Birds can live for days-weeks months, and even years after an escape. Never give up.
1. Always look for a Grey BEFORE sun-up while it is still dark, and AFTER sundown. They are the most vocal then, and the most active.
2. Day 3 is when they get hungry and try to come in for food, they will go to just about any one at that time if they are tame.
3. ALWAYS have a recording of your Grey when he is playing and having the most fun. Play this recording intermittently as you look for him.
4. Throw food on rooftops. Place a small cage on the roof of your house, or anyone's where they Grey have been seen.
5. Tell people to put him in a pillowcase, and have friends carrying pillowcases while looking, or small cages. Sometimes Greys are caught by inexperienced holders and they don't know what to do with them.
6. Water hoses do work if you can spray him shortly after his escape. Hit him with as much water as you can all at once. He is heavy from not having exercise, and the water throws him off enough to ground him for a bit. Do not drench just before dark unless you are sure you can get him.
7. If possible contact organizations 50 miles away. Sometimes people find them while traveling and go home with them. Greys can also get that far just flying.
8. Give all the children in the neighborhood a buck and tell them there is more if they can locate your bird. Kids tell on people that are hiding them also. Police will not help you retrieve a bird from someone else's home. You have to plan that one very carefully if they decide they want to keep your bird. (per Mattie Sue Athan)
9. Have someone watch the bird at all times if he is spotted and you need to go for help.
10. If you try to climb the tree, it often times scares them up. A long branch may be better to coax him onto. Use your head here. Raise his cage to where he is.
11. Have friends and family miles away in other cities watch the lost and found ads.
12. If he is roosted near dark, wait until dark before trying to retrieve him. They don't fly well at night, and they don't want to fly, but make sure you don't miss. You may use a high powered flashlight to momentarily blind the bird while another person nets or grabs the bird.
13. If sighted, keep the mobs of people away, and let the owner try and coax him down. Have your helping friends in tall trees or on rooftops to watch where he goes if he takes off. You NEED spotters prepared and willing.
Jean "The African Queen" Pattison
The African Parrot Society
"A Tail of Fire" Limited edition African Grey art print.