Pets Corner

Escaped Birds

Pets Corner with Leonie St Clair | www.londondogstraining.co.uk

Every year lots of pets go missing leaving owners distressed. Pet birds are no exception and there seem to have been quite a few cases of late. Here is a checklist of actions for exotic birds on the loose.

Owners

• The moment you realise your bird has flown off, check every tree you can. Birds do not tend to go far in the first few days, so a thorough exploration of the locale is a must. Get your neighbours involved too. • Put up laminated flyers with your name and telephone number. Give a description of the bird and a photograph but omit the pet’s name. • If anyone spots the bird, they should call you, you are the best person to try to tempt your pet back. • Go to the area and call your bird by name. Stand or sit where your bird can see you and try to ensure it has enough space to fly towards you at a shallow angle; sit or stand further from the tree, not right under it. • Keep still, birds hate to fly towards moving objects. Keep calling your bird by name. If he is whistle trained, use that or use a favourite toy to try to entice him. • Ensure you are armed with your pet’s favourite treats. • Your bird may be trapped at height. Many pet birds are not that experienced at flight. Instinct prompts them to fly up and get as high as possible. Flying down is something they have not practised and many are scared to try- a bit like a cat trapped up a tree. Even a clipped bird can climb high, without being able to fly. Try to be patient and wait. You may need a long ladder to go up and collect your pet. Talk to your bird to keep him calm. • If possible, put your bird’s cage with his favourite treats and toys down on the ground, where he can see it, and leave the door open. Many birds are more likely to feed at dawn and dusk and your pet may be more willing to approach a familiar cage at feeding time. • If you cannot get to a sighting location fast, tell the person who has spotted your bird to speak to your pet by name and to try to coax the bird

Photo by Chris Briggs on Unsplash

to them with treats. Many pet birds will go to any friendly human once they are hungry enough.

When your bird is missing for longer periods

• Get the word out to veterinary practices, rescue centres, and as many online resources as you can. • Resources like dog lost will allow you to post about other missing pets. Members of the public generally recognise that an exotic species should not be loose. • Keep updating the sites for weeks and months, don’t give up. Birds can be found months later by members of the public. • Any member of the public that sights a possible escapee should contact their vet and online sites, to see if there is information on a missing pet that matches the bird sighted.

Preventing Escape

• Microchip your bird. • Ensure his wings are clipped to reduce flight. • Look for new growth at the tips of the flight feathers. Even a bit can give the bird enough lift to escape. • If you cannot get your bird’s feathers trimmed, do not take him outside until you can. • Always shut doors and windows if your bird is out of his cage

Alleyn’s School

- V

Alleyn’s off ers co-educational excellence in a caring community for children aged 11-18. Our 2020 open events will take place in September, October and November.

Please join us to learn about life at Alleyn’s, the application process, and how we can help with fees through scholarships and means-tested bursaries. Everyone is welcome - visit our website for dates and details.

www.alleyns.org.uk | 020 8557 1500 Townley Road, Dulwich SE22 8SU

CwS | Smart Business Networking meets on the last Wednesday of every month.

During lockdown, we are holding our meetings virtually using Zoom.

Find out how to register for FREE at: www.cookingwithscissors.com | e-mail: sbn@ cookingwithscissors.com Next Meeting: Wednesday 30 September - 8.15pm prompt

Take a look at our fab website which covers the areas in and Around Dulwich including Forest Hill and Honor Oak Park. Up to date events, more stories and news.

www.arounddulwich.co.uk | Follow us @AroundDulwich

Wednesday 30 September: Cooking with Scissors – Via Zoom

9am-6pm. Join a team of ten to take on the objective of creating a short film in an upbeat, safe, and nurturing setting. Geared for people aged 17-23 - all experience levels welcome!

£85 early bird & then £100. https://www.bellhouse.co.uk/allevents

An opportunity for local business professionals to meet, make new contacts and gain new business. To find out more or register your interest in attending, please email:

sbn@cookingwithscissors.co.uk.

Foxglove Forest School for under 5s

Sat. 26 & Sun. 27 September: Make a Film in a Weekend

10-11 Grow Mayow Community Garden Mayow Park, Mayow road, London SE26 4JA. Wednesday,

Thursdays & Friday mornings.

www.foxgloveforestschool.co.uk

To get your listing here contact: angela@semagazines.co.uk

Alleyn’s School

- V

Co-educational excellence in a caring community. Help with school fees is available.

We may be able to help with school fees through our range of scholarship awards and means-tested bursaries, available at 11+ and 16+, including the WJ Smith Award for exceptional musical promise. Around 10% of Alleyn’s Senior School pupils receive means-tested  nancial assistance. Much of that help sees families pay no fees at all. Join us at an open event in September, October or November to learn more. Everyone is welcome. www.alleyns.org.uk | 020 8557 1500 | Townley Road, Dulwich SE22 8SU