How to Help An Injured Wild Bird
The World Earth Day is coming, and it is a perfect opportunity to learn about how we can help our feathered friends in need now. Unfortunately, birds can get injured easily, and it's crucial to know what to do if you find one. The best course of action is to contact your local wildlife rehabilitation facility as soon as possible.
Signs that indicate a bird needs assistance
If you find an injured bird, it's important to handle it with care. Look for these characteristics of an adult songbird in need: on the ground not moving, does not fly away when approached, easily picked up, extremely fluffed up feathers, eyes closed, squinted, crusty, weepy, swollen, bleeding, evidence of blood or wounds, obvious injured limb (dangling leg, drooping/hanging wing, wings not symmetrical), tries to fly but can't.
To assist an adult bird that is injured, follow these steps:
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Assign someone to watch over the bird as you find something to contain it. Window collision victims are especially vulnerable to predators and pedestrian traffic, and a guardian can keep the bird safe until you return with a suitable container.
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Find an unwaxed paper bag or a small cardboard box. If using a cardboard box, poke a few small holes in it. Scrunch up a clean, unscented tissue or a paper towel and place it inside the bag or box to serve as something soft for the bird to grasp.
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Approach the bird from behind, and use both hands to gently cover the bird, being careful not to leave your fingers open so the bird can escape.
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Place the bird upright in the paper bag or box, being careful not to let it escape as you remove your hands. Make sure that the bag or box is securely closed.
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Put the bird in a dark, warm, quiet space, away from children and pets. Avoid interacting with, talking to, and handling the bird, as this will cause additional stress. Never give a bird food or water.
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Immediately contact your local wildlife rehabilitation facility. Birds that have hit windows often have internal injuries that are not obvious from the outside, even if they just look stunned.
If you happen to stumble upon a featherless baby bird and know where its nest is located, the best thing you can do is place it back in the nest. Don't worry about parents rejecting the bird due to your scent, as birds have a poor sense of smell. However, if you are unable to locate the nest, you can create a makeshift one out of a small container or flowerpot lined with leaves or dry grass.
Be sure to place the substitute nest close to the area where you found the baby bird and keep a watchful eye for the parents to return and care for their young. But remember, it's always best to leave it to the professionals when you are unsure and not familiar with helping birds. The same goes for what feeding an injured bird. Only trained professionals know the proper diet and nutrition needed to help a bird recover.
What to feed an injured bird & a baby bird without feathers
Professional assistance is crucial when it comes to feeding injured birds. Once you receive approval from professionals, it's important to know what to feed them to avoid causing harm. Opt for easily digestible foods such as small pieces of fruit, cooked rice or pasta, or mealworms, and avoid bread and milk as they can cause digestive problems. Ensure that they have access to water in a shallow dish, but do not give them water directly to prevent drowning.
For featherless baby birds, reuniting them with their parents is ideal, but if that's not possible, you can feed them a mixture of moistened dog or cat food, mashed hard-boiled egg, and some fruits or vegetables. Use a dropper or syringe carefully to avoid forcing food into their throat. However, it's best to seek professional advice before attempting to feed any injured bird.
For featherless baby birds, reuniting them with their parents is ideal, but if that's not possible, you can feed them a mixture of moistened dog or cat food, mashed hard-boiled egg, and some fruits or vegetables. Use a dropper or syringe carefully to avoid forcing food into their throat. However, it's best to seek professional advice before attempting to feed any injured bird.
Why it's important to handle injured birds with care
Remember, birds can easily go into shock when injured and often die from the shock. Do not try to force feed or give water to the bird. Take the bird outside and open the box every fifteen minutes to see if it is able to fly away. If it is still staying put after a few hours, you can try to find a local wildlife rehabilitator, they will be able to provide guidance on how to proceed and ensure the baby bird receives the care it needs to thrive.
If you are interested in watching birds and caring for them, you may consider getting our Birdfy feeder. It allows you to watch your feathered friends from afar without disturbing them, giving you a glimpse into their daily lives. Remember, we all have a responsibility to care for our planet and the wildlife that inhabits it.
