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Wildlife Emergency
[raptor]
[adult bird] [baby
bird]
Adult Bird Emergency
Injured or sick adult birds can display a variety of symptoms
that can include, but are not limited to:
The inability to fly, lack of balance, drooping wings, bleeding,
fluffed out feathers or feathers covered in oil or unnatural sticky
substances, slow response time to predators, or lying on the ground.
Window Collisions
If it is known that the bird has hit either a window, house, or
other solid object please place the bird in a small well ventilated
cardboard box. Place the box with the bird in a warm, dark,
quiet place for 1 to 2 hours. Then take the box outside and
remove the lid. If the bird does not fly away please contact
the Wildlife In Need Center or a licensed rehabilitator in your area
with your observations to decide your next step in helping your sick
or injured bird.
If you determine that the bird needs help please follow these
suggestions for safe capture, care, and transportation.
Capture:
- Find a towel, blanket, or light weight material that will
completely cover the bird. Also, find a well ventilated box
or plastic pet carrier. Line it with an absorbent material
like newspaper, paper towel, or a sheet. Please do not use
towels or material with holes as the bird can get caught in it and
further injure itself.
- Remember that the bird sees you as a predator and will try to
defend itself with its beak. It's a normal behavior so just
BE CAREFUL!
- Approach the bird from behind and completely cover it
with the material. Remember if the bird is alert it will
struggle.
- Gently restrain the bird under the material and hold its wings
against its body.
- Place the bird in your well ventilated cardboard box or
plastic pet carrier.
Care:
- Please DO NOT FEED or OFFER WATER to the bird as it can
aspirate or choke on what is offered. Injured birds need to
be rehydrated gradually and fed special foods and formulas so
attempting to offer food and water can jeopardize the birds
survival.
- Handle the bird as little as possible. Refrain from
petting or holding the bird as it is extremely stressful and can
contribute to the bird going into shock.
- Keep the bird in a dark, quiet, calm, and warm place to
reduce stress until the bird can be brought to a licensed
rehabilitation facility.
Transportation:
- Place the covered and secured box on the floor or seat of your
car.
- Keep the car quiet (no radio and quiet voices) and warm to
reduce stress.
- Do NOT let a child or other individual hold the bird in
transport. It is a safety risk for the person, as well as
extremely stressful for the bird. Please think first about
the well being of the bird in your care.
Remember your safety is the most important factor. Do not
unnecessarily put yourself or others at risk for injury while
attempting to rescue or capture an animal. When in doubt
call the Wildlife In Need Center (262) 968-5075. Way to
Go! You have become a Wildlife Rescuer.
[click for information about how
to continue to help your rescued wildlife patient] |
