Bye Bye Birdy

Before release you need to make sure that your bird is both eating and drinking on it's own. By this time you should not be hand-feeding any meals. You also need to make sure that your bird can fly fairly well. I take my birds into the bathroom or garage to have them test out their wings. Make sure when you have your "flying lessons" that the area is free from predators or objects that could be of danger, i.e. lighted candles, moving ceiling fans, etc. Don't over-exert your bird, if you notice that they are breathing heavily or are breathing through their mouths, the lesson is through.

You will wan to release your bird in the morning, preferably on a day when the weather is nice and the area isn't bustling with activity. I will usually check the weather report for the following days as well to avoid any upcoming storms and high winds.

I have released birds by tossing them up into the air and also by simply leaving them outdoors with the door to their cage left open. Some birds will return a few times to feed or for familiarity, but most do not return after a few days. Despite how tame your bird may have been, they will quickly integrate with a flock and will no longer come to you. Your work here is done.