Q&A for How to Catch a Bird

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  • Question
    How do you catch a bird in the house?
    Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    You catch a bird in the house using a net or using a blanket/towel. The smaller the bird the lighter weight the towel or blanket should be so you don't injure it.
  • Question
    How do you pick up a bird?
    Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    It depends on the bird's size. For small birds "tucking" its head between two fingers and cradling its body in your palm works well. For larger birds it's best to use a towel and gloves to wrap the bird in the towel to secure its wings. If the bird is tame, you can always have it "step up" onto your gloved hand.
  • Question
    How do you pick up a bird?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    If the bird is wild and liable to panic, be sure to hold their wings against their body with one hand placed over the bird's back. Then scoop the bird up with the other hand, supporting them under the chest. Watch out for being bitten if the bird is a parrot or bird of prey.
  • Question
    Can you have a wild bird as a pet?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    No, in many states, this is illegal and for good reason. Wild birds are easily stressed and won't cope well with captivity.
  • Question
    What do I feed a wild blue jay I caught?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Blue jays are omnivores, and eat a wide variety of foods, of which acorns are their favorite. Other foods include shelled peanuts, sunflower seeds, suet, elderberries, and cherries. However, do not keep a wild bird as a pet, and if it is debilitated, contacting a wildlife rehabilitator will give the bird the best chance of survival.
  • Question
    Where can I buy a safety net to catch my pet bird, like they use in a pet store?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    These are widely available from pet stores and specialist bird sites. If you regularly have problems catching the bird, be aware catching it in a net can be stressful for the bird (although less so than other methods). Concentrate on training the bird to return to its cage or perch on a finger.
  • Question
    How do you catch a bird in the house?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    A large net, such as a butterfly net, is invaluable. Alternatively, wait for the bird to settle on a flat surface and then swiftly toss a large towel or sheet over them. Then you can grasp the bird through the sheet and take them outside for release.
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