Advice needed TONIGHT to help lost bird!

rosembers

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Nov 15, 2015
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Hi there. I am involved in bird rescue. Someone lost their Budgie (Parakeet) and posted about it on Craigslist. They are about 45 mins from where I live so I'm going to get down there TOMORROW before dawn to begin searching for it to help.

According to the owners, this is a tame bird. I know some basics such as: play parakeet chirping music loudly from my smartphone while walking the areas that it has been sighted (which are all within a couple blocks of the home). Also to bring a cage similar to the one it's used to (since it's not my bird I don't have it's actual cage but I'm waiting to hear from the guardians what style they have so I can grab my closest looking spare), bringing treats, food, millet spray with me. I'm waiting to hear from them if their bird knows "step-up" or how it's used to being handled. I know it's name and markings. I'm ready to head out asap tomorrow.

Does anyone have any additional advice or experience to share? I've helped catch wild birds with injuries and take them to a sanctuary, but never a parrot species. Just taken in rescued parrots that other people have found and captured. Should I bring a towel to toss over it and snatch it up quickly like you would with a wild bird or should I just calmly try to get it to come to me since it's a pet, even though it doesn't know me???? THANK YOU!!!
 
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Birdman666

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Sep 18, 2013
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San Antonio, TX
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Presently have six Greenwing Macaw (17 yo), Red Fronted Macaw (12 yo), Red Lored Amazon (17 y.o.), Lilac Crowned Amazon (about 43 y.o.) and a Congo African Grey (11 y.o.)
Panama Amazon (1 Y.O.)
Try and get it to come to you. If you try and grab it, it's already spooked and out of it's comfort zone... it will fly away even IF he wants to come in.

Bribe it with food if possible.

Where was the bird lost, in the neighborhood? If so, put the cage outside with food and water in it, and an open door. It might come back on it's own.

They generally stay within 5 miles of home. No one's likely going to try and steal a budgie...
 
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rosembers

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Thank you, Birdman666.

According to the owners, it was lost around a park and there have been sightings at a school and an apartment complex (all within 2 blocks of the home). I messaged the people to play music the bird is used to or parakeets chirping and setup the cage outside of the door where it was lost. I have asked them a couple questions but haven't heard back yet. I have never done this before with a pet bird that was lost. Thank you for the advice, I will try to bribe it with millet spray and I'll get out there before dawn and have parakeet chirping music playing from my phone to attract it. I feel so bad for this bird and these people! :(
 

RavensGryf

Supporting Member
Jan 19, 2014
14,233
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College Station, Texas
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Red Bellied Parrot /
Ruppell's Parrot /
Bronze Winged Pionus /
English Budgie
I'm sorry to hear that Rose :(. Has this bird been listed in 911parrotalert?

If it's tame you might have a chance for it to come to you if it is close enough. Millet might be good too. I fear that if you try and grab the bird fast, it will be faster than you and fly.

Look through Mark's thread about Maggie, and see some of the things he's done to get the word out. Some of the things would apply to all, large and small.

It might be surprising to some, but people DO find and steal budgies. Budgies might not be a 'valuable' bird to everyone, but the owner wants nothing more than this precious budgie back. Many people are delighted by them, and I hear too often people find budgies and happily keep them. Get the word out for a reward. How many people's ears would perk up at news of a reward? People DO find budgies, and I have also heard of them being reunited with their owners, so don't give up! Keep us posted.
 
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rosembers

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Thank you, RavensGryf -

I'm not sure if the owners have posted her on 911parrotalert... I've emailed them questions and have not heard back yet...I am very passionate about parrot rescue, and have a particularly soft spot for Budgies and Conures...I will try my very best to help find this bird. :( :( :(
 

Piasa

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Jan 12, 2016
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Beau 20 year old male Green Cheek || Jimmy Bullet 17 year old female white cap pionus parrot
Maybe too late to help but if not..

Bring a towel to put over something larger (maybe 1x1 foot) as a landing pad. Some birds that aren't confident with flying downward may be more interested in trying if there is something big and easy to land and grip.
 

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