What should you do with a pet bird if you find one? Any kind of pet loss is devastating, and everybody hopes that their feathered or furry buddy will be found and brought back. Due to their ability to fly long distances, which significantly increases the search radius, owners of lost birds have an even greater burden. How can you try to improve the odds of reuniting a pet bird with its owner if you come across one?
How to Proceed If You Discover a Pet Bird
Initially, you might be curious about how to distinguish between a tame wild bird and a pet bird. Breed, behavior, and identifications are the three main things to take into account.
Breed
Even if you may not be an authority on breeds, are the birds you found native to the region? You can learn a lot regarding whether a bird you discovered is likely to have been a wild bird or someone's pet bird by doing a fast Internet search in addition to your observations.
Cockatiels, for instance, are not native to North America but are widespread in Australia. There's a good possibility that any of these vibrantly plumed birds you spot in your garden are former pets.
Behavior
Determining whether the bird you find is a lost bird often depends on its behavior. Seldom do wild birds settle on or fly close to people. A pet bird, on the other hand, is used to human attention and company and may link humans with safety and food.
It is not unusual for a misplaced pet bird to settle nearby or sit on someone's shoulder and squawk to attract attention. This bird is most likely a pet bird if it attacks you in this way.
A bird that appears in your yard, on the deck, and on your balcony and stays there is another sign. A misplaced pet bird might only be seeking cover, but wild birds are going to go to their nests or continue on their flight routines.
Recognition
Any identification on the bird itself is a big aid in determining whether you've found a pet bird. The presence of a leg band indicates that the bird is probably the property of someone. A microchip is less noticeable yet just as functional. Bring the bird to a veterinarian if you are able to capture it so they can check it for a microchip, which can hold the information needed to get the bird back to its owner.
How to Track Down the Owner of the Misplaced Pet Bird
Reuniting your new feathered buddy with its rightful owner is the next step after discovering that you have located someone's pet bird. Even though one may be tempted to put a lost bird in a brand new cage in your house, keep in mind that individuals form bonds with their birds similarly to how they would with any other pet and that they're probably searching far and wide for their missing companion.
But figuring out how far a pet bird has to be from home might be challenging. Starting locally and expanding your search is the best course of action. Here are some suggestions for locating a pet bird's owner:
1: Advertise "Found" in local newspapers.
It's an easy way to let people know that you've located someone's pet, because many newspapers will run these ads for free. To get the most exposure, get in touch with regional and local newspapers.
2: Look for national or local pet bird organizations on social media.
Owners will frequently post regarding a lost bird, and those who have discovered birds can look through these posts and offer details about a found pet bird.
Advice: Don't post anything more than the most basic information on the bird you saw, like the date and location. The true owner must be able to recognize traits like breed, distinctive markings, etc.
3: Make contact with your city's and nearby communities' police departments.
See if anybody has reported their pet bird missing. Finding the bird's true owner may be accomplished in part by filing a lost property report, which is advised for owners of pet birds.
4: Speak with nearby bird shops, avian (bird) vets, and animal shelters.
In hoping that an individual will turn their beloved bird into a member of these places, worried owners frequently notify animal shelters, bird and pet shops, or avian veterinarians that their bird has gone missing.
A veterinary specialist for birds can also determine whether the bird you discovered has a microchip. If so, a national database may allow you to get in touch with the owner directly.
How to Take a Found Pet Bird?
You may be wondering what to do next if you can't locate the owner of a beloved bird or feel that you're not qualified to take care of it. A secure area, comfortable temperatures, and a balanced diet are necessary for birds. It's crucial to give the bird to a responsible guardian who can either find a suitable new home for it or go on the hunt for its owner if you are unable to provide for it.
1: Bird Rescue Group
2: Avian Vet
3: Animal Shelter or Humane Society
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