While pet birds can be beautiful and fun companions, being able to survive in the wild is super unlikely for these little guys. This is because birds raised in captivity don’t have the necessary skills to thrive in their natural habitats, mostly due to their lack of exposure to the wild.
These feathered friends are accustomed to being fed, sheltered, and protected from predators. Obviously, this makes them unable to handle the challenges that come with living outdoors. Let’s learn more!
Pet Birds Often Struggle in the Wild
Pet birds are usually bred and raised in controlled environments where they’re given regular water, food, and medical care. They have also been specifically bred for traits that enhance companionship rather than survival abilities. Needless to say, pet birds generally can’t survive in the wild for very long because:
- Wild birds naturally forage for food, from insects to fruit. Pet birds, on the other hand, are usually fed a pre-packaged diet. They don’t know how to find food without human intervention. Without these skills, they could easily starve.
- Wild birds find it easy to adapt to their environments, learning behaviors that help them withstand different types of weather conditions, including rain, cold, or even extreme heat. Captive birds, on the other hand, are accustomed to a stable, climate-controlled environment.
- Birds in the wild develop specific behaviors and instincts that help them avoid predators. Domesticated birds, on the other hand, often lack these instincts and can be way more vulnerable to predators like outdoor cats and birds of prey. They simply aren’t able to recognize threats and respond appropriately.
How to Prevent Your Bird from Escaping
Pet birds face many challenges if they escape. You can keep your feathered friend safe from the uncertainty of the outdoors by:
Securing Their Cage
Ensure that your bird’s cage is secure with locks that aren’t easy to manipulate. Birds are very intelligent, making it easy for them to figure out how to open simple latches. Look for cages with spring-loaded latches or those that snap shut.
Supervising Your Bird
When allowing your bird to spend time outside of the cage, supervise them. Avoid any open windows and doors while your bird is out. You can also get some pretty cool harnesses designed for birds if you want to take them outside for some fresh air or sun. This helps them explore safely and reduce the risk of your bird getting lost.
Creating a Safe Space
If your bird likes to fly, create a designated flying area that is safe and free from any hazards. Make sure you block off any access to open windows, fans, and other potential dangers. Use bird-safe nets or screens to make sure your bird can safely stretch its wings without going too far.
Four Things to Do if Your Bird Escapes
If your bird manages to escape, it is super important to act quickly and methodically. You should:
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
Take a moment to stop and collect yourself. When you panic, you make the situation much worse and hinder your ability to think clearly. You need to assess the area and note where the bird flew to. Like cats, pet birds will often remain close to their homes when they escape.
2. Put Out Food and Water
Putting your bird’s favorite food and some fresh water outside can work wonders to bring them back home. Choose familiar items, like pellets, seeds, and fruits. Make sure the food is visible.
3. Search the Area
As soon as you recognize that your bird has escaped, search your neighborhood. Birds can perch in trees, on rooftops, or in other yards. If you have binoculars, bring them with you to help spot your bird from a distance.
4. Use a Safe Bird Trap
If your bird doesn’t return after some time, you should consider getting a humane bird trap. These traps can be baited with food and installed in the area where the bird was last seen. Make sure it’s safe and free from any harmful substances. Log where you have placed various traps in your neighborhood and check them frequently.
What Happens if I Find a Pet Bird?
If you find a lost bird, you should:
- Assess the bird’s condition. Determine whether the bird needs emergency veterinary care. If so, go to your local vet or connect with a local rescue organization that focuses on birds. If the bird is active and stable, post on local message boards to find its owner.
- Provide a safe, comfortable environment. While locating the bird’s owner or weighing your next steps, use a small cage or box that has been lined with a soft towel to keep it safe. You should also give water and food, such as mango, squash, and sweet potato.
- Have its microchipped scanned. Some pet birds (such as African grey parrots and scarlet macaws) cost hundreds of dollars. So, many pet owners get them microchipped to ensure they can be found if lost. Rescue organizations and even some veterinary practices have the technology to scan these chips and find birds’ owners.
Don’t lose hope if your pet bird escapes. By acting promptly, you can increase the likelihood of finding them safe and sound.
