WHO TO NOTIFY FOR LOST OR STOLEN BIRDS

-not everyone has a computer. People will look in the paper.

- many shelters only keep found birds for 3-7 days

- mail carriers, UPS, FED EX, go down streets you don't see!

 - birds get dropped off or people try to sell them here

 - birds get dropped off here

- they can help you "get the word out"

- make sure to physically file a report if you have a lost/stolen bird

 - call in to the radio stations & have your paper print the story

- other places people tend to drop off birds

THINGS TO DO AROUND YOUR HOME

• Search for your bird in your neighborhood. Spread the word to neighbors and neighborhood children that your bird has escaped and let them know what your bird looks like. While searching, bring along a favorite toy or treat. Make familiar sounds.

• Put your bird’s cage outside so if he’s nearby he can see it, even put one on the roof. Many times, your bird may be near but too scared to even vocalize to let you know it. The cage and familiar toys will help to entice him.

• If your bird has a favorite feathered friend, bring him/her outside (in his cage). You’ll only want to do this if you are home to watch over things to ensure the safety of your bird’s friend and his cage.

• If you have any outside pets your bird doesn’t like or fears, be sure to bring them in so they won’t scare your bird away.

THINGS TO DO AROUND YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

• Keep in touch with your neighbors. Make sure they know how to contact you if they even THINK they’ve heard or seen him

• It’s quite possible that once your bird gets hungry, he will go to any human. Make sure you post signs (at least in a two mile radius near where your parrot escaped) describing your bird and giving contact information.

THINGS TO DO AROUND YOUR AREA

Get the word out there!

• Post signs in local veterinarian’s offices, pet stores, grocery stores, apartment bulletin boards (usually near the mailboxes areas). Post signs on school’s bulletin boards. Anywhere you think the signs will be noticed.  If you cannot do this yourself ask your local boy/girl scouts, or bird club to help.

• Contact your area animal rescue/shelters and have them put your bird on file so they can look out for it. Make sure they have a way to contact you. Call them every few days to make sure you keep it fresh on their minds. Be sure to ask how long they keep a lost animal on file and be sure to call back and re-list your bird if you’re still looking for him.

• Contact any local bird breeders and let them know about your lost bird. Speak with managers at your local pet stores and let them know when you post the lost bird poster on their bulletin board. Let them know to be on the lookout. Sometimes people ‘find’ parrots and try to sell them to pet shops for quick cash.

• Place a LOST ad in your area newspaper(s). If you offer a reward it may increase the chances that your bird will be returned. On all posters, ads, etc. make sure you mention how your lost bird is ‘family’ to you (and your children perhaps). Stress how much you care for your bird and it may help to persuade someone who may not initially intend on returning a ‘found’ bird. Do NOT post your bird's band number in any ads. Just state it is "banded".

• If you do recover your lost bird, make sure to let your neighbors know and thank them for any help. Make sure you remove all the posters you put up and contact anyone you called to be on the lookout and let them know, including US!