How to Recover a Lost Quaker Parrot
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by Mattie Sue Athan Every year, we hear from a number of people with Quaker Parrots that have flown away. Mattie Sue Athan has assisted with many escaped parrot recoveries and is considered an expert on this topic. Here she offers step-by-step advice for the owner of a lost parrot. We have seen many recoveries of lost birds when owners follow this advice. |
Question: My Quaker Parrot flew away. What are a handfed Quaker's chances of survival? And what can I do to get it back?
Answer:
Accidental escape is one of the most common tragedies to befall the companion Quaker parrot. In the past this represented a danger to the environment because wild-caught Quakers could survive easily in the wild. However, an escaped handfed Quaker's chances of survival are not especially good, especially in areas where there is raptor activity. Fortunately, handfed Quakers know where "their bread is buttered". In my 20+ years of experience recapturing Quakers in urban settings, I see that handfed Quakers usually find accommodating humans and "adopt" them, usually within the first 24 hours of escape. For this reason, I expect a handfed Quaker recapture to primarily be a public relations project. If you don't know where the bird is, you must advertise to find it.
Typically, the bird is returned by humans who have been caring for it as soon as they see the advertising. Call the local newspapers, the humane societies, animal control, local bird dealers, avian veterinarians, groomers, and recapture services. Be sure to report your lost "property" to the police. If the bird is found and the people holding the bird won't relinquish it, the police may intervene. You must be able to prove ownership, possibly with a recorded band number, registered DNA configuration, micro-chipping or by identifying physical or behavioral anomalies in the bird.
Place ads in the local newspapers, on church and grocery store bulletin boards. Make a flyer with a photo or a reasonable likeness of a Quaker. Prepare an 8-1/2 x 11 inch white original so that it can be easily copied on to brightly colored paper. The flyer should also contain a contact phone number, if possible, and alternative contact phone number, such as a pager, and the street corner or local landmark nearest to where the bird flew away. The flyer should mention small rewards available for information leading to the location of the bird and a more sizable reward for the return of the bird. It's a good idea to minimize the value of the bird, possibly, in the case of the Quaker Parrot, mentioning that the bird is noisy or of less-than-perfect disposition. Identifying characteristics may be mentioned, such as missing toe or banding on a particular leg.
Talk to everyone you see, and make lots of flyers to just hand to people. Use a different color each time the flyer is reprinted. If the recapture process lasts a while, the signs may have to be occasionally reposted after bad weather, and a new color will help people to understand that the search is still "fresh", and they should call if they see the bird. Don't forget to take your flyers down immediately upon recovering the bird. It's only polite, and in some places you may be fined if you do not take them down.
During late summer or early fall, there may be sufficient ripe fruits to sustain the bird wild for a while. In the case of a true "recapture" wherein we know where the bird is, a handfed bird will usually come willingly to the beloved owner. Expect a really good flyer to fly down. Expect a poor flyer to climb down. It's easier to lure a Quaker parrot with jealousy (have the favorite person stand hugging the most hated person) than with food.
Don't give up. Keep looking. A bird doesn't usually just disappear. Somebody has it or somebody has seen it, or they will see it soon.
A friend told me that he lost a pair of Quakers in northern Colorado on the 4th of July in about 1985. Exactly one year later, also on July 4th, he was contacted by a neighbor who reported that he had captured the birds in his hen house. There had been no reported sightings of the birds in this rural setting for that entire year.
Wild-caught or poorly socialized Quakers might have to be trapped. Trapping instructions for Quaker Parrots may be found on page 81-82 of Guide to the Quaker Parrot.
Mattie Sue Athan has been a companion parrot behavior consultant since 1978. During that time she has averaged two to three new Quaker clients per week. Her first book, Guide to a Well-Behaved Parrot, is an industry standard. Her second book, Guide to the Quaker Parrot, sold out the first printing in 5 months. She also wrote Guide to the Senegal Parrot and Its Family and Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior.
Email: msathan@aol.com
65 Comments on How to Recover a Lost Quaker Parrot »
October 7, 2007
jeannette @ 12:43 pm:
We lost our quarker parrot on 10/5 in broadview hts ohio. we are heart broken any more suggestions. jeannette
January 28, 2008
Debbie C. @ 9:10 pm:
I lost my little boy "Beeker" on 1/23/08 in Saint Petersburg,Fl. and have posted flyers at the post office as well as the restaurant and club down the street. In addition, I have gone to local vets and pet food stores, who have all been willing to let me post flyers there. I,m on disability so $ for rewards and add's is tight.
Any other ideas?
July 26, 2008
stephanis @ 10:29 am:
OH MY! MY QUAKER CAME BACK TO ME AFTER 3 DAYS. I SPENT HRS LOOKING FOR HIM AND TALKING TO HIM WHERE I COULD SEE HIM IN THE TREES. ON THE 3RD DAY HE WAS CLOSER TO WHERE I COULD SEE HIM SO I TALKED TO HIM AND HE FLEW RIGHT TO ME! I AM SOOOOO HAPPY I NEVER GAVE UP.
August 22, 2008
lori @ 6:21 pm:
I found a quaker parrot on Monday, now it is Fri, 8/22. I have placed ads, in the paper, all over the internet, no one is replying.
People are talling me someone probably turned it loose because it has picked all the feathers off of its chest. He is a nice bird, and I cant' believe someone would do that, but if anyone knows of a lost quaker parrot in Ohio, or Eastern IN, please contact me.
I think his family is probably heartbroken.
Lori
September 5, 2008
Jane @ 7:03 am:
Found a quaker in Ohio, can you tell me if it had a band and what was one the band? Could be your bird.
Jane
Pam @ 2:58 pm:
I lost my Quaker Petrie in Loveland, Co on 09-04-08
Flyers are going out to stores ect, adds will be placed in the paper today
I'm really HEART BROKEN I LOVE HIM AND MISS HIM he love peas and sunflowers seeds any other idea pam
September 21, 2008
jeff @ 8:44 pm:
My bird, billy, just flew away about 45 minutes ago 9-21-08 and im devistated. He is my very good buddy, and im praying he will find his way home. I dont have much hope, but i will not give up looking for him. please say a prayer for billy. Lincoln park, Mi. I would pay alot to anyone who could get him back to me.
jeff @ 8:56 pm:
you are soooo lucky. I can only hope i have your same good fortune. My bird flew away this evening. I will not give up but I dont think I will ever see him again.
September 22, 2008
Mary Massey @ 7:47 pm:
Artex is my bird and flew away on 9/19/08. I was sick and on Sat. 9/20/08 I put flyers up everywhere in the area. I rec'd a call this morning and had Artex returned to me within the hour. Let as many people know about your missing bird right away, and have his wings clipped once he is returned.
September 27, 2008
jeff @ 12:17 pm:
Miracles Really do happen! My friend Billy was returned to me after 5 long days. I followed all the tips on this site to increase the chances of recovery. One of the many flyers I posted is what did the trick. I didnt have much hope, but didnt give up. DONT GIVE UP!
September 28, 2008
Bonnie @ 12:17 am:
Did anyone in the Bradenton area ever find our quaker, Rufus?
He speaks a lot of English. A lot…..
He ran away to get married after nine years of humam love and bonding. He responded to the wild flock that flew over our home twice a day, and he fell in love, and found a way to get out to join that flock.
He brought his bride for me to see, the 2nd day he was missing, and stayed just out of reach, up on a wire, and called to me, "Rufus. Rufus. Rufus. I love you sooooo much!SO MUCH! So so much….
But if you have found him, he loves to "Take a bath, Take a bath", understands when you are cleaning house by saying "We clean, we clean. Appreciates his cage being cleaned by saying, "nice, nice clean Rufus home, Rufus likes Rufus likes good clean home nice, nice"
He understood water to drink was the same as his bath water and rain. He used the words "Nice" and "Good" interchangably, and loved to help you cook and slice veggies, and eat them. He would say " Rufus likes, likes, oh yum, um yum, Rufus likes, good"
We realize, that if you have found him, you will not want to return him to us, however, we would love to share your joy and would never ask for more than that.
Joel @ 9:40 am:
My parrot Mingo flew away on 9/18/08 and has not been recovered yet. we posted up flyers around the area and will continue to repost them, if anyone found a quaker parrot in michigan around kentwood, it would mean alot if you returned him to us. please pray for Mingo.
November 1, 2008
Bridget @ 7:43 am:
Our beloved Calvin flew out the door last night when our boys came home from trick or treating. He has never been outside before and seemed confused. I am waiting for daylight to resume the search. Is it possible for him to have survived temps around 49 degrees last night, we are in Indianapolis, IN. and it will be getting very cold soon so I am fretting about his safety. What are the chances that he stayed near our yard since it was dark and he couldn't see? I am sick over this and couldn't sleep at all last night, therefore I had to forgo my marathon that was this morning…due to start in 20 minutes. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Melissa @ 6:04 pm:
Did you ever find your quaker? My husband brought one home that showed up at his work in Gahanna Ohio in October 2007. He is green, says good boy and whistles. He makes lots of noise. We say he sounds like a crow. He won't let us handle him and seems protective of his cage. Once while he was out of his cage, he pulled my husband's whiskers and then laughed evily. He will not step up and does not like us trying to touch him. If this sounds like it could be your bird, e-mail me pics and I will compare.
November 22, 2008
jodi @ 10:17 pm:
margate, fl - I lost my quaker. heartbroken. very tame and lovable. large vocabulary. any help would be very musch appreciated. "sweetie" got out on friday 11.21.2008.
November 24, 2008
Fred Essa @ 6:30 pm:
We live in St. Pete. We found and then lost a Quaker about a month ago. Perhaps this was your Quaker. If you would like you can reply and we can compare notes about the bird. This won't get the bird back but it will let you know if the bird is still thriving. We live in the vicinity of 49th St and 26th Ave N.
December 21, 2008
jodi @ 1:41 am:
margate, fl - I am very happy to say that I have my "Sweetie" back home. She ended up with some really great people who contacted me and actually returned her to my home. THANKS KEITH AND MARCIA!!!!!!!
January 15, 2009
Hope @ 9:59 pm:
Shanti, my quaker parrot, flew away a few hours ago when her cage was being cleaned. I live in Houston, TX, and it's supposed to go down into the 30s tonight! I'm totally heartbroken, and so worried! Does ANYONE know if a quaker parrot can survive in close-to-freezing weather? I walked around looking and calling her name until it got dark. She's flown twice before, and both times flew down to my hand within a couple of hours. She's been handfed since birth, knows her name. Is there any reason to look at night?
Thanks,
Hope
January 19, 2009
Jody Egan @ 6:23 pm:
My Kiwi flew right out the door one day not long ago.. and We looked for her and called out for her for hours, It was starting to get dark when all of a sudden we heard her so we ran to her cry.. You would NEVER guess where we found him…. On TOP of our house.. She flew 1 block away and back.. Remember birds fly south for the winter and most will fly back home… We are so lucky to have him back… So LOOK around the house.. Good LUCK and if he doesn't come home right away put the cage outside.. Will be praying for her safe return..
January 22, 2009
Paul @ 4:53 pm:
Hope,
I live near Chicago and thousands of Quakers live thru winter
out here. They build nests on electric power transformers. My Quaker, Max once flew out into our forest. We found him 8 hours later in the forest. My son was walking along the edge of the forest calling his name and Max called back with his loud shriek. I never thought I'd see him again but we got him back. I hope you get your bird back.
Max passed away this morning after. He was only 10. He showed no signs of sickness til today. The only thing I noticed was the last few days his feces was watery and he did not drink any water yesterday.
Good Luck, Paul
January 30, 2009
Norman @ 11:54 am:
My bird flew away by accident on Wednesday, January 28, 2009 around 7 pm in Miami, Fl. It was really difficult to see where she flew away to because it was already dark outside. It's been 2 days now and I'm still searching but I have no clue where she might be! I really miss her and am worried for her because she's been hand-fed all her life. I'm going to make flyers and post them up but is there anything more I can do? I placed her cage infront of my house incase she recognizes it with food too. I'm starting to believe she flew far away from my neighborhood. She's a really nervous bird and can get fisty. If anyone knows anything please contact me.
February 26, 2009
Joel @ 4:41 pm:
My quaker parrot flew away on september 18 2008 and we still haven't gotten him back! It's winter her in michigan right noe. is there any chance that he migrated for winter and will come back in the spring??
if anyone's seen him please oh please reply! he is missing some nails in his feet.He also loves toe at bread with his feet.
Joel @ 4:45 pm:
was he missing any toe nails?
March 2, 2009
shivie @ 9:00 pm:
My quaker flew away March 1, 2009. If you see him let me know. I live in Deerfield Beach, off of Hillsboro Blvd. The bird has grey feathers on the top of his head, the body is mostly green, and the tail feathers are blue. He says thank you, f*** you (lol), hello, hey!. Please if you find him, or see him, return him. I have put the cage outside, in front of the house. I'm praying he will come home. His name is Squinky… don't ask why.
shivie @ 9:03 pm:
Can he survive ~40- 50 degree F weather and wind and rain?
March 23, 2009
Nancy Careau @ 6:40 pm:
I lost my parrot tweety today.. granbury texas. I am located on w doyle street. I can't stop crying. I am trying to call her home and even put her cage outside hoping she will get hungry.
Nancy Careau @ 6:41 pm:
my parrot tweety is a green quaker and loves to say her name over and over and over again. She also says hello mama a lot.
Nancy Careau @ 6:47 pm:
I should also mention that tweety likes to bakr too. She mimiks our chiweenie lucy. If anyone here in this posting spot lives in my area and finds my tweety please email me. I am praying for a miracle. I am getting ready to post lost posters all over the city now.
Nancy Careau @ 6:49 pm:
bakr…was supposed to be bark.. Lucy my chiweenie dog and tweety are pretty good pals. and I also have a white dove that will miss tweety too. they like to communicate with each-other in the mornings :(
March 29, 2009
Linda Moore @ 9:06 pm:
I lost my quaker parrot "Simon" on February 14, 2009. I am still looking for him because I can not give up. I believe he is still alive and out there somewhere. We love him and miss him very much. If anyone has seen or heard of someone finding a quaker, please call Linda or Ken at 314-6440992 or 314-2292903. Thank you.
March 30, 2009
Nancy Careau @ 10:22 am:
yey! our baby is home after 4 days. I was very persistent and kept searching. It trained outside and she seeked shelter. I went from door to door, person to person and finally stumped into a man who heard her sqwaking and he opened his door and she flew in.
March 31, 2009
Linda F @ 1:47 pm:
I have read everyones story. I'm Glad alot have gotton their birds back. I put up flyers just in my front yard and on a website called freecycle. I'm devested that i lost my joey. He's been gone for a couple of months now, but i have a feeling he hasnt gone too far even though it's been this long. I spent days looking up in trees for him. What ya'll dont understand though, my neighborhood isnt a place where u just go up and knock on someones door. NOT SAFE… I did also put flyers in the convienent stores around and the only laundry mat around. I'm thinking of putting flyers out again, who knows, maybe some of the people aroun there in their sober short period of time saw him. Who knows? It's worth a try. I guess. I judt dont feel comfortable talking to people out side of my neighbors that live on the sides of me and across the street, besides thst FORGET IT. I'm a 5' female, 108 pds and i wouldnt be able to defend myself if a situation arouses. Wish me luck.
April 8, 2009
Jessi G @ 9:25 am:
I lost my Quaker Parrot last night in St. Helens Oregon. She is only about 7 months old. Her name is Bella and she is GREATLY LOVED. My 13 year old daughter accidently left the side door open and I think she "hopped" out. My daughter is devistated! Her wings are clipped, but need to be re clipped as she can fly up about a 12"-18". I have searched everywhere in the house…when the sun comes up I will begin my search outside.
April 9, 2009
Jessi G @ 1:35 am:
We found her :) YAY!!!
(SHE WAS HIDING IN THE WINE RACK)
April 15, 2009
avril doyle @ 5:24 pm:
dont give up. my 14 week old parrot captain flew away,i saw him landing in trees accross the road from my house so i ran over to him but he wouldnt budge.i met a woman who told me to come over at daybreak 5am and take food and his toys. it took me 4hrs but he came down to me gradually.also check places where theres water.good luck.
avril doyle @ 5:36 pm:
im from the highlands of scotland and it gets very cold here at night but my parrot survived it so i think they are quite hardy,so dont worry too much.
May 1, 2009
nancy careau @ 7:34 pm:
Linda F,
Good luck to you and yes keep updating flyers because even a drifter going through your parts may find your parrot. My prayers are with you. I know the feeling of watching trees and also know what it is like to not trust people too. I have lived in some very high crime/drug areas…grew up in one. I am also not very big either so I dont blame you. good luck Linda
May 13, 2009
asmita bhavsar @ 2:36 pm:
We have lost our 'krishna'. she is a Indian parrot full green color and red beak and has red ring on left leg, hand fed bird and she whistle very nice tunes which we taught her, gets angry if her things are touched , when annoyed screams a lot and talks very softly but not clear. she is still not grown up.she flew away accidently on 26th of april 2009, we looked for her and called her but she was enjoying flying and flewaway. we live in houston in seabrook area . please let us know if you see our krishna.
she hold her food with her left foot and very lazy to go to food we have to give her in her hand.
May 15, 2009
Carla @ 7:41 pm:
Wondering if you have recovered "Squinky" yet? We have found a Quaker and would like to reunite him/her with his rightful owner. We're in Coral Springs.
May 19, 2009
asmita bhavsar @ 2:41 pm:
carla, is this parrot the one that has been described above by asmita?
May 26, 2009
Mari @ 11:05 am:
I lost my quaker parrot "Nena" on may 26-09 in South Irving, TX. She still hand feeding, her wings are clipped, Please if you find her call me 214 263-1646 I really love her I'm still crying and I hope to have her back soon. Thank you!
June 15, 2009
Deanne @ 2:42 pm:
Found a quaker parrot in League City Texas June 14. He flew onto my husbands shoulder in our backyard, very friendly says hello.
June 27, 2009
Brooke @ 11:07 pm:
lost my beloved quaker two days ago. In schenectady N.Y.Has anyone seen her???
June 29, 2009
carla @ 6:31 pm:
I lost my 3 month old quaker in miami springs, florida. His name is peter and does not east by himself yet. I am completely devastated. I have searched all day long and hope that someone has found him.
July 8, 2009
isabelle @ 3:01 pm:
july 8,09
i lost my quaker parrot right after 4 of july in wisconsin.
his name is jack and he is 5 years old.
July 9, 2009
Ola @ 10:13 am:
There is a listing for a found Quaker Parrot on craigslist dot com in South Florida under the lost and found section. I hope it helps someone that has lost their little friend. He is currently in the Davie/Cooper City area.
July 16, 2009
Lori @ 7:56 am:
Coby my Quaker Parrot flew away yesterday morning around 10AM. He is green and grey. He was last seen around North 3rd and Lind Street and Riverview Park in QUINCY, IL.
July 19, 2009
Alex @ 3:30 pm:
I lost my quaker parrot almost two weeks ago. I live in Miami Fl and after many days looking for Coty and calling her name, I heard her shriek two days ago at a neighboring building. The person who had caught her lied, and said that she had the bird for a long time and had paid over $600 for her. She was lying and didn't care about returning coty to me, so I offered a hundred dollars and she gave her to me. The bird and I are both really happy to be reunited again. Don't loose your hope and most likely someone already caught your bird, just find out who that is. Good Luck!!!
July 22, 2009
Heidi Lee @ 11:10 am:
GILBERT, ARIZONA
$500 Cash reward for the safe return of our beloved Green Quaker - PAULIE.
Have done the flyers, cages, signs everywhere…etc…spend 7 hours a day in the heat, morning and night looking- PLEASE help!
July 31, 2009
casa @ 1:56 pm:
good luck finding PAULIE!!!!I will pray for u
casa @ 1:59 pm:
i mean that's cool for Alex
August 2, 2009
Elizabeth @ 12:11 am:
my quaker parrot cuca flew away the other day at about 3 pm yesterday and I searched for her shes flown away before and usually she comes back and when I look for her I call her name and she responds, but I have not heard her respond at all. we will be posting up flyers soon but Im afraid that a cat mightve got to her or something I live in nyc soo theres alot that couldve happened to her. is there any thing else I can do?
August 4, 2009
Elizabeth @ 12:58 pm:
I'm so happy thank goodness cuca came back today
I found her ontop of a roof poor thing she is so skinny and her wings got longer and so did her tail. looks like somebody found her and tried to keep her but let her go for some reason
August 5, 2009
diya @ 4:58 am:
I lost my quaker parrot last evening.The problem is im from India and there are plenty of crows,pigeons and kites(predator birds).The people here are not that bird friendly and might shoo him away if he approaches them.I am very tensed .The ads in the newspaper will come only tomorrow.I have put flyers around.I love my baby he is a sweet-heart.I dont know what to do.Also my cockatiel is very attatched to him.:(
purnima @ 6:29 am:
i lost my quaker parrot last evening.. and have been frantically searching for him all over the neibhourhood..i put up flyers,informed the building security gaurds..im really heartbroken.nyother ideas?
August 16, 2009
stephanie @ 11:34 pm:
I lost my blue quaker "Englebird" on friday night in Boise Idaho, I have posted to Craig's list, told the parrot store lady, and am making fliers tomorrow. I have also posted to several other lost/found sites. I saw hawks in the area shortly afterwards, so I am scared they got her. I miss my little birdy that was just getting good at talking. Any sightings please email me at moreismore69@msn.com or call 208-867-8333
thank you and good luck to all of you parrot parents
August 26, 2009
Denise Landrum @ 6:27 pm:
I am fostering a Quaker Parrot that was found on the Southfield Freeway in Dearborn, MI near the end of July 2009.Please contact me with any behaviors you can describe,if banded/unbanded,if talks/or not.Pics would be most helpful. have reason to believe this Bird was gone for a while,maybe many months.Thanx! Denise Landrum denise_landrum@yahoo.com 911ParrotAlert Volunteer
September 1, 2009
Maria @ 7:36 pm:
I was befriended by what I think maybe a quaker parrot yesterday evening by my pecan tree. I live in zip code 77023. I want to post flyers to try and reunite the creature with its owner. Anyone have any ideas as to what radius a quaker will travel? How far away should i post flyers? Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your time and efforts.
I will check back and for any postings. ;)
September 29, 2009
Monica @ 1:50 pm:
I lost my quaker parrot, Smokey, this morning 9/29/09. He flew out the window, I live in Brooklyn so if anyone has seen him, I would love if you contact me. I am so heartbroken over this. He is handfed and I have had him for about a year. He is very intelligent and talks a lot. I will put up some flyers and I hope and pray that I find him.
October 11, 2009
maria @ 10:52 am:
is your email with an underscore or all together?
denise_landrum@yahoo.com or
deniselandrum@yahoo.com
October 12, 2009
Diana @ 8:58 pm:
i lost my quacker parrot Yoshi on Saturday noon. He flew out my window. hes about 4 months old and very friendly. love to fly on people's head. poor thing must be scared. please help/ Opa-locka Fl, US
October 22, 2009
LM @ 6:02 pm:
Don't know if you found your bird or not but there was a green quaker with blue on its wing tips and reddish-orange legs in my backyard a few days ago (we have a picture of it). We fed and watered it but then it flew into one of our trees where it spent the night;unfortunately it was gone the next morning. North Scotts. area. Thought I would give you an FYI just in case.
October 31, 2009
nancy @ 9:41 pm:
I lost my pet quaker today. I have had him for over three years and am very attached to him .He flew away and became startled and I was unable to find him.He is a good talker frequently saying pretty bird,good boy kermit,good morning and many other phrases. I also have a cockateal and they chatter all day. His wings are not clipped and so I dont know how far away he flew.I live in Carteret County in eastern NC.Please call me if you find my Kermit 252-728-5944 or 252-725-2920. Thanks so so much.
November 3, 2009
Quintina Chukes @ 8:59 pm:
I lost my quaker on my birthday Nov. 3, she flew out the door….in Tallahassee Fl. on Keith St….
November 7, 2009
jocelyn @ 11:35 am:
i lost my quacker on 11/6/09 we were looking 4 hi like krazy.then he could hear his sound that he makes. we founf him on a wire he was 2 high to get him and then we flew away . =[ . we hope we find him + we wont give up