Difference between revisions of "Care for an Injured Wild Bird That Cannot Fly"

#Check the age. You might think a baby bird needs help, but it may just be the bird is learning how to fly. Watch the bird for a while from a distance to establish it really is injured and has been abandoned by the mother.<ref name="rf1">http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlife/injured/</ref>

#* Look for feathers. If a baby bird has feathers, it is likely learning to fly.<ref name="rf1" />

#* You can put featherless baby birds back in the nest if they're not injured. If a bird feels cold, warm it in your hands before setting it back in the nest.<ref name="rf1" /> The scent of your hands will not bother the parents, who will feed it as they do the other babies. <ref name="rf2">http://www.newjersey.gov/dep/fgw/bornwild.htm</ref>  

#* If you don't see a nest, put the bird somewhere where it is hidden from cats and dogs. For instance, you can set it in a bush or tree.<ref name="rf3">http://www.azgfd.gov/w_c/urban_injured_sick.shtml</ref>

#Look for open wounds in adult birds. If you see a gaping wound, that is an indication an adult bird needs help, and you may need to rescue it.<ref name="rf1" />

#Sight-check for blood. Blood is another indication a bird is in trouble. If the bird is dripping blood or if you see dried blood, it may need help.<ref name="rf1" />

#Check for movement. If the bird is having trouble standing or flying, it is in serious trouble and needs help.<ref name="rf1" />

#Consider the options. It may be best to leave the bird where it is until you can get help from a professional. Big birds, such as hawks, can cause you serious harm if you don't know what you're doing.<ref name="rf4">https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/rehab/orphan/</ref>

#Have a box ready. Use a cardboard box, and cut holes in it for ventilation. Place something soft in the bottom, such as a towel.<ref name="rf1" /> You can also use other types of pet carriers, such as cat carriers, if the bird is large. You should have something to cover the box or cage, such as a towel, as it is best to keep the animal in the dark and quiet.<ref name="rf4" />

#* However, you shouldn't use a wire carrier, as that can cause harm to the bird.<ref name="rf4" />

#Prepare a heating source. You can use either a heating pad (set on low) or hot water in a zip-top bag. If you use the heating pad, place it on the outside of the box at one end. If you use the zip-top bag, wrap it in cloth, and set it inside the box with the bird.<ref name="rf5">http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/health/rehabilitation/baby_birds.html</ref>

#Put on gloves. Even small birds can cause damage to your hands. Put on a thick pair of gloves before attempting to help the bird.<ref name="rf1" />

#Cover the bird with a towel or blanket. Before trying to move the bird, cover it with cloth to help calm it.<ref name="rf1" />

#Pick the bird up gently. Though the bird is injured, it can still cause you and itself harm if you startle it. It likely will fight back.<ref name="rf1" />

#Put the bird in the box. Close the lid, and cover it with the towel. Keep the bird in a warm, quiet place while you work on your next steps. Make sure your pets do not have access to the area where you place the bird.<ref name="rf6">http://www.maine.gov/ifw/wildlife/human/lww_information/robins.html</ref>

#Wash your hands. Even with gloves on, it's important to wash your hands and arms after handling wildlife, as they can spread bacteria and disease.<ref name="rf6" />

#Avoid trying to feed the bird. You will likely get the diet of the bird wrong. You can provide water so that the bird can drink on their own, but never try to drip-feed the bird water. <ref name="rf6" />

#Find a wildlife rehabilitator. This is important, as a wildlife rehabilitator will know how to care for a wild animal like the bird you found. You can usually find lists of local rehabilitators on local and statewide government wildlife websites.<ref name="rf7">http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/5492.htm</ref> You can also call veterinarians for recommendations.<ref name="rf8">http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/FAQS/FAQ0.htm</ref>

#* In fact, it's illegal for a person without a license to attempt to rehabilitate a wild animal or bird without help from a licensed professional.<ref name="rf9">http://www.dnr.minnesota.gov/eco/nongame/rehabilitation/index.html</ref> Birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, making it illegal for you to keep one in your possession without a license.<ref name="rf10">http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/regulationspolicies/mbta/mbtintro.html</ref>

#Ask how to care for the bird. The rehabilitator may tell you how to care for the bird, or they may tell you it's best to bring it to someone who is licensed to care for it. Either way, you'll know how to move forward.<ref name="rf7" />

#Understand what will happen next. Animals that are rehabilitated face one of four fates. The best option is the bird will recover and be released back into the wild. If it is not possible to release the bird back into the wild, the bird will be placed at an appropriate facility and used to educate people. The other two options are not as pleasant. The bird may die from the condition, or it may need to be put to sleep if the injury is too severe. <ref name="rf11">http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/health/rehabilitation/</ref>

#Obtain a license. If you insist on keeping the bird, you will need to be licensed, as it is illegal to keep wildlife without a permit or license. You can apply for the proper paperwork through your local government.<ref name="rf11" />

#* To obtain a license, you need to fill out the permit form from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the federal government,<ref name="rf12">http://permits.fws.gov/forms/rehab.pdf</ref> as well as a form for your state government.<ref name="rf9" />  

#*To be permitted to rehabilitate animals, you need to have the knowledge and expertise to care for wild animals. You will need to answer questions about your knowledge, as well as about how you were trained to care for animals.<ref name="rf12" />