Having Mixed Feelings About Capturing Budgie

[Zebrafincher]

I guess the thing I'd say is that this bird is very brightly colored, and will not likely last long in the wild. It doesn't have a flock to give it some protection, so likely a hawk or eagle will get it. Freedom is a human concept, and birds needs flight and exercise, but they don't seem to have the same issues we do in this area apart from needing companionship, food, water and other caring. I guess its up to you as to what needs to be done.

[Zebrafincher]

I don;t say this to be judgemental, and I generally hate seeing animals in captivity (esp elephants or large cats at the zoo). Captive birds generally don't know any different and have been bred to be conspicuous ie with lots of bright colors etc. Their chances in the wild are pretty much NIL. My large yellow canary has been attacked by birds through the glass (they smack against it so he is safe) but he looks like a large yellow tennis ball. Not exactly camoflagued!!

[fhgwgads]

Zebrafincher I agree with your reasoning about how the bird could be a target. Whoever lives in that area would know best as to what type of dangers there are. I just feel bad for the little guy. At the same time I feel instinctually that the bird needs to be taken in and protected but at the same time the little guy is probably happy to be free. I am glad I am not the one having to decide as it certainly is a tough one. Regardless I know 30 Seconds to Bob is a kind hearted person and would take great care of the bird. I guess it's worth a try but it would seem so sad to take it in only to have to give up if it didn't work out. Poor thing should have never been faced with this as we all know the dangers of them being in the wild but he is probably having the time of his life being out where his instincts tell him he is meant to be. I really wouldn't know what to do! He really is a beautiful bird and seems happy and healthy. Bob, I wish you the best of luck and lots of clarity with your decision as I said before!

[dfcauley]

It's a very tough call. I think you will have to make the decision that you can live with since your the one thinking of capturing it. I have always felt that as long in our hearts we try to make the right decision.... then it is the right decision.

If it were me.... I would leave it be...

:

[finchlyn]

What a beautiful budgie ! I understand your tenderness and desire for winged things to fly free. What makes me sad is that he is alone. Birds, especially most of the parakeet family are very social, communicative, and touchy - feely (social preeners) type birds. They are best with others of their own kind. I bet this male would trade the freedom for one of his own kind in a nice sized cage, especially if it were a hen ;)
Maybe talk another caged budgie to the area and watch for his approach. He may make the decision very easy if he is given the choice
I have had birds escape and it appeared they enjoyed the freedom yet it didn't take long before they became frightened without the security of their flock friends. They always came back to the aviary and wanted back in. I don't think for the food and water because I had furnished those outdoor for the escapee, It was because of "family" .
Whatever you do... do not release other budgies on this island to keep him company !!! lol

[30 Seconds to Bob]

Whatever you do... do not release other budgies on this island to keep him company !!! lol

You know that I wouldn't (because it's illegal) ............ but wouldn't ya know that thought did cross my mind. Bob

[wellingtoncdm]

Whatever you do... do not release other budgies on this island to keep him company !!! lol

You know that I wouldn't (because it's illegal) ............ but wouldn't ya know that thought did cross my mind. Bob

That same thought crossed my mind and probably many others as well.

[cindy]

Bob, if you do decide to try to catch him try taking a sound byte of a parakeet to play, to draw him close. They make those little toys that look like parakeets, try putting that in a cage with millet, play the sound byte... could work!

[Nanajennie]

WOW what an tough one. I'd catch it and see if it adapts and acts happy, if not, release it... but that sounds really illegal... geesh..

It is a beautiful bird!

[dcompt]

Catching him could be just the excuse you need to build a new state of the art zoo size aviary, right? Wouldn't want an illegal bird flying free and wouldn't want a once free bird feeling cramped in a little cage!

It's a tough choice.

[30 Seconds to Bob]

For inquiring minds. This is the budgie's little island. http://maps.yahoo.com/#/place/?lat=28.2 ... ch%2C%20FL Click east 5 times, then south 6, and you'll be at my house. Bob

[Zebrafincher]

Hi Bob,

whatever you do, its a lovely place. Best wishes

Zebra fincher

[Vargur]

I once found escaped budgie and I captured it after a shot chase.
Other wise she would be dead by now, too many cats and merlins here.
And also the weather..
Now she live with me, a happy budgie!
Good luck what ever you do

[Colt]

So what was the fate of the budgie? Did he get to live free on his island or come home with you and get a girlfriend?

[30 Seconds to Bob]

I saw him there for two consecutive days. On another visit, I could hear him off in the distance, but he never came within sight. I've not seen him since, and I do visit often. Hopefully, he was either captured by a kind person or is still flying free among the many barrier islands. Bob