What to do after rescuing a bird?

Table of Contents

Rescuing a bird is a compassionate act; however, ensuring its survival requires immediate and proper care. What to do after rescuing a bird? involves securing the bird, providing immediate comfort and warmth, assessing injuries, and contacting a qualified professional for further assistance.

Introduction: A Feathered Friend in Need

Finding an injured or distressed bird can be a stressful experience, but your intervention can be life-saving. Birds are vulnerable to a variety of dangers, from window collisions and predator attacks to environmental hazards and illness. Knowing the correct steps to take after rescuing a bird is crucial for giving it the best chance of recovery and eventual release back into the wild. This guide provides comprehensive information on assessing the situation, providing initial care, and finding appropriate professional assistance. Remember, your actions directly impact the bird’s well-being and future.

Initial Assessment and Containment

The first moments are critical. A calm and methodical approach is essential for both your safety and the bird’s.

Observe from a Distance: Before approaching, carefully observe the bird. Is it visibly injured? Does it seem disoriented? Note any obvious signs of trauma, such as bleeding, broken wings, or difficulty breathing.
Approach Cautiously: Move slowly and quietly to avoid further stressing the bird. A frightened bird is more likely to injure itself.
Secure the Bird: Gently scoop the bird up with a towel or blanket. This provides a barrier between you and the bird, minimizing stress and the risk of bites or scratches. Avoid direct handling if possible.
Containment: Place the bird in a well-ventilated cardboard box lined with soft material, such as paper towels or a soft cloth. Make sure the box is appropriately sized for the bird to stand and move around comfortably but not large enough to encourage flapping. A shoebox or small pet carrier works well for most songbirds.

Providing Immediate Care: Warmth and Security

Stress and exposure can quickly weaken a rescued bird. Providing warmth and a safe, quiet environment are paramount.

Warmth: Hypothermia is a common threat to injured birds. Place the box in a warm, dark, and quiet place away from children and pets. If the bird is cold to the touch, gently warm it by placing a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel next to the box or using a heating pad set on low, always ensuring there is space for the bird to move away from the heat source if it becomes too warm.
Quiet and Darkness: Minimize noise and human interaction. The darkness will help calm the bird and reduce stress. Avoid unnecessary handling.
Water (Proceed with Caution): Dehydration can be a major issue. If the bird seems responsive and alert, you can offer a shallow dish of clean, fresh water. However, never force a bird to drink and be extremely careful not to get water into its nostrils, as this can be fatal. If the bird is unresponsive or injured, do not offer water without veterinary advice.

Identifying Injuries and Common Problems

A thorough, yet gentle, examination can help you understand the extent of the bird’s injuries and inform your next steps.

Visual Inspection: Look for obvious signs of injury, such as bleeding, broken wings, head trauma, or feather damage.
Breathing: Observe the bird’s breathing. Is it labored, rapid, or shallow? Listen for any unusual sounds.
Mobility: Can the bird stand? Can it grip with its feet? Are its wings symmetrical?
Feather Condition: Are the feathers ruffled, oily, or matted? Oiling is a common problem and requires specialized cleaning.

Contacting Professionals: Wildlife Rehabilitators and Veterinarians

Finding a qualified professional is essential. Delaying treatment can significantly reduce the bird’s chances of survival.

Wildlife Rehabilitators: These are licensed and trained individuals who specialize in caring for injured and orphaned wildlife. They have the knowledge and resources to provide appropriate medical care, nutrition, and rehabilitation. Search online for “wildlife rehabilitators near me” or contact your local animal shelter, humane society, or veterinary clinic for referrals.
Avian Veterinarians: Veterinarians specializing in birds (avian vets) can provide medical treatment for injuries and illnesses. They can diagnose conditions and prescribe medications.

It’s important to note the differences: Wildlife rehabilitators will focus on rehabilitation with the goal of release back into the wild, while avian vets treat birds regardless of the situation (pet birds, etc.). Both are valuable resources after you perform what to do after rescuing a bird?.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with good intentions, mistakes can happen. Avoiding these common errors can improve the bird’s chances of recovery.

Improper Feeding: Never force-feed a bird. Giving the wrong food can be harmful, even fatal. Baby birds have very specific dietary needs. Always consult a wildlife rehabilitator before offering any food.
Keeping the Bird as a Pet: It is illegal to keep most wild birds as pets. Wildlife rehabilitators are trained to prepare birds for release back into their natural habitat. Attempting to domesticate a wild bird can be detrimental to its well-being.
Delaying Professional Help: Hesitation in seeking professional assistance can significantly reduce the bird’s chances of survival. Time is of the essence.
Overhandling: Excessive handling can increase stress and further injure the bird.

Release Considerations

Releasing a rescued bird back into the wild should only be done after it has fully recovered and is capable of surviving on its own.

Signs of Readiness: The bird should be able to fly strongly, feed itself independently, and show normal behavior.
Release Site: Choose a safe location near where the bird was found, if possible, provided the original location is safe. This ensures the bird is familiar with the environment.
Weather Conditions: Release the bird on a calm, mild day. Avoid releasing birds during extreme weather conditions.
Follow-Up: Observe the bird after release to ensure it is adjusting well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What if I can’t find a wildlife rehabilitator immediately?

Keep the bird in a dark, quiet, and warm place, as described above. Offer water cautiously if the bird is alert. Continue searching for a rehabilitator. Document any injuries and treatments you have provided to relay to the rehabilitator when you connect with them.

What should I do if I find a baby bird that has fallen out of its nest?

If the nest is accessible and the chick appears healthy, gently place it back in the nest. Parent birds will typically continue to care for their young even if they have been touched by humans. If you can’t locate or reach the nest, or the chick is injured, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.

How can I tell if a bird is really injured or just stunned?

Some birds may appear injured after a collision but are merely stunned. Observe the bird carefully for at least an hour. If it starts to become more active and shows signs of recovery, it may simply need time to recover on its own. However, if there are still visible signs of injury, such as a drooping wing or difficulty breathing, seek professional help.

What kind of food should I give a rescued bird?

Do not give a rescued bird any food unless instructed to do so by a wildlife rehabilitator. Different bird species have different dietary needs, and feeding the wrong food can be harmful or even fatal. The rehabilitator will be able to advise you on the appropriate diet.

Is it safe to handle a rescued bird?

While handling should be kept to a minimum, it is generally safe to handle a rescued bird while wearing gloves or using a towel. Be mindful of potential bites or scratches, especially from birds of prey. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling any bird.

What if the bird has oil on its feathers?

Oiled birds require specialized cleaning to remove the oil without damaging their feathers. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately. Do not attempt to clean the bird yourself, as this can cause further harm.

How do I protect my windows to prevent bird collisions?

There are several ways to make your windows more visible to birds, including applying decals, using window films, or hanging streamers. Breaking up the reflection helps birds recognize the glass as a barrier.

What if I find a bird that is caught in netting or other debris?

Carefully cut away the netting or debris, being extremely cautious not to injure the bird. Once the bird is free, assess its condition and seek professional help if needed.

Can I release a bird back into the wild during the winter?

Releasing a bird during the winter can be challenging, as food sources may be scarce. Consult with a wildlife rehabilitator to determine the best course of action. They can assess the bird’s condition and the availability of resources in the area.

What if I accidentally cause further injury to the bird while trying to help?

Accidents can happen. The most important thing is to seek professional help as soon as possible. Be honest with the wildlife rehabilitator about what happened so they can provide the appropriate treatment.

How can I support local wildlife rehabilitation efforts?

You can support wildlife rehabilitation efforts by donating money, supplies, or your time as a volunteer. Many organizations rely on donations to provide care for injured and orphaned wildlife.

Are all birds protected by law?

Most wild birds are protected by state and federal laws. It is illegal to possess, harm, or kill protected birds without a permit. Contact your local wildlife agency for more information. Your immediate and informed action after what to do after rescuing a bird? is critical.