to care for itself in the wild.

The best way to prevent your pet from flying away is to be diligent in your wing trimming practices, but if your pet gets lost, there are some tips that may help the ordeal end in a safe recovery.

Act Quickly If a Pet Bird Escapes

Timing is critical when you are dealing with a fly-away pet bird. You must act the moment that you discover that your bird is missing to have the best possible chances of recovery.

Scan any trees and other obvious perches on your property and surrounding properties. If you can see your bird, and get it to see you, it may fly back to you.

In some cases, a bird may be in shock or be too afraid to move very much. In those instances, be sure to keep a close eye on the bird as you try to work out a plan for his retrieval. Maintaining visual contact is imperative for the best chances of getting your bird back.

 

Retrieving a Bird After a Fly-Away

Place your bird’s cage near the site of the fly-away. If your bird flies out through your front door, for example, try placing the cage on your porch or doorstep. Many times a bird will return to his cage if it’s visible; the cage will represent comfort and security compared to the disorienting wild outdoors.

Make a peace offering. Try putting samples of your bird’s favorite tasty treats in or around his cage to lure him back home.

Try calling your bird. If you are unable to lure your pet back home with his cage or treats, you may try “calling” your bird by simply remaining in the area that he is in and repeating familiar words, sounds, and phrases. In some instances, it may entice your pet to fly down to you.

 

What to Do If You Can’t Retrieve Your Pet Bird

Sometimes even the best recovery efforts fall short, so if you lose visual contact with your bird and can’t find him, try not to get discouraged. Post flyers with pictures and a description of your pet, take out an ad in the classifieds, post a photo of him on your Facebook page and use every resource you can think of to spread the word that your bird is on the loose. Consider offering a reward for your pet’s safe return.

 

Keep Your Bird From Flying Away

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to fly-away birds. To help ensure that your pet doesn’t get lost, make sure you keep his wings trimmed, and your doors and windows secured when he is out of his cage. Check his flight feathers often to make sure that he doesn’t need to be re-clipped, and you’ll (hopefully) never need to worry about losing your bird to a fly-away.

 

**adapted from the spruce pets**

 

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