Edited by Talvin Lee, Krystle, Maniac, Isaaclee99 and 2 others
It can be a confusing thing to care for a bird that has hit a window. Whether to take it to the vet or do it yourself...This article explains how and when to take action!
1Identify the bird and it characteristics. Look at its beak, feet and body build. For this situation you want to determine if the bird is a passerine (small to medium size perching or singing birds with forward facing toes and one backward facing toe; this is your 'average' bird) or if the bird's a non-passerine (a bird with characteristics that do not comply with the passerine's characteristics; these birds are usually birds of prey or marine birds).Ad
2Get prepared. The three things you need to do before rescuing any bird in any situation are:
- Learn which parts of a bird are likely to cause you injuries and take precautions accordingly (e.g. marine birds which have normally large beaks will go for your eyes, therefore protect your eyes with appropriate safety gear, i.e. safety glasses).
- Be prepared with the right equipment (normally a towel, a box suitable for the bird, net if needed and the right amount of people needed to complete the job safely).
- The mental, and physical ability to do the job swiftly and firmly, for you and the bird's sake.
3If you do not have the training or are not comfortable or confident with doing this, wait and call the professionals, it will help you and the bird.
4Assess the bird's condition. See if it is limping or having trouble with any limbs or wings or if it's bleeding badly; if this is the case take it to a vet or wildlife hospital immediately. If it just looks shocked/stunned (not moving much), which is usually the case, then it's your time to shine!
5For a passerine bird, only a towel and cardboard box is needed. If in doubt feel free to use other materials for the box (it is ideal to have a box which is opened quickly and easily and does not have a rim around it).
6Open your box and get yourself and the rest of your equipment prepared.
7Approach the bird and throw the towel/blanket over it. It should weigh the bird down preventing it from flying away or flying into anything.
8Locate the head. You can just see the body shape from the outside of the towel/blanket.
9Take hold of the nape (neck) LIGHTLY with you thumb and index finger. Its back should be facing the towel/blanket to prevent choking. Do not squeeze too hard and do not let your fingers come close to the actual face, as this may damage the bird, just let your fingers come down the nape so that you can control the bird's head comfortably. This may look like you're causing the bird a bit of stress but it is not hurting the bird. The fingers to the nape prevent the bird from biting you.
10Carefully place the bird into the box and shut the box lid. Make sure the box has breathing holes in it. If the towel/blanket is small just place it in the box with the bird, if the towel is bigger, just let the bird go in without the blanket.
11Put the box in a warm sheltered location (out of direct sunlight) and observe the box for 20 minutes to 2 hours. Make sure the bird doesn't open the box lid itself.
12You can now let the bird go in a hard release (releasing it straight away). Once you are around the same spot of where you found it put the box on the ground and open the lid. The bird should fly out within a few seconds. If it does not, contact a vet. If the same spot where you found it is dangerous, release the bird to the closest safe spot.
13Congratulations! You have now helped an injured bird. It is also a good idea to record the date/time, location, injury and cause and some descriptions about the bird for reference.Ad
- When taking and observing the bird make sure the environment suits it (i.e. out of direct sunlight, no A/C etc.)
- Note that this article will mainly focus in passerine birds, as they are easier and safer to handle without much experience.
- Hold the bird lightly around its body cupping it. Then slowly blow into the side of your hand.
- If you're leaving this job to the professionals, you can still help! Just make sure the bird will be fine by the time the professionals get there (e.g. Make sure a dog doesn't attack it).
- In some countries or states, it is illegal to release a non-native animals back into the wild, if you are not sure if it is native or not, take it to a vet to identify.
- Birds might act aggressive when hurt and may only appear to be in a 'trance' because of shock, once the shock goes away they will turn into a wild animal again.
- If you hurting the bird more than helping it or causing major stress, back away and call a trained professional to help you.
- Remember that these animals are wild.
- Make sure the bird is not a bat or flying fox as they carry deadly diseases and should not be touched.
Things You'll Need
- Cautious attitude
- Respect to birds
- Box (with holes in it)
- Contacts of a local vet or wildlife hospital
- Notebook and pen
Sources and Citations
- Currimbin Wildlife Sanctuary (AWC Course booklet)
Categories: Animal Rescue
Recent edits by: Eevee4, Isaaclee99, Maniac
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