Parrot Trooper - Companion Bird Rescue & Aid

The Parrot Trooper

***Read about how Pepa the Quaker was rescued and reunited with their owners - (02/24/2007)

COMPANION BIRD RESCUE & EMERGENCY TIPS

As the weather turns colder by the minute many heartbroken families stare out their windows terrified to think of their lost feathered family member shivering in a tree somewhere.

These families are begging for your help with saving their beloved feathered one from certain death.

Capturing a wayward pet bird can be stressful & challenging. It may take time and trust!

PLEASE DON’T GIVE UP!

RESCUE TIPS:

Talk to the bird while offering your outreached hand to it. Try a few words many companion birds may know, such as, “Step up” (a command used for a bird to step onto ones hand), “Come”, “Good bird”, “Pretty bird”, or “Let’s go”. If you have the ability to whistle, give that a try as well. Offering bird seed, bread, fruits, or veggies may entice the bird. If the bird is grounded and you’re able to get close, (using speed and accuracy) toss a sheet or lightweight blanket over it. Try having something to wrap the bird in during every rescue attempt, such as a towel, pillow case, or a jacket. Swiftly capture the bird and run to a secure location.

(A sick bird does best in an environment of 80 ˚ to 90 ˚)

Heavy fishing nets may be a fatal choice. Attach light weight netting to a hula-hoop with a glue gun after removing the noisy beads.
Ground netting. Attach lines to each corner of netting; join these lines together to a main pull line. You will need a tree limb or something with a smooth surface to throw the main pull string over. Disguise the netting with a few leaves, place tempting foods in the center. (test a few times)
Pet birds may freely enter a cage. Place a bird cage loaded with food in clear view; attach a pull string to the cage entrance. Once bird enters, pull string to close the door.
You know where the bird is nesting every night? Plan your rescue strategy, make sure you cover every possible escape for the bird. Most birds can’t see well in darkness, therefore flight at this time is not desirable, but will do so if threatened.

CAPTURED! NOW WHAT?!

Normally a bird will not show signs of illness unless it’s in serious condition. If the bird’s feathers are fluffed and it isn’t moving much, this is a clear sign the bird is critical. Signs of starvation include lack of appetite; lethargy, imbalance, and possibly emaciated (examine the bird for thinness & protruding ribs). Within a day or two a bird can become fatally dehydrated. Pedialyte is high in electrolytes but you can offer Gatorade or PowerAde at room temperature for energy & nutrients. Frostbite may include coldness, swelling, hardness, and noticeable pain in toes.

Also look for discharge in nose or eyes, heavy breathing, vomiting, bloody stool, or bleeding due to injuries (Cornstarch is a safe coagulant for smaller injuries), and beak fractures. Contacting an Avian Veterinarian is always advised, they may be the bird’s only hope of survival.

Report a found or sighted bird to animal shelters in local & surrounding cities or counties, post a found ad in newspapers. Post at lost & found sites throughout the internet. 911ParrotAlert.com, Birdhotline.com, & Craigslist.com are just a few reputable sites to mention.
These only scratch the surface as to the many different techniques used when attempting to rescue a companion bird. Keep in mind that each and every bird is different, some affectionate while others may be shy or even aggressive. There isn’t any guarantee that you will capture this beloved feathered one, at least you can say you gave it your all.

If you need additional help at anytime, please contact:

Diane Barker

“The Parrot Trooper”

(815)258-0080

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