Content

• Steps
• Warning

You really want to help out when you see an injured bird; usually, however, it is illegal to take care of the bird on your own. The best solution in this case is to get help, before you try to pick up the bird or after placing the bird in a box in a safe place.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Determining whether the bird needs help

1. 

   Check age. You might confuse a baby bird in need of help with a bird learning to fly. Watch the bird from afar to determine if the bird is truly injured and abandoned by its mother.
   • Find feathers. If the baby birds have feathers, they are most likely learning to fly.
   • Return the chicks to the nest if they are not injured. If the bird feels cold, warm it in your hands before placing it in the nest. The parents won't mind the smell of your hand and feed the baby bird as usual.
   • If you can't find a nest, take the bird to a discreet place away from cats and dogs. For example, you can put them in a bush or in a tree.

2. 

   
   
   Look for an open wound in an adult bird. If you see an open wound, this is a sign the bird needs help, and you need to rescue it.

3. 

   
   
   Check for blood stains. Blood is another sign of a bird in trouble. If you see dripping or dry blood, the bird is in need of help.

4. 

   
   
   Consider how to move. If the bird is having trouble walking and flying, it is most likely seriously injured and needs help.

5. 

   Consider other options. It is best to leave the bird in its position until you have contacted a specialist. Large birds, like the falcon, can harm you if you don't know what you are doing. advertisement

Part 2 of 3: Raise the bird

1. 

   Have a box ready. Use a cardboard box, and cut some air vents. Place a soft item on the bottom of the box like a towel. If the bird is large, you can use a pet cage, like a cat cage. The best way to keep birds dark and quiet is to use something like a towel to cover the paper box and cage.
   • However, you should not use a wire cage, as it can harm the baby bird.

2. 

   Prepare a source of heat. You can use a heating pad (low setting) or hot water in a zippered bag. If you are using a heating pad, place it on the outside of the box. If using a zippered bag, cover it with cloth, and place it inside the box with the baby bird.

3. 

   Wear gloves. Even though it is a small bird, it can injure your hand. Wear thick material gloves before trying to help the bird.

4. 

   Cover the bird with a thin towel or blanket. Before moving the bird elsewhere, cover the bird with cloth so as not to panic.

5. 

   Gently lift the bird. Even though it is injured, startling the bird can harm you and itself. A bird's fighting instinct will rise.

6. 

   Put the bird in the box. Close the lid, and cover with the towel. While you are preparing for the next steps, keep the bird in a warm and quiet place. Make sure your pet does not enter the bird sanctuary.

7. 

   Hand washing. Even with gloves on, always wash your hands and arms after handling wildlife, as they can spread bacteria and disease.

8. 

   Don't try to find ways to feed the birds. Chances are you will give the bird the wrong food. You can give the bird water to drink on its own, and don't try to drain the bird. This way, the bird can drink water on its own even when dehydrated. advertisement

Part 3 of 3: Taking care of birds

1. 

   Find a wildlife therapist. This is very important because a wildlife aid therapist will know how to take care of wild animals like the bird you find. A list of wildlife relief specialists can often be found on your local wildlife websites and on state governments. You can also consult a veterinarian.
   • In fact, it is illegal to try to rehabilitate a wildlife or bird without expert assistance to an unlicensed person. Birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, making it illegal to own a wild bird without a permit.

2. 

   See how to take care of the bird. The expert will show you how to care for the bird, or tell you how best to bring the bird to your licensee. Either way, you'll know what to do in the next step.

3. 

   Take the bird to a wildlife rehabilitation specialist. Birds require a variety of diet and care, and wild birds often do not adapt well to captivity.

4. 

   Understand what will happen next. Recovered animals will face one in four cases. The best direction is that once recovered, the bird will be set free. If not released, the bird will be returned to an appropriate facility and used in human education. The other two cases are not very satisfactory. The bird may die, or go into a coma, if the wound is too severe.

5. 

   Apply for a permit. If you want to keep the bird, you need a license, as it is illegal to keep wildlife without a license. Through your local government, you can apply for valid documents.
   • To get a permit, you need to complete a U.S. Fish and Wildlife application form to file with the federal government, as well as submit an application form to the state government.
   • To be allowed to recover animals, you need knowledge and expertise in the care of wildlife. You must answer questions about knowledge, as well as training methods to care for the animals.
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Warning

• The general rule of thumb when dealing with most wildlife is to avoid touching them. If you do, clean the area where you have been in contact with animals with soap and warm water.