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The Ultimate Guide to Emergency Wild Bird Care: A Comprehensive Guide for Wildlife Rescuers

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Emergency Wild Bird Care [Article]

by Lawrence M. Krauss

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	152 KB
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Print length	:	12 pages
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Wild birds are beautiful and fascinating creatures that play an important role in our ecosystem. However, they are also vulnerable to injury and illness, and it is not uncommon to find a bird that needs help. If you come across an injured or sick bird, it is important to know how to provide emergency care to give it the best chance of survival.

This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to emergency wild bird care. We will cover everything from assessing the situation to administering first aid and providing ongoing support. We will also provide you with resources for finding wildlife rehabilitators in your area.

Assessing the Situation

The first step in providing emergency care to a wild bird is to assess the situation. This will help you determine the severity of the injury or illness and the best course of action.

Here are some things to consider when assessing the situation:

The bird's behavior. Is the bird alert and responsive? Is it breathing normally? Is it able to move its wings and legs?
The bird's appearance. Look for any obvious injuries, such as broken bones, lacerations, or bleeding. Also check for any signs of illness, such as discharge from the eyes or nose, or ruffled feathers.
The environment. Where did you find the bird? Was it near a window, a car, or a predator? This information can help you determine how the bird was injured.

Administering First Aid

Once you have assessed the situation, you can begin administering first aid to the bird. The type of first aid you provide will depend on the nature of the injury or illness.

Here are some general first aid tips:

Keep the bird warm. Wrap the bird in a towel or blanket to help keep it warm. This is especially important if the bird is in shock.
Control bleeding. If the bird is bleeding, apply pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding. You can use a clean cloth or gauze pad.
Immobilize broken bones. If the bird has broken bones, immobilize them to prevent further damage. You can use a splint or a piece of cardboard.
Give the bird fluids. If the bird is dehydrated, you can give it fluids orally or through a dropper. You can use water or a commercial electrolyte solution.

Providing Ongoing Support

Once you have administered first aid to the bird, you will need to provide ongoing support until it has recovered. This may involve providing food, water, and shelter, as well as monitoring the bird's condition.

Here are some tips for providing ongoing support:

Feed the bird. Injured or sick birds may not be able to eat on their own. You can feed them a variety of foods, such as insects, fruit, and seeds. You can also Free Download a commercial bird food formula from a pet store.
Provide water. Birds need water to stay hydrated. You can provide water in a shallow dish or a water bottle with a sipper tube.
Provide shelter. Birds need a safe place to rest and recover. You can provide shelter in a box or a cage lined with soft material.
Monitor the bird's condition. Watch for any changes in the bird's condition, such as changes in its appetite, activity level, or appearance. If the bird's condition worsens, you should contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately.

Finding Wildlife Rehabilitators

If you are unable to provide ongoing support to the bird, you should contact a wildlife rehabilitator. Wildlife rehabilitators are trained to care for injured and sick wild animals. They can provide the bird with the care it needs to recover and return to the wild.

To find a wildlife rehabilitator in your area, you can visit the website of the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA). The NWRA is a non-profit organization that supports wildlife rehabilitators and provides resources for the public.

Providing emergency care to a wild bird can be a rewarding experience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can give the bird the best chance of survival. Remember, it is always important to consult with a wildlife rehabilitator if you are unsure about how to care for an injured or sick bird.

Emergency Wild Bird Care [Article]

by Lawrence M. Krauss

5 out of 5