Capturing a Lost Bird

Found Someone's Pet Bird

There is a Cockatiel in a tree in my back yard, should I try to catch it?
What should I do?.

You should definitely try to capture the Cockatiel.

Try Food and Talking

You can try to set out a cage with some seed treats, millet spray, and so on. Some birds are tamer than others. Some may actually respond if you try to talk to them.

Try Other Cockatiels and Sound

• If you have a friend or neighbor who has tiels, ask if they can bring them over (in a very safe and secure cage!!) and set them outside (only while you are watching from a window).
• Set the empty cage next to this one with treats inside and a bird mirror and see if the tiel will go into it to be close to his friends.
• If you can't find a real Cockatiel to draw him in, try to get a tape recording of one (most pet stores would be able to provide that for you if you give them a tape recorder).

If these things don't work and the bird appears weak, ill or in danger of being attacked by cats or other predators, you can try more extreme measures.

Netting

You can try "netting" the bird. You can get a large net and try catching the bird off guard. The problem with this is, if you miss you may never see the bird again since he will likely become fearful after that.

Hosing

The other thing you could try is squirting him with water. This must be done very carefully as it can result in death if you aren't extremely careful. If you could get a few friends or neighbors to help it would work best. They could stand under where the bird is perched with a large tarp to "catch" the falling bird. Then, someone could get a hose and spray the bird. The spray must be strong enough to get the bird wet enough quickly so that he won't be able to fly.

Asking for Help

Finally, if he seems somewhat unscared of humans but is too high to reach with your hands, you could try a ladder. You could also try the fire dept. (some will come out and help, some won't) or you could try asking anyone you might know with a "cherry picker."

People with cherry pickers are gas or electric co. workers. If you could get someone to come over with one of those, you might be able to get close enough to the bird to get him to step up.

Get the Word Out

Always call your local humane society and post flyers if possible alerting people that the bird is in your yard. If you can find the owner, they may be much more likely to get the bird to come to them.