How to handle an injured bird

One day you are strolling across the park. Unexpectedly, a glance underneath a tree reveals an injured bird to your sight. In this situation, what would you do? An injured bird’s survival is dependent on a swift rescue and treatment. If you come across an injured bird, following these steps will help save its life.

How to identify if a bird is injured?

From a distance, check for external signs of injury. If the bird is bleeding or has difficulty moving, or flying it is a sign that it is possibly injured. The next step is to call a Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre without delay.

If the bird is large and belongs to the family Accipitrinae, it is best to wait until the arrival of a rescuer, as the birds can cause significant damage with its talons. Try to avoid feeding or giving water to the bird. 

How to box a bird?

Prepare a cardboard box and make holes in it for ventilation. Place paper strips or soft cloth such as a towel at the bottom of the box. The box should be the right fit for the bird’s size.

Now using a towel or soft cloth gently lift the bird and place it inside the box. Cover the bird with the towel in order to calm the bird. Once the bird is placed inside the box, close the cardboard box and wait for the arrival of a rescuer.

Hand the injured bird to a wildlife rehabilitator, who will ensure its provided proper treatment and care.

Do not try to treat and provide for the bird yourself as not only is it illegal for a person without a license to attempt to rehabilitate a wild animal or bird, it may also lead to the further harming the bird.

Article written by Zuber Ahamed. He is the Content, Design and Publishing Executive at People for Animals (PfA), Bangalore

PfA : http://www.peopleforanimalsbangalore.org/
Animal Rescue Helpline : 9980339880