We see it every year. As the temperature increases, so too do the number of lost bird reports we see.

While accidents can and do happen despite the best efforts in taking all safety precautions, we do want to remind everyone of tips that will help keep your birds safe and sound at home:

·        Keep your birds inside at all times.

·        When your birds are outside of their cages inside the home, ensure that all windows and all outside doors remain closed.

·        If you or another member of your household need to exit the home, ensure that your birds are safely inside their locked cages before opening any doors. Please ensure that all members of your household and guests are aware and mindful of this practice.

·        Make sure your birds are banded and (if they are a larger species) microchipped so they can be identified in the event that they are found if they do manage to fly out of your home.

·        Teach your bird recall skills by setting up a brightly-coloured stand or target that they can fly to in order to receive a reward from you.

While it is not recommended, some people insist on taking their birds outside. In addition to increasing the chances that your birds may fly off, they are also at risk of encountering other dangers such as contracting avian flu from contact with wild birds and/or their droppings, hawks and other animals such as cats, overheating and inclement weather.  If you choose to take your bird outside, please keep the following in mind:

·        Ensure your bird is in a locked cage or a well-ventilated carrier.

·        If your birds are not in a cage or carrier, ensure they are wearing a secure harness.

·        Your birds should be supervised at all times while outdoors.

What to do in the event that your bird does become lost:

·        Immediately search the area around your home; including trees, bushes, poles, wires and your roof.

·        Put your bird’s cage outside in the area where they flew off. Leave the cage door open and place water and their favourite foods in and around it.

·        Call their name and use other familiar sounds or music and/or recordings of bird calls of their species to lure them back.

·        If your bird comes back, someone should be near the cage with a light towel or net to secure him/her.

·         If you taught your bird recall skills, set up their brightly-coloured stand or target outside where they flew off or near them (if they are within sight) and try to lure them back to you with a reward.

·        Alert your neighbours that your bird is lost and put up posters around your neighbourhood.

·        Contact your area animal shelters, rescues and veterinary clinics to let them know your bird is lost in case someone finds your bird and brings them in. Be sure that you give them all relevant details about your bird and your contact information.