Here are questions that can be asked to people who come forward about this bird.
Proof of Ownership: The first thing is to determine whether or not he/she is microchipped as some people microchip their birds (Parakeets/Budgies are still yet too small). Please feel free to ask those who come forward lots of questions and keep certain details about a found bird to yourself so that a true owner can have that opportunity to identify specific things about their bird that only a finder and an owner would know. Also, have them provide photos of their bird and photos of them with their bird, provide vet records or documentation proving they in fact own a bird.
You can always ask those who come forward whether or not their bird is banded. Ask them for the bird's band number (remember to always keep band numbers private and confidential, a potential owner should be able to verify and inform you as to what their bird's band number is), find out the color of their bird's band, which leg the band is on, find out whether or not it's an open or closed band. (Whether the bird you found is banded or not, these questions will help weed out those who are not the bird's true owner). Also, ask them if their bird was ever microchipped.
Vocalization: A few additional ideas would include those who come forward to provide you with details of things that their missing bird says, such as phrases, sayings, any names the bird says, types of whistles or songs or any tricks the bird does. Ask an owner what their bird's name is and see whether the bird responds to that name. You could also check to see whether the bird responds to their voice as birds tend to recognize their owners unlike strangers.
Physical Characteristics: You could find out if there are any physical traits or markings their missing bird may have such as missing toes, missing toe nails, plucking issues, missing feathers, clipped wings, crooked beak or any other type of physical trait, marking or defect. And if need be you could always use a 3rd party such as an avian vet to witness a meeting.
We hope some of these ideas help in your efforts to find the owner. Thank you so much for caring for this bird and trying to find his family.
Written by: Jamie Lee and Christine
We hope some of these ideas help in your efforts to find the owner. Thank you so much for caring for this bird and trying to find his family.
Written by: Jamie Lee and Christine
************************************************************************
The Resources for Lost and Found Parrots website including the main home page on this site and the individualized Lost, Found, Stolen and Sighting Bird Protocol links located on this website were written and created by Jamie Lee and Christine and are a part of and belong to the Resources for Lost and and Found Parrots website. The pinned post, group description and protocol comments that are currently being used by one of the largest lost and found bird facebook groups were also written by Jamie Lee and Christine.
The Search & Retrieve Protocol for Birds PDF document was written by: Carol Kessler and Ray Varella.
************************************************************************
