How to Help a Bird in Distress

Handling Adult Birds

• 1

  Get as close as you can and look at the bird for signs that is bleeding or wounded. If it is, take it to the nearest veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator. Find a wildlife rehabilitator by calling your local game warden, Audubon chapter, Humane Society, veterinarian, police station or Fish &Wildlife office.

• 2

  Look to see if the bird is fully feathered. If it looks young, but is fully feathered, it is a fledgling. Fledglings have left the nest but are unable to fly. Their parents are still caring for them and they should be left alone.

• 3

  Observe the bird for a few minutes. If the bird has obvious signs of an injury such as a broken wing, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.

• 4

  Wait about an hour if the bird appears to be unconscious. Birds often get knocked unconscious after flying into windows. It should recover within an hour. If you're worried about predators, wait nearby until it recovers.

• 5

  Don't try to pick the bird up unless instructed to do so by the rehabilitator or unless you have no choice. You might injure it or cause the bird more stress. Wear gloves and eye protection if you must handle the bird. Wash your hands immediately afterward.

• 6

  Place the bird in a box with air holes cut into the side if you need to transport it or if the bird is injured and you cannot immediately contact a wildlife rehabilitation center. Place the box in a warm, quiet location. To avoid stressing the bird, leave it alone and do not try to offer first aid or check on it. Do not give the injured bird food and water.

Dealing with Nestlings

• 7

  Look for the original nest if the bird is not fully feathered and cannot sit up on its own. The baby should be returned to the nest if possible. It won't be rejected by its parents. If the baby is cold to the touch, hold it in your hands for a few minutes to warm it up before returning it.

• 8

  Build a surrogate nest if the original nest is damaged or if you cannot reach it. Attach a basket or container with rounded sides to a tree to make a nest. The container should have small holes in the bottom to allow for drainage. Place dried grass or straw inside and set the baby in the new nest.

• 9

  Watch from a distance. The parents should return and care for the baby within two hours. If no parents show up, contact a wildlife rehabilitator and provide emergency care.

• 10

  Keep orphaned birds warm if you can't contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately. Place a soft, cup-shaped container like a basket or margarine container lined with tissue on a heating pad or near a 60 watt bulb. The temperature should be kept between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Feed the bird cat food soaked in water. Break the food into pieces and drop them into the bird's mouth.