How to Catch a Pet Bird

Birds, especially small birds such as budgies, have exceptionally fragile bones. In fact, their bones are more delicate than those of mammals of a comparable size, because birds need to carry as little weight as possible in order to fly. This means that attempts to catch an escapee could end up seriously damaging your pet if you aren't careful. Tossing a heavy towel over the bird or cornering and grabbing it are the last things you should do. Instead, go for a slower but safer technique.

Things You'll Need

  • Food treats
  • Plant mister
  • Bird net or cotton sheet
  • A4 paper
  • Printer
  • Photograph of the bird
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Instructions

  1. Inside

    • 1

      Close all doors and windows leading to the room the bird is in.

    • 2

      Coax your bird onto your arm with food treats, if the bird is calm and not fluttering around in a panic. Replace the bird in the cage.

    • 3

      Draw the blinds and curtains and switch off any lights. Darkness has a calming effect on birds, making them easier to catch. This also prevents the bird flying into window glass in a panic.

    • 4

      Approach your bird slowly, talking quietly, and pick it up gently with both hands.

    • 5

      Leave the cage door open, place treats inside, keep the room doors closed and wait. The bird will return to the cage of its own accord in due course.

    Outside

    • 6

      Place the cage outside with the door open, if the bird is close to your property. If the bird has a companion, place the cage outside with the door closed and wait.

    • 7

      Spray the bird with a plant mister if necessary. Damp feathers make it difficult to fly.

    • 8

      Use a bird net, which is like a large butterfly net, if the bird is nearby but proving difficult to catch.

    • 9

      Post "lost bird" notices with contact details around the area and inform your neighbors. You can make simple notices on a computer and print onto A4 paper. A photo of the bird is useful; otherwise find a photo of a very similar individual online. Pet birds are likely to approach any humans once they get lost.

    • 10

      Contact all local animal sanctuaries, animal control agencies and bird breeders, informing them of the escaped bird. Provide an accurate description, and a photograph if possible.