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Hello: I have become involved with some volunteer work and thought I would pass on some information to you to find the owner of a lost bird, or that might help you to rescue a domesticated bird or parrot. I have compiled this information from other volunteers, from research on the Internet, and from other owners, so I hope it will be helpful. Sites to post or search for birds (lost and found): http://911parrotalert.com/ is an excellent site to post or search for lost birds, and if you sign up they will send you daily listings. They have a lot of very helpful volunteers there also that may contact you or assist you with information on possible matches, rehoming, foster care, or caring for a found pet. You have to join yahoo mail in order to navigate the site, but if you go on the site, and click on search database, there is a page that tells you what you have to do. It's fairly easy. Some people only list their phone numbers, but posting your e-mail address with your ad helps people contact you.
SITES TO POST AND SEARCH:
FOR NEW YORK:
There is an organization out of Long Island, the Star Foundation, that covers
lost/found birds from Montauk to Manhattan and beyond in N.Y. You may want
to contact them to report a lost/found bird: 631-696-5172.
Also place found signs/posters at the locations below and contact the following places if you've found a bird:
Google maps are a big help for addresses, phone #'s, and fax #'s. Put your address in, then click find businesses and put in veterinarians, pet shops, etc...Fax blasting is a great way to get the info there fast! SIGNS, FLIERS, OR POSTERS:should include: a good description of the bird, (a picture is helpful),the date found, and a good contact number. It is suggested that you do not list any legband numbers/letters on the signs, fliers, or posters, as owners will attempt to provide that information when someone claims a found bird, but if banded, you can indicate that they are banded (but do not indicate which leg). Finders should keep in mind that many owners, although their birds are banded, are not always able to provide complete band information, either because the bird will not allow an examination of the legband, or they neglected to write down this information when they initially got their bird. Also, sometimes after a bird has been lost and then found, due to the trauma of this situation, they may take a while to talk, sing, whistle, or immitate something they had learned, which helps the owner to identify their bird. Birds can travel distances, can be found and then escape again from their finder, and sometimes legbands have been removed during this time, so when you are contacted, try to obtain as much addtional information as possible to help the owner identify their bird, such as what it mimics, or does, and to be sure that you are returning the bird to its actual owner. Lastly, be patient, as it can take a while to find a bird's owner. Keep in mind that most owners are distraught over losing their pet, so although you may become attached to the found bird, you should continue to advertise as much as possible to attempt to find the owner. LEGBANDS: There are 2 companies out in California that you can contact that might be able to help with tracing legbands: Red Bird Products (530-620-7440) and L & M Bird Leg Bands (909-882-4649 and their fax is: 909-882-5231). Another site to contact for legband information is: SPBE Band Information, and the co ntact person is Jill Zachow. Another site that might be helpful to track band numbers is: LegBandNumbers@yahoogroups.com. I was also advised that the state of New Jersey exotic department keeps records, and if you call them you can provide a band number to see if the bird might have been registered in N.J. Their number is: 908-735-5450. CARING FOR THE FOUND BIRD:Make sure it has fresh water, and the proper food daily. Check with experienced people as to what type of food is appropriate for your found bird, such as pellets, a good seed mix, fruits and vegetables, cooked grains, hard boiled eggs, etc. Try to obtain information from experienced owners as to how to care for the type of bird you have found. Also remember that most likely this bird is truly missing his owner, and may be quite upset! In the meantime, if possible, try to place the found bird in the proper size cage, with the proper spacing between the bars. I've heard that sometimes the larger pet stores will assist you with a temporary cage, or some stores may agree to purchase the cage back once the bird is reunited with its owner. People often sell used cages on Craigslist, but make sure you clean them with mild soap and water, or check a petstore or Internet site for what is recommended to use to clean a birdcage. A mixture of white vinegar and water can be used, and then rinse with water again and dry thoroughly. |