Some non-native bird species, such as parakeets, may be able to survive in our climate so could harm native wildlife if they are released or escape into the wild. It may be an offence to release a non-native animal, or allow it to escape, into the wild.

Owners should follow the main Don't let them loose guidance, and additional guidance below under Recommendations to help prevent this from happening.

The following birds are included on the list of species of special concern:

• Acridotheres tristis, Common myna
• Alopochen aegyptiacus, Egyptian goose
• Corvus splendens, Indian house crow
• Oxyura jamaicensis, Ruddy duck
• Threskiornis aethiopicus, Sacred ibis

If you own one of these species there are other considerations that you also must check here:

• England and Wales: Invasive non-native (alien) animal species: rules in England and Wales - GOV.UK
• Scotland: Legislation and responsibilities. 

Recommendations

All birds – read this first

• Consider keeping same sex populations, to prevent unwanted young. If you have unwanted eggs, these should be removed promptly and replaced with dummy eggs to prevent distress to your bird. 
• If you need to take your bird to the vets, or to boarding accommodation while you are on holiday, ensure it is transported in a container that it cannot escape from. 
• Think about what would happen to your bird in the event of an emergency such as a flood or fire - what equipment would you need to hand to safely evacuate your animal? 
• Plan for if your bird escapes - what steps would you take to recover them? See what to do if your pet escapes for guidance. 
• Follow the Don’t let them loose guidance on what to do if you can no longer keep your pet.

Aviary or cage kept birds

• Aviaries should have a double-door entry system to stop birds from escaping – one door should always be closed before the other is opened.
• Indoor cages should be secure.
• Regularly inspect aviaries and cages for damage, especially after storms, and proactively remove overhanging branches etc that could cause this. 
• Ring or microchip your bird so they can easily be identified and returned to you if they escape outside - your avian (bird specialist) vet can do this.
• Train pet or companion birds to accept simple requests - view RSPCA advice on how to train your bird.
• If you are flying your bird indoors, close all windows and doors to secure your space, before you let your bird fly. 
• Don’t walk around with your bird on your shoulder – you might accidentally take them outside with you and they could fly off.
• Never let your bird fly freely outside unless they are in a secure enclosure (or are a falconry bird trained to return to their handler - view guidance from the Hawk Board on recovering lost falcons and hawks).

Birds kept outside a cage or aviary, for example waterfowl 

Where possible, create an enclosed flight area:

• Use welded mesh around the perimeter as this is stronger than chicken wire and predators are unable to bite through it. Make sure the mesh is small enough to prevent birds from getting tangled.
• Cover the area with a netted roof, using durable UV-resistant netting.
• Install a double-door entry system to stop birds escaping - one door should always be closed before the other is opened.
• Keep the area around the run (both at ground and roof level) clear to deter wild animals and prevent escape routes.
• Regularly inspect the enclosure for damage and proactively remove overhanging branches etc that could cause this. 
• View more guidance on fencing from the British Waterfowl Association.

If the area is not enclosed:

• Feed birds frequently and train them to return.
• Where it is in the best interest of the birds to be prevented from flying, then wing-clipping could be employed.
• In some cases, pinioning (carried out by a veterinarian) may be appropriate.
• View more information on restricting flight from the British Veterinary Zoological Society.