Parrots are highly intelligent and social birds that can make wonderful pets. However, their intelligence also means they can be challenging to catch if they escape or need to be relocated. Choosing the right strategy and technique for catching a parrot humanely and safely is key. There are a few quick tips to keep in mind when trying to catch an escaped parrot.
Be patient
The most important thing is to not make any sudden movements or chase after the parrot. This will likely scare them and cause them to fly away. Move slowly and talk softly to the parrot to help reassure them. You may need to spend some time letting the parrot get comfortable with your presence before making a capture attempt.
Use their intelligence
Parrots are very smart, so you can use this to your advantage. If they have a favorite treat or toy, use this to try and coax them to you. Setup their cage in the area with food and water to tempt them to return.
Use a lightweight net
Nets can be very useful for catching escaped parrots, but it must be done carefully. Use nets that are designed specifically for birds made of a lightweight, flexible fabric. Avoid any heavy, rigid nets that could harm the parrot. Slowly and gently approach from behind if possible and cover the parrot with the net.
Night capture
Parrots’ vision is not as good at night. You may have better luck attempting a capture at night when they are roosting and less likely to quickly fly away. Use a spotlight to locate them at night.
How to Choose the Right Location
When attempting to catch an escaped parrot, strategic location selection is very important for your success. Here are some key factors to help choose the right spot:
High up vs. low down
Parrots will often fly up high to roof tops, trees, and power lines when escaped. Use binoculars to locate them and then attempt to encourage them down to a lower spot. Being up high makes capturing them much more difficult.
Confined spaces
Encourage the parrot to an enclosed space like a room in a house, porch, or fenced yard. This limits their ability to fly too far away once approached.
Near their home
Parrots want to return to their flock and home territory. Trying to catch them closer to their normal habitat or cage has a better chance since they will be more likely to cooperate.
Far from cars/passersby
Minimize distractions from cars, people, and other animals that could scare the parrot away while you are trying to catch them.
Setting the Right Parrot Catching Traps
In addition to nets, using trapping devices is a common technique for catching escaped parrots. Here are some useful tips for effective parrot trapping:
Cage traps
Use the parrot’s own cage when possible. Leave the cage door open and their favorite treats inside to lure them back in. Close the door behind them once they enter. Covering the cage can help them feel more secure.
Drop traps
A light net or fabric is suspended above a perch and then dropped over their body when they land on it. Avoid heavy fabrics that could harm them.
Pivot traps
These have a perch that flips the parrot upside down into a holding container when landed on. They trap the parrot gently without injury.
Mist nets
Rows of fine, nearly invisible mesh are strung between trees or poles. Parrots fly into the nets and become lightly tangled. Proper setup is crucial to avoiding injury.
Loop traps
A loop of string, wire, or fishing line is positioned where parrots are likely to land. Their feet get caught in the loop when landing, leaving them trapped until removed.
Bait and Lures That Work
To maximize your odds of trapping escaped parrots, use enticing bait and lure them to the ideal spot. Here are the top baits to try:
| Bait | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Their favorite treats | Parrots can’t resist treats they love like nuts, fruit, seeds |
| Mirrors | Parrots are very social and drawn to other parrots, even their own reflection! |
| Shiny objects | Their high intelligence leads them to investigate new and interesting objects |
| Own mate or flockmates | Calling flockmates with noises helps get their attention and draw them in |
| Nesting sites | Offering an appealing nest box can get them to enter for trapping |
Safety Tips for Humane Catching
While effecively trapping parrots takes some care and creativity, their well-being must always be the top priority. Use these tips to ensure safe, humane catching:
Avoid chasing
Chasing the parrot can stress them out, causing injury or health decline. Have patience and let them relax first.
Watch for signs of injury
Look for any sign of cuts, broken bones or exhaustion. Capture attempts should cease so they can be given proper medical treatment.
Use thick gloves
Parrots will bite when frightened. Leather gloves that cover the forearms prevent bites and protect the wings when grabbing them.
Transport properly
Use small, secure carriers approved for parrot transport. Avoid bright, noisy areas that could further stress them.
Don’t catch at night
Though night catching may work best, you still need to wait until daylight to safely examine them for any injury from the capture.
Types of Parrots and Their Capture Challenges
There are numerous different parrot species, each presenting their own unique challenges for capture. Here is an overview of popular parrot types and what to expect when trying to catch them:
| Parrot Species | Capture Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Budgerigars | Easy | Smaller size makes them easier to trap; flock together |
| Cocktiels | Intermediate | Middle size with middling intelligence |
| Conures | Intermediate | Middle size but very loud calls when fleeing |
| Macaws | Hard | Large with very strong beaks and flight |
| Amazons | Hard | Highly intelligent; louder vocalizations |
| Cockatoos | Very hard | Large, extremely smart, and more aggressive |
| African greys | Very hard | Highly intelligent; more cunning |
Key takeaways
- Larger, more intelligent parrots are much trickier to trap
- Noisy vocalizations can alert them and scare them off
- Stronger beaks can destroy traps and nets
- Their intelligence requires more strategic trap setup
Top Mistakes to Avoid When Catching Parrots
It’s easy to make mistakes when trying to capture an escaped parrot. Be aware of these common errors:
Using the wrong net or trap
A net that’s too small or trap with openings they can escape from will obviously fail. Know the correct equipment size.
Forgetting bait
Without irresistible bait like treats or toys, the parrot has no reason to approach your trap. Always bring their favorites.
Choosing a poor location
It needs to be somewhere they naturally want to go, near their home, away from noise and commotion.
Moving too suddenly or aggressively
This will spook them and cause them to flee. Always move slowly and gently.
Trying to catch at night
Though it may be easier to sneak up at night, you won’t be able to properly inspect them for injury until morning.
Using bright, loud tracking devices
Although handy for tracking, bright flashes or loud beeps will scare them off. Opt for silent tracking if available.
Getting Proper Assistance for Hard-to-Catch Parrots
For parrots that evade capture over long periods or pose greater challenges like large macaws, professional assistance is advisable:
Enlist expert parrot trappers
Those who specialize in catching difficult parrots have the right skills, tools and experience to help bring your parrot home safely.
Notify local animal control
Let them know an exotic bird is on the loose so they can assist with recovery if spotted by the public.
Contact wildlife rehabilitators
They may be able to loan equipment or provide tips on locations your parrot may go.
Post on community message boards
Spreading the word increases sighting reports and having more eyes looking improves your chances.
Hire a drone operator
Hard-to-see locations are easily searchable by a skilled drone pilot with a high resolution camera.
Use a parrot-savvy pet detective
Their specialized expertise in finding missing companion birds makes them well worth the cost.
What To Do Once the Parrot is Caught
You’ve finally managed to safely catch your escaped parrot. Now what? Follow these tips once you have them securely in hand:
Inspect for injury
Look for any cuts, broken or missing feathers, limping or other signs of harm that requires medical treatment.
Provide food and hydration
Offer their normal food and clean water to get their energy and nutrition back up.
Allow rest
Let them relax in a quiet, dark space for at least a few hours after the stress of capture and handling.
Call their veterinarian
Schedule a wellness exam soon after to ensure they are healthy and address any concerns.
Review cage security
Determine how they escaped and make improvements so it doesn’t happen again. Double check for holes or broken parts.
Give reward and affection
Positive reinforcement helps re-establish the bond after the difficulties. Favorite treats and head scratches reassure them.
Conclusion
Catching escaped parrots takes patience, preparation and care. By understanding their behaviors, using enticing bait, setting proper traps and nets, and avoiding common mistakes, they can be safely recovered. Ensuring their well-being remains the priority throughout the process. If a normally tame parrot becomes difficult to catch, don’t hesitate to recruit experienced professionals. With the right approach, your feathered friend will soon be happily back at home.
