How do you get a parakeet to come down from a tree?

Step 1: Approach slowly and calmly

The first step in getting a parakeet to come down from a tree is to approach slowly and calmly. Parakeets are easily spooked, so you want to move towards the tree without making any sudden movements or loud noises. Speak in a soft, soothing voice to help reassure the parakeet that you’re not a threat. Move slowly and pause frequently, allowing the parakeet time to get used to your presence. The goal is to get close enough that you can attempt to coax the parakeet down, without scaring it off in the process. Patience and care are key here.

Step 2: Offer a tempting treat

Once you’ve gotten close to the tree, offer the parakeet a treat to entice it to fly down to you. Good options include its favorite fruits or veggies, millet spray, or nutriberries. Hold the treat up towards the parakeet and shake or wiggle it a bit to catch its attention. You can also try making “kissy” or clicking sounds. If the parakeet seems interested and starts moving towards you and the treat, slowly move your hand with the treat downwards and backwards, encouraging the parakeet to follow along and fly down to reach it. Keep speaking in a calm, encouraging tone throughout. Be patient, it may take some coaxing before the parakeet is willing to fly down to you.

Step 3: Set out the parakeet’s cage

Another tactic is to bring the parakeet’s cage and set it on the ground near the tree. Open the cage door and move away. The familiar sight and scent of its home may be enough to entice the parakeet to happily fly back inside. You can combine this technique with offering treats either inside the cage or near the open door. Sit quietly nearby and wait to see if the parakeet goes in on its own. Do not make any sudden movements towards the cage, which could startle it off.

Step 4: Use a lightweight net

If treats and the cage alone don’t work, the next step is to use a lightweight net to safely retrieve the parakeet from the tree. Select a net with thin wooden handles that is small enough to gently scoop up the parakeet’s body. Slowly position yourself under the parakeet, speaking reassuringly. When the moment is right, gently maneuver the net over the parakeet and coax it inside. Keep movements smooth to avoid panicking the parakeet once it is in the net. Quickly but carefully move the netted parakeet into a prepared cage or carrier. Keep the parakeet netted until you can get it secured in its cage or carrier. Move slowly and avoid sudden movements throughout.

Step 5: Call for professional help

If the parakeet is very high up or difficult to reach, or if you’ve tried all of these steps without success, it may be time to call a professional for assistance. Some parrot rescue/rehabilitation centers have staff or volunteers who are highly experienced at retrieving lost parrots from trees and buildings. They use specialized equipment and techniques that minimize stress on the bird during rescue. They may also have access to cherry pickers, scaffolding, or window-washing booms to reach high perches. There may be a fee involved, but having an expert conduct the retrieval is best for the parakeet.

Tips for getting a parakeet out of a tree

• Move slowly and speak softly to avoid scaring the parakeet.
• Offer a tempting treat like millet or fruit to entice it to fly down.
• Let the parakeet see and smell its familiar cage.
• Use a soft lightweight net to gently scoop up the parakeet.
• Call a professional parrot rescuer if needed.
• Don’t yell, throw things, or shake the tree branches.
• Be patient, it may take time for coaxing to work.

Why parakeets end up in trees

There are a few reasons why pet parakeets sometimes end up taking refuge in trees:

• Escaped from home – Parakeets are very adept flyers and can zip out through open doors and windows. Once outside, trees provide safety from predators and other dangers on the ground.
• Flock instinct – In the wild, parakeets live in large noisy flocks. If a lone pet parakeet hears wild parakeet calls, its natural instinct is to join them, leading it to fly up into trees.
• Chasing predators – Parakeets may fly up into trees to escape from predators like cats, crows, or raptors. The height provides protection.
• Disorientation – Parakeets can become disoriented when suddenly startled or frightened, causing them to lose track of how to get back home.

Whatever the reason for ending up in a tree, parakeets are not well equipped to survive long outside. Their bright coloration makes them easy targets for predators. Trees provide temporary safety, but pet parakeets should be retrieved quickly before they get injured, lose weight, or escape. With some patience and care, you can coax a parakeet in a tree to fly down to safety.

Preventing parakeets from escaping

To prevent a parakeet escape in the first place:

• Keep doors, windows, and screens firmly closed.
• Ensure the parakeet’s cage is securely closed with no damaged areas.
• Clip the parakeet’s wings to limit flight ability.
• Create distractions inside to dissuade the parakeet from wanting to leave.
• Acclimate the parakeet to a body harness and leash for controlled outdoor excursions.
• Keep the room calm and quiet to avoid startling the parakeet.
• House the parakeet well away from open exterior doors.

Despite precautions, parakeets still sometimes manage to escape due to their agility and small size. Being prepared with retrieval strategies can help ensure a missing parakeet’s safe return.

What to do if the parakeet won’t come down

In some cases, a parakeet may stubbornly refuse to leave the perceived safety of a tree, no matter what coaxing is tried. If this happens:

• Leave the parakeet’s cage positioned near the tree and back away. Check back in a few hours in case it ventures down later.
• Return at dawn or dusk when the parakeet is most active and may be hungry. Offer favorite treats.
• Call for professional assistance from an experienced parrot rescuer or arborist. Specialized nets, other gear, and climbing skills can help retrieve a reluctant parakeet.
• For safety, do not attempt to climb the tree or use long ladders. Leave it to experts.
• Monitor for signs of injury or weakness indicating urgent retrieval is needed.
• If retrieval seems unsafe, provide ample food and water near the tree and monitor closely until the parakeet can be recovered.

With time and patience, even a stubborn parakeet can usually be safely retrieved. But don’t take unnecessary risks to your own safety in the process. Calling a professional rescuer is the wisest choice if a parakeet absolutely refuses to come down from a tree.

Conclusion

A parakeet stuck in a tree may seem like an alarming situation, but there are several techniques you can try to encourage it to fly down safely. Approach calmly, offer treats, let it see its cage, gently use a net, or call for professional assistance if needed. Preventing escapes in the first place is ideal through wing clipping, closed doors/windows, and keeping the parakeet’s environment secure. With some care and patience, you can get your parakeet back home where it belongs. Just remember to stay calm and move slowly to avoid scaring the parakeet further up the tree.

Key points

• Approach the tree slowly and calmly to avoid scaring the parakeet.
• Entice the parakeet down using treats and/or its familiar cage.
• Use a soft lightweight net to gently retrieve a reluctant parakeet.
• Call a professional parrot rescue expert if needed.
• Prevent escapes by securing doors, windows, and the cage.

Retrieving a parakeet from a tree takes patience but is usually quite achievable. The key is moving slowly, gently, and calmly to earn the parakeet’s trust. With coaxing and/or professional help, you can safely get your parakeet back where it belongs – at home with you.