What to do if you find an injured bird
If you find an injured bird, here are some quick steps to take:
- Carefully capture the bird with a towel and place it in a box or pet carrier.
- Keep the bird in a warm, dark, quiet space to minimize stress.
- Do not try to handle the bird or give it food/water.
- Contact a local wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian as soon as possible.
Wild birds are very fragile, so it’s important not to exacerbate any injuries by improperly handling or transporting the bird. The best thing you can do is contain the bird and get it to an expert for care right away.
Assessing the bird’s condition
Before deciding how to treat an injured bird, you’ll need to assess its condition. Here are some things to look for:
Observe the bird’s behavior
- Is the bird able to stand and perch on its own?
- Can it flap its wings normally and fly?
- Does it seem weak, stunned, or unable to move normally?
- Is it bleeding or holding a wing/leg at an odd angle?
The bird’s activity level and posture can give you clues about internal injuries or broken bones. Birds that are bleeding, limping, or unable to fly likely need urgent veterinary care.
Check for external injuries
Carefully inspect the bird for any visible wounds, swelling, or bleeding:
- Cuts, punctures, or trauma to the skin
- Missing or damaged feathers
- Swelling around eyes, beak, wings, or legs
- Bruising, blood, or ‘raw’ looking skin
- Bones visibly broken or at odd angles
External injuries may be accompanied by internal damage as well. Get medical help for any open wounds, broken bones, eye/beak damage, or significant swelling.
Assess basic needs
See if the bird is able to eat and drink on its own:
- Offer water in a shallow dish – does it drink?
- Offer a small amount of birdseed – does it eat?
Check the eyes and beak for discharge, crustiness, or heavy breathing through an open beak, as these can indicate illness. Gauge if the bird seems hungry/thirsty or is too weak to eat/drink.
First aid for an injured bird
If the bird has minor injuries and you cannot get to a vet right away, you can provide some basic first aid:
Stop bleeding
For small cuts or punctures, use styptic powder or cornstarch to stop bleeding. Do not use human bandages.
Immobilize fractures
Stabilize broken wings or legs with cardboard splints taped gently in place to immobilize. Do not try to set bones.
Cover wounds
Use non-stick gauze or bandage lightly wrapped around injured areas to keep clean until vet care.
Hydration/nutrition
Give oral rehydration fluid in droplets on the beak every few minutes. Offer small bits of high protein food like mealworms if bird seems alert.
Keep bird warm
Place the cardboard box on a heating pad set to low or position near a heat source. Monitor temperature.
These measures can support the bird until expert assistance is available. But they do not replace prompt veterinary treatment.
Getting the bird to a wildlife rehabilitator
Here are some tips for getting an injured wild bird to a rehabilitator:
- Find a local rehabilitator using directories online or by calling wildlife agencies.
- Choose a box/carrier that is dark, ventilated, and appropriately sized for the bird.
- Line with soft cloth and gently place bird inside on uninjured side/back.
- Keep car quiet and temperature moderate during transport.
- Handle box carefully, do not tilt or shake the bird’s container.
Proper handling and transport are vital so added stress and disruption doesn’t exacerbate the bird’s condition. Keeping the bird contained, warm, and quiet will give it the best chance for recovery.
Information to share with the rehabilitator
Be ready to provide key details about the bird’s condition:
- Your name and contact information
- Date and location you found the bird
- Any visible injuries or issues you noticed
- How you contained the bird
- If you gave any first aid
This background helps the rehabilitator properly triage the bird upon intake and determine next steps for treatment. Don’t hesitate to contact a rehabber – the sooner the bird gets expert care, the better!
Treating common bird injuries at home
While serious injuries require a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, you may be able to treat minor issues at home under the guidance of a vet. Here are some common bird injuries and how to manage treatment:
Cuts and abrasions
Minor cuts or scrapes should be gently cleaned with saline solution and monitored for signs of infection. Apply antibacterial ointment if recommended by your vet.
Broken blood feathers
Use styptic powder or cornstarch to stop bleeding from broken blood feathers. Pluck the damaged feather if needed to fully stop hemorrhaging.
Sprains and strains
Limit activity and perching to allow mild foot/leg sprains or wing strains to heal. Address pain and inflammation with medication from your vet.
Eye conditions
Irrigate eyes to flush out dirt or debris. Apply medicated eye drops for conjunctivitis if prescribed by your vet. Seek help for eye injuries, swelling, or discharge.
Parasites
Treat external parasites with sprays or dusts specific for birds to kill mites or lice. Give oral medication to treat internal parasitic infections.
Monitor for complications and follow up with a vet for any concerns during at-home treatment. Birds hide illness well, so be attentive to subtle changes.
Equipping a basic bird first aid kit
Having some key supplies on hand allows you to provide prompt first aid while getting an injured bird to professional care:
Supply | Use |
---|---|
Towels or small blanket | Helps contain a struggling bird |
Cardboard box or pet carrier | Safe transportation of bird |
Heating pad or water bottle | Maintains temperature |
Styptic powder or cornstarch | Stops bleeding from minor cuts |
Eyedropper or syringe | Offers water/nutrition if needed |
Saline solution | Gently cleans wounds |
Non-stick gauze | Wraps injuries |
Medical tape or bandage | Secures gauze wraps |
Having this basic first aid kit and knowing how to use it can help stabilize an injured bird until you can get it to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or avian veterinarian.
Caring for a rescued bird long-term
Sometimes injured birds cannot be released back to the wild after rehabilitation. Here’s how to provide appropriate care if you adopt a permanently disabled bird:
Consult an avian vet
Schedule well visits and ask for advice on proper diet, housing, and species-specific needs. Follow vet instructions for any ongoing medication or therapies.
Offer an appropriately sized habitat
Finches need small flight cages, while parrots require large aviaries with ample room to move. Supply plenty of perches, toys, and hiding spots to keep the bird active.
Feed a balanced diet
Provide the right seed mix, pellets, fruits, veggies, and calcium sources tailored to the specific species. Give fresh water daily.
Allow supervised outdoor time
Let the bird stretch its wings in a screened patio or porch area while protected from predators. Do not allow unsupervised outdoor access.
Give the bird attention
Spend quality time engaging in play, training, and social interaction each day. Watch for signs of stress, anxiety, or depression.
With dedication to their complex needs, rescued birds can thrive under your compassionate, lifelong care. The right habitat setup, nutrition, and vet care helps ensure a good quality of life.
Preventing common bird injuries
You can help bird populations by taking some simple steps to make the environment safer:
- Keep cats indoors so they don’t prey on birds
- Close curtains/blinds at night to prevent bird collisions with windows
- Deter pesticide use which poisons birds via ingestion
- Dispose of trash securely so birds can’t become trapped or entangled
- Promptly remove bird feeders/baths during outbreaks of contagious diseases
- Position birdhouses and feeders to avoid ambush by predators
Educating others can also help curb common bird threats. Spread awareness about properly protecting bird habitats and how to create safer conditions in urban areas where wild birds live in closer proximity.
Understanding regulations for bird rehabilitation
It’s important to be aware of laws related to handling wildlife:
- In the U.S., native wild birds are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and cannot be kept as pets.
- Only licensed wildlife rehabilitators with proper training and facilities can legally rehab sick/injured birds.
- Permission from state wildlife agencies is required to care for restricted species like eagles, hawks, owls.
- It is illegal for unlicensed individuals to trap/capture wild birds or keep them long-term.
- Penalties can include heavy fines and confiscation of birds for those violating wildlife regulations.
While anyone can provide emergency first aid, permitted rehabbers must be contacted to take over care as soon as possible. Never try to raise orphaned chicks on your own. Let the experts give injured birds appropriate assessment and treatment.
Conclusion
If you come across a wounded bird, remember to stay calm, gently contain it, and immediately contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator to oversee its care. Avoid exacerbating injuries by improperly handling the bird. Offer basic supportive measures like hydration and warmth until the bird can be transferred to an expert for appropriate medical treatment and rehabilitation. With some general knowledge of bird first aid, you can help give the bird its best chance to eventually be released back to the wild.