RSPCA urging owners to use parrot passports
The stray lovebird was found in a garden in Somerset.
The RSPCA is urging owners to ensure their pet birds can be positively identified with either a microchip or closed ring. It also recommends the use of a parrot passport, which helps identify a bird in the event of an accidental escape.
A passport can be used to store information about a bird and can include photographs and ring and microchip details.
The advice comes after the charity took in a stray lovebird that was found in a garden in Norton sub Hamdon, Somerset on 22 May. Because the bird was so friendly, the householder was able to catch it and take it to their local veterinary surgery, who contacted the RSPCA for guidance.
The charity is now looking after the lovebird but it has not been possible to reunite the bird with its owner because it is not microchipped or ringed.
RSPCA animal rescue officer Dean Wilkins said: “She is lovely and friendly, and we’re sure there’s someone out there who’s missing their beloved pet. I have taken her to our West Hatch animal centre near Taunton where she is being well looked after.
“The team there has named her 'Tequila Sunrise' as she’s so colourful!
“We were hoping that her owner might be found but unfortunately, this lovebird was not microchipped so we have been unable to trace them. And despite putting up posters locally and posting on a lost and found site, no-one has come forward with any information, so Tequila Sunrise will now be put up for adoption and hopefully someone will soon offer her a forever home.”
The RSPCA deals with hundreds of pet psittacines each year, and many are unable to be reunited with their owners because they are not microchipped or ringed.
Image (C) RSPCA
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
