Caring for a Lost Bird

The most terrifying experience for a bird owner is to have their beloved pet bird escape and fly away. Fears for their well-being and safety are overwhelming. Equally difficult to deal with is finding a lost bird in your garden and not knowing how to care for it until alternative arrangements can be made, or the original owners can be found. Not everyone has a spare bird cage lying around the house, and if the bird was able to make it to its new destination, the chances of him flying off again are pretty good.

Lost birds are often found near homes as they are scared and confused by their unfamiliar surroundings, and over and above the fear of not knowing how to return home, they are hungry and thirsty. One can almost always lure a pet bird into your home or near enough to place a towel over them for capture with food, water, calling and a lot of patience. Once captured, it is essential to remember the basic needs of a bird and to reduce stress as it can be fatal. Trying to touch the bird or befriend it can cause an aggressive reaction, which is due to the stress of a new environment and fear.

It is suggested that a lost bird be placed in a small bathroom or unused room, without a lot of noise and disturbance, where it is able to relax and feel safe. Any room should be made bird friendly, by removing any toxic bottles, closing all toilets and taking away any item that could be damaged by the bird through chewing on it. Birds are also more comfortable if they are perched and with food and water be placed near to where they perched. A backed chair can be useful in this regard. Getting down to a pet shop to get a packet of seeds is recommended, but if that is not an option, fruits, unsalted nuts, vegetables and cooked pasta (without sauce or seasoning) can also be offered. Foods to stay away from, which can cause serious harm to a bird, include onions, alcohol, avocado and chocolate. If a bird is not perching itself or it is suspected that the bird might be injured, the assistance of a veterinarian is strongly advised. The reunion between a grateful owner and lost pet is always worth the effort.

Caring for a Sick Bird

Birds make wonderful companion pets and many bird owners go to great lengths to ensure that their feathered friends remain healthy. Nevertheless, just as with humans, birds do become ill from time to time. Unfortunately, unlike humans, birds do not always show symptoms of illness until it is too late. Caring for a sick bird really starts with identifying the fact that the bird is sick in the first place and then taking action without delay.

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Less Stress for Re-Homed Birds

There are a lot of good people out there who open their hearts and their homes to pet birds in need of a new home. They do this with the best intentions but often find themselves facing a number of difficulties when the bird arrives. Birds sometimes pick up certain behavioral problems at their previous home and you will need to understand that trying to help an adult bird settle into a new environment is no easy task. This is especially evident with parrots.

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