How can I catch a bird that has gotten loose?

Question

A mini macaw has showed up at our house and he will follow me from tree to tree but will not get close or low enough for me to get to him. He's been around for about a week now and I would like to catch him before something happens to him. The local exotic vet has had no calls for missing birds and we live way out in the country with few neighbors who say it is not their's.

Answer 1

Use a banana. Set it down where he can see it. You sit about ten or so feet away and don't move much. Do the same thing the next day, but only put it about 8 feet away from you. The next day you might try an orange. I would put out a bowl of water each day unless you have a water source like a lake nearby because it will die of dehydration faster than starvation.

You will eventually hit a point where it will not come because it feels you are too close, so you take a step or so back and sit still and try a little closer again the next day. Sunflower seeds are always a treat and unsalted peanuts a big favorite. A peanut butter sandwich cut up into squares is a big winner too.

The way to a macaw's heart is definitely through it's belly.

When you talk around it keep your voice soothing and low. They have excellent hearing. Anticipate a nip or two from it when it finally gets brave enough to come check you out. The objective is to make it consider you a part of the flock.

Macaws have a heirarchy and in order for you the be the master your head should usually be higher than the birds.

If you are afraid of being nipped you can have a towel available, and you might use the "step up" command. It is usually the first thing people teach their exotic birds. If it hears a term it is familiar with it might give it more of a sense of familarity and security.

I wish you success in your endeavor.

Answer 2

If you can get the bird in the house, close the door of course, then turn off most of the lights, just leave something so u can see what u are doing, and catch the bird with a fish net, or you can throw like a peace of cloth...

Answer 3

I recently lost my bird....he came to someone when he was hungry enough to trust them. There is a web site called parrot 911 a bird rescue board. Maybe you could post your ad that you have spotted this bird and the owner could come by and call their bird and recapture it. Good luck our bird was on its own for 6 day and is just fine now.

Answer 4

Try putting salt on its tail. That's what my grandfather always told me. The seeds in the cage idea isn't bad. Instead of closing the cage right away, let the bird come and go for a few days. The bird will become familiar with the cage and will be more secure in its environment. Then close the cage.

Answer 5

if he's hanging around YOU then he's looking for food. pet birds know that their food comes from us,,,he knows nothing on how to catch his own food.try putting out a tray of seeds that is close to one of the trees he hangs out in,,,,move that tray closer to your back patio area( ? ),,each time you go out there. have a lite cloth,,good size about a bath towel size and get ready to toss it over him when he is close to your patio or porch. you can use a large net as well but first you will have to get the bird to trust you enough to get close to him,,,,,,

Answer 6

leave a cage with food and water open outside near bird. and wait, if it takes the food then it will just be a mater of time till the bird will stay in cage long enough to shut door, use string. hope this helps

Answer 7

try putting bird food on the ground where he has seen you put it. wait until it comes closer. meanwhile, on the side get your hose ready or a bucket of water. while it is eating wet it. birds can't fly when their wings are wet. but don't do it to the extend where the hose has to pressure bc then it might get hurt. by wetting it enough for it not to fly is good. that's how i got a pair of love birds.

Answer 8

seeds,food....ask a vet