In spite of all our best intentions, birds will still occasionally escape. In such a situation, time is of the essence. The steps you take right away may mean the difference between life and death for your little friend.
Follow your bird as long as possible. Pet birds, especially those with clipped or semi-clipped wings, are often in poor condition and cannot fly very far. You may be able to catch one of these out-of-shape escapees on the ground after a short trip across the yard or down the block. Birds accustomed to flight will, of course, be more difficult to recapture. They may fly for miles before stopping, or may fly high into a tree where you cannot reach them.
Soaking an escaped bird with a hose will often weigh it down enough to make flight difficult, but it may also do more harm than good. A strong blast from the hose is enough to seriously injure small birds. In addition, a soaked bird will easily become chilled, which is very dangerous if you don't recapture it quickly.
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BAITING YOUR BIRD...
Place your bird's cage with tempting foods and water in your yard. If your bird is sighted on someone else's property, ask permission to put the cage there.
If you choose to use live birds as bait, make sure they are safely housed so they aren't harmed in the process.
Broadcast audio tapes of other budgies or cockatiels and listen for a response.
Develop a capture plan and have necessary equipment (trap cage, net, towel) ready should your bird be sighted.
Don't give up!
