Losing a beloved parrot can be a distressing experience for any owner. While the instinct might be to panic, taking calm, systematic steps significantly increases the chances of a reunion. Similarly, if you find a parrot, understanding the correct procedure can help reunite them with their worried families. This guide offers practical advice for both scenarios, drawing on established resources for Lost And Found Birds.
If You Have Lost Your Parrot
The immediate aftermath of a parrot escaping requires prompt and widespread action. Creating physical and digital awareness is crucial.
Physical Outreach:
- Flyers and Signs: Distribute flyers in your neighborhood, detailing your parrot’s description and your contact information. Place a visible sign in your yard. Sometimes, a close neighbor may have found and secured your bird.
- The Cage as a Lure: Place your parrot’s cage outside with food and water. The familiar scent and sight of their cage might entice them to return.
- Local Establishments: Distribute flyers to local veterinarian offices and pet stores, as these are common places where found pets are taken or reported.
Digital and Community Outreach:
- Lost Pet Registries: Register your bird as lost with your local animal services.
- Online Platforms: Place ads in local newspapers and on platforms like Craigslist. Offering a reward can be a strong incentive for people to look out for your bird.
- Specialized Parrot Networks: Register your bird with dedicated lost parrot services such as 911 Parrot Alert, Parrot Alert, and BirdHotline. Also, utilize social media by registering with groups like Lost & Found Birds Worldwide on Facebook. If you are in Florida, the Florida Parrots Lost and Found group is another vital resource.
- Social Media Sharing: Share your parrot’s picture and details on your personal Facebook page. If your neighborhood has an online association page or newsletter, post the information there as well. It’s equally important to actively check these same platforms for “found bird” advertisements.
Direct Contact:
- Email info@floridaparrotrescue.com with the day, time, city/town, state, and cross streets where your bird was lost. They can share this information on their Facebook page and notify you of any potential leads.
If You Have Found a Bird
Discovering a lost parrot means you have the opportunity to be a crucial link in their return home.
Immediate Care and Assessment:
- Check for Injuries: Gently examine the bird for any signs of injury. If the bird appears hurt, seek immediate veterinary attention from a qualified avian veterinarian. If you need assistance, email info@floridaparrotrescue.com. They can direct you to one of their affiliated veterinarians for care and potential relinquishment to Florida Parrot Rescue, who will then work to find the owner.
- Provide Sustenance: Offer fresh food and water. You can refer to their nutrition and health page for guidance on properly feeding parrots.
- Safe Environment: Bring the bird inside to a safe, quiet area within your home.
Owner Verification (If you are housing the bird):
- Check for Bands: If the bird has an identification band on its leg, you can advertise the species and location where the bird was found. Crucially, do not reveal the band number in your advertisements. Request that individuals claiming ownership provide the correct band number to ensure you are reuniting the bird with its rightful owner.
- No Band? Adjust Your Ads: If the bird is not banded, make your “found” ads less specific, such as “found small bird” and mention the general location. When someone contacts you, ask them to describe the bird’s species, appearance, and any unique behaviors or vocalizations. This detailed questioning helps verify ownership.
- Microchip Scan: Inquire if the bird has been microchipped. A microchip can provide direct ownership information if found.
Widespread Advertising for Found Birds:
- Physical Advertising: Place flyers in your neighborhood, a sign in your yard, and consider an ad in your local newspaper.
- Online Listings: Post on platforms like Craigslist and use specialized lost and found bird websites and social media groups mentioned previously (911 Parrot Alert, Parrot Alert, BirdHotline, Lost & Found Birds Worldwide, and Florida Parrots Lost and Found).
- Community Networks: Share the found bird’s picture on Facebook and any neighborhood association pages or newsletters.
Cross-Referencing:
- It is essential to check all these locations for “lost bird” advertisements as well, as the owner may be actively searching.
Reporting to Rescue:
- Email info@floridaparrotrescue.com with the day, time, city/town, state, and cross streets where the bird was found. They will share this information on their Facebook page and inform you of any leads.
For any further questions or concerns regarding lost or found parrots, please do not hesitate to email info@floridaparrotrescue.com.
