How to Safely Catch an Escaped Budgie or Cockatiel

So you have spotted a budgie or cockatiel that clearly is not wild — maybe it is sitting on a fence looking confused, or it landed on someone's shoulder. Here is how to safely catch it.

Before You Start

• - Move slowly. Sudden movements will scare the bird away.
• - Speak softly. Use a calm, gentle voice. Many pet birds respond to human speech.
• - Turn off phones. A sudden ring tone can spook a nervous bird.

Food Luring

The most effective technique is food. Pet budgies and cockatiels are accustomed to eating from dishes, not foraging.

1. Place a dish of millet spray or seed mix on the ground or on a flat surface near the bird.
2. Sit down nearby (at least 3 metres away) and wait quietly.