Injured Birds
What can be done for an injured bird – whether domestic or wild?
Should your pet bird be injured it is vital to get it to a Veterinarian as soon as possible. In the interim it may be necessary to practice first-aid on your bird. The following are suggestions for dealing with various injuries, but remember even if first-aid is administered the bird must be taken to a Veterinarian.
In the case of bleeding, the source of the bleeding must be determined. Styptic powder, corn flour or baking soda can be used to stop the bleeding. A mixture of alum and cold water can also be applied. Place a gauze pad over the wound and apply firm pressure. If the bird has injured its leg or foot use antibiotic ointment and loosely bandage.
For broken wing bones cut the toe out of a sock and place the injured bird inside with its head through the hole. Ensure the bird can breathe comfortably and there are holes for its feet.
When a bird is injured by a cat the greatest concern is that of infection. Clean the wounds with hydrogen peroxide. The injured bird will require an ampicillin shot.
If the injured bird is in shock (not moving, breathing is shallow and quick, eyes slightly closed) place it in a warm environment with low light.
If you find an injured wild bird it is better not to treat it as this is illegal in some countries. The best thing to do is to contact your nearest rehabilitation centre. If a bird has collided with a window it is likely just stunned. Cover it with a box with holes for a while and then remove, it will more than likely recover and fly off.
Do not handle a wild bird too much as this will add to the trauma of the situation. It is best not to handle an injured bird of prey as they are likely to hurt you, rather promptly contact the authorities trained to handle them correctly. The best way to capture a wild bird is to throw a towel or light blanket over it. Carefully pick it up making sure its wings are lying against its body (remember, this method cannot be used on an injured bird of prey). Other methods of capture, such as grabbing the beak and holding the injured bird under the arm, are not recommended unless you have been trained to do so.
It is advisable to keep the number of your Veterinarian and a local rehabilitation centre on hand in case a situation with an injured bird arises.
Loading ...
i have a bird on the side of my house that broke it’s neck what should i do?
found two baby doves on the ground mother not around any more any ideas?
i found a bird with its beak crissed crossed and possibly hurt wing and brought it in to my garage to give it some fresh water what should i do?
Hi i saved a bird from a cat and it’s in shock and cant’t fly what do i do
HELP MY BIRD IS ACTING WEIRD IT KEEPS FLAPING ITS WINGS AND THE NECK BENDS DIFFRENT WAYS AND ITS EYES ARE ALMOST CLOSED AND FAST BREATHING IT COULD BE IN SHOCK
I went out to feed my horses and there is a bird (not a baby bird) and it’s hopping away from me but one of it’s feet(leg) on the left side is swollen and bloody. What can I do to help the bird so it can get better. I at least want to give it a chance to get better and give it a chance to survive. I am a animal lover and I can’t stand for something to get injured without trying to help it. Please let me know asap. I really get upset about all animals as I feed all the animals around here and even own a cockatoo bird as well. Some one please he help me!
Teresa Croft
Rock Hill, SC
There was a red-tailed hawk that ran into my window. I think it’s in shock. What should I do?
Dear Sir/miss
i have some cheiks of budgai parrot but cheiks have no wings why plz tell me
Hey everyone, here are a few tips that I’ve learned… baby birds usually need a heating pad or heat lamp (heating pad is preferred) to keep warm with…. I rescued a young female dove who slammed into my window and busted her head open by holding tissues to her head until the blood was dry, and she wasn’t eating her birdseed on her own, so I mixed some bird vitamins, fruit flavored baby food (try to get the most natural one you can.. the mixed fruit works really well) with water, and fed it to her through a straw (only use a few drops at a time, too much can choke the bird). Her beak was long and pointed, so when I put the straw over her beak and gently lifted her head and she swallowed it like when a baby bird is feeding from it’s mother’s beak. Feed the bird until it seems like it’s full about 3-4 times a day… also you can give it some clear fresh water by itself with the straw to wash it down… remember.. not too much or the bird will choke! I continued doing this until she started eating birdseed on her own… you can leave a bit of seed scattered on the bottom of the bird’s box/cage to see if the bird will eat it, but don’t force it. But this is what I learned with my own experience… and now I’ve had her for over a year now, and she is doing well
. Hope this can help all of you take care of your birds! God bless you all for rescuing them.