Can a bird find it's way home? like a dog or a cat? I don't think Special (my cockatiel) seems very intelligent, and I don't think she will or has the capacity to think in those terms, per say. And yes I have been out all day looking for her!!! She got out once before, over night, and I found her in a tree the next day. She didn't come to me, but she didn't flee either. I had to climb that big ass tree and get her. She seemed cold, and weary. But if that was the case why didn't she just come home after feeling so bad? Why did I actually have to climb the tree? She saw me. What if I find her in a tree I can't climb. (I guess I'll call the fire department) She seemed to of learned her lesson because after that we could take her outside and she wouldn't fly away. But this time one of my friends was stroking her and she got annoyed and just left. I should of stopped my friend, but to be honest, I was really surprised she actually flew off. I mean fuck, my friend wasn't trying to annoy her, just she wasn't use to my friend. Anyone familar with birds and maybe what they are likely to do in this situation? I'm not giving up hope. Maybe she wanted to be free and she's happy. But I want to see her safe.
I guess many of you don't have birds or don't understand what I'm getting at. Are they able or likely to come home after flying off? Is her not coming home a sign she has what she wants (freedom) and she just doesn't want to come home? How likely is a housed in bird to survive in the wild?... at least while it's warm. Many of the neighbors, including ourselves, have birdfeeders and or bird baths. Her wings were clipped years ago but she can fly just fine now, if only akwardly. I'm afraid though she just isn't as strong as outside birds, more from lack of practice, but perhaps she could become strong with time and happy out there in the world. Do you think she may come back in the fall when the temperatures drop? Anyone familar with any of this?
Don't know much about birds...not this type, but in your position I wouldn't be holding out much hope of her returning, then again, who knows. I really hope you get her back. Good luck!
I didn't write this myself, but here are some suggestions that seemed pretty good to me. Place your bird's cage somewhere outside where it can see it,on a deck, patio, on top of a car. If the cage is black or metal colored, place a light colored sheet under it to can make it easier for your bird to see. If it's a white cage, use something dark. Throw birdseeds or pellets on top of the roof of the house and cars, picnic tables, deck or anyplace else that is clearly visible.Your bird may land there, see you and fly back to you. The best time to look for your cockatiel is before sunrise and at dusk.That is when cockatiels are the most active,vocal and searching for food. Contact the police, all pet shops, veterinarians, and animal shelters in your town and in every town in your county. A cockatiel can fly a great distance and may leave your town. Make flyers with your bird's photographs Put ads in newspapers, giving a complete, detailed description of your bird. Many people do not know what a cockatiel is. Include its name and any songs or phrases that it knows. Register your lost bird on "Lost and Found Bird Hotlines".
wow totally awesome suggestions. I've already done a few. update if anyone is curious. We found her 2 days ago in a big ass tree in the neighbors yard. we could not even climb it with a ladder (and I tried) the fire department would not come out and the police did not see it as an "emergency". We talked to her, held up a bird feeder but she stayed put. She would respond to us when we talked to her so she clearly recognized us, but did not attempt to fly down. We decided, if we throw small pebbles at her maybe we can get her to fly down to us or to a smaller tree. She flew to a much high tree. After a few attempts of this and continuously bigger and bigger trees we gave up. But she did stay around the house, making a half circle around it (I had to jump alot of fenses!) so I have hope of her returning. Dumb bird, she could be home now!! That or she's happy being out, FREE!!!!!!!!! Unfortunately I have not had time to look for her sinse. But will tomorrow...
She will get harrased by Crows and other birds. Keep up your vigil for the opportunity to recapture her. She obviously recognized you as family Good Luck
wow thats amazing u have found her twice!! i hope she comes back -unfortuantely my cockatiel flew out when one of the doors was open, never to be found again, very very upsetting, we live on the coast and there are alot of seagulls so we guess one of them prob had her poor tweety-pie
If a bird is valuable enough it can be tagged (a tiny ring around its foot) and if lost and found can be traced back to its original owner. I think what happens to a lot of pet birds is they eventually get hungry and befriend the nearest house they're by and get picked up by a new owner.
That really sucks. Happened to my old bird a couple times too. We got him back the one time and couldn't find him the second time. Stupid birds Hopefully, your birdy wont become some other birdy's dinner tonight.
Well honestly I wouldnt have thought she would come back, but she did...TWICE. So thats changed my point of view alot. But I think theres a pretty good chance she'll be back. And even if she doesnt, she will be free.
I actually have 2 cockatiels, a society finch, a lovebird, a parrotlet, a quaker, a parrotlet, and a greenwing macaw. My large birds are microchipped, and the smaller birds are mostly all banded. I'm a part of a Parrot Alert 911 which is a network of people that work together to find lost birds. You are one of the lucky few who has found their tiel, have you considered putting the bird in a flight suit when outside?
I think a bird flying away is a lovely metaphor for "freedom" Maybe she or he was trying to tell you something... Arent birds meant to fly away.....and be free ??
Throwing pebbles at it was your first mistake. You should have just waited and left the cage out. I would continue looking for it, I guarantee you it won't survive outside. Tropical, captive birds are not meant to be "free".
No not to die... Just to be free to fly around and not be kept in cages.... It always breaks my heart to see them couped up like that...so cruel!!
