How to Care for an Injured Bird That Cannot Fly

Many times we see injured or sick birds lying on our roof or outside the home. Being human, it’s our duty to help this feathered creature. But then the question arises how to care for an injured bird at home?

Today, we will discuss primary treatment and first-aid that we can offer the bird and help them survive. So let’s get started.

How to Care for an Injured Bird at Home?

Offering primary treatment to an injured domestic sparrow or other birds that can’t fly is not as easy as in other animals. Birds have more chance to go in shock when get injured. Even a small injury can kill them and they will die of shock. So when you see an injured bird, your priority is to prevent the bird from shock.

First Aid Priorities

Stop Bleeding

Injury can cause the bird to bleed. So in order to save this feathered creature, stop the bleeding. You can stop it by placing a clean cloth over the injured area. Apply firm pressure for around 5 minutes and then check if the bleeding is stopped. Make sure that you are not choking the breathing process of the bird while applying pressure. Never try to remove the blood clot.

Shock Treatment

In the case when your injured bird goes in shock, then try to recover the a bird can from the shock. But how to check if the bird is in shock? But what to do with an injured bird? What is the bird in shock symptoms? The bird in shock will appear unresponsive, fluffed up, weak, and will breathe in slowly but out quickly.

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Keep the shocked bird in a warm place. The environment around the bird should be quiet, semi-dark, and humid. It is essential to provide warmth to the bird in order to get it recovered. You can provide warmth by placing a bottle filled with hot water near the bird.

Generally, the bird will recover from the shock in around 4 to 6 hours. But in the case when you notice no recovery in the bird, we recommend you consult the vet or a bird can expert as soon as possible.

Don’t force the bird to eat or drink in shock conditions as it might kill the bird.

How to Care for an Injured Bird After Recovery From the Shock Condition?

As soon as the bird recovers from the shock, you should examine the a bird can visually from a short distance. Check for any unusual posture, deformity, or lameness. Here are the steps to be followed if you are still unsure on how to care for an injured bird:

How to Treat Injured Bird Eyes

After recovery from the shock condition, the eyes of this avian creature should be open and bright. The size of the pupil should be equal. In the case when the pupil sizes are not equal, it may indicate injury in the head.

The unwell bird will not be able to open its complete eyes. When one eye is closed, it indicated injury or infection in the closed eyes. Also, check if the bird is responding to your hand movement.

How Injured Birds Get New Feathers

Injury and absence of feathers can be easily diagnosed. When you notice that the feather of this creature is fluffed up, it means the bird is trying to get warm and is feeling unwell.

Head

Tilting heads, nodding heads, or closing the eyes for a period in birds that can’t fly indicate severe head trauma.

Posture

Check for the injury in wings, broken wings, fractured wings, leg paralysis, broken legs, missing foot, etc. A dropped wing indicates a broken or fractured wing. In any such condition, seek your nearest vet or bird, expert.

Breathing

In a healthy bird, breathing is difficult to detect. But when the bird is having any respiratory infection, it will show labored and difficult breathing that can be detected easily.

Physical Examination of the Bird

Now check the complete body of the bird for some injury, cuts, abrasion, beak injury, etc. Check the wings, hold them away from the body to feel any fracture, examine for fracture in legs, and other injuries.

Primary Treatment and First Aid

When you notice only small injuries, the bird is not in shock condition, and there is no fracture. Also, the bird is able to move its wings and go for a smaller flight, and is eating well. Then you can handle the bird and offer them primary treatment at home. Here is the tutorial to provide first–aid to this feathered creature:

Read also: What to Feed a Baby Bird Without Feathers?

Clean all the cuts and wound gently using a dilute antiseptic solution like Dettol, savlon, or hydrogen peroxide 1%. In case when none of these are available, warm saline water is also a great alternate.

In the case when the bird gets injured due to an attack from a dog or cat, then visit your vet for some antibiotics and vaccination.

Do not remove any blood clots as it may cause the bird to bleed again.

Note: Avoid using antiseptic ointments in birds.

How to Care for an Injured Bird When the Injury Is Severe?

When the injury is severe, injury due to cat or dog attack, the bird is not recovering from shock condition or any fracture, visit your vet or bird expert. Below is the tutorial to take the bird in shock to the nearest vet:

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• Wear a glove for your safety.
• Prepare a shoebox or any other similar box with holes for air passage in the lid. Place a soft cloth at the bottom of the box.
• Now cover the bird gently using a light cloth and place it in the box.
• Offer some warmth to the bird using either a heating pad or a hot water bottle.
• Now transport the bird to the vet clinic or bird expert.

bird rescue near me

To find a bird rescue near your location, you can follow these steps:

1. Search Online: Use search engines or online maps and search for “bird rescue” or “avian rescue” near your city or town. This should provide you with a list of nearby rescue organizations.
2. Wildlife Rehabilitation Websites: Many wildlife rehabilitation organizations have websites that include directories of local rehabilitators and rescue centers. Search for a wildlife rehabilitation organization in your area and look for a directory of affiliated rehabilitators.
3. Social Media: Check local social media groups related to wildlife, animals, or your community. These groups often have members who can recommend bird rescue organizations in your area.
4. Contact Local Animal Shelters: While they may not directly handle injured wildlife, animal shelters might be aware of bird rescue organizations or can provide referrals.
5. Contact Veterinarians: Local veterinarians, especially those specializing in avian care, might know of nearby bird rescue facilities.
6. Nature Centers and Zoos: Contact local nature centers, wildlife refuges, or zoos. They often have connections with wildlife rescue organizations.
7. Wildlife Hotlines: Some regions have wildlife hotlines that can provide information on bird rescues. These hotlines are usually operated by wildlife organizations or government agencies.
8. Local Conservation or Audubon Groups: Check if there are local conservation or Audubon groups in your area. They might have information on bird rescue organizations.

Remember that bird rescue organizations can vary in terms of services and availability. It’s recommended to contact them before arriving to ensure they can accommodate the bird and provide the necessary care. Always prioritize the bird’s well-being and follow professional guidance when dealing with injured or orphaned birds.

where to take an injured bird near me

To find a local place to take an injured bird for rehabilitation, follow these steps:

1. Search Online: Use search engines or online maps to search for “wildlife rehabilitator” or “wildlife rescue center” near your location. Include your city or town in the search for more accurate results.
2. Contact Local Veterinarians: Call local veterinary clinics and animal hospitals. They often have information about nearby wildlife rehabilitators or may be able to offer guidance.
3. Contact Animal Control: Reach out to your local animal control or animal services department. They might have information on wildlife rehabilitators in your area.
4. Check Wildlife Organizations: Look for wildlife rescue organizations or bird-specific groups in your region. These organizations often have trained rehabilitators or can provide referrals.
5. Contact Nature Centers or Zoos: Nearby nature centers, wildlife refuges, or zoos might have contacts for wildlife rehabilitators or information on how to assist injured birds.
6. Call Local Animal Shelters: While animal shelters may not directly handle injured wildlife, they might be aware of local resources or contacts.
7. Online Databases: Some regions have online databases or directories of wildlife rehabilitators. Check if your local wildlife or conservation agency provides such a resource.
8. Ask for Recommendations: Ask friends, family, neighbors, or local community groups for recommendations if they have dealt with injured wildlife before.

Remember that wildlife rehabilitators are experienced professionals trained to care for injured and orphaned animals. Always contact them before attempting to handle or care for an injured bird on your own. They can provide proper care, and medical attention, and ensure the bird has the best chance of survival and return to the wild.

what to feed an injured bird

Feeding an injured bird requires careful consideration and appropriate food choices. The type of food will depend on the bird’s species, age, and any dietary restrictions. If you’re unsure, it’s best to contact a wildlife rehabilitator for guidance. Here are some general guidelines for feeding an injured bird:

1. Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitator: Before attempting to feed the injured bird, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator or avian veterinarian for advice. They can provide specific instructions based on the bird’s needs.
2. Specialized Bird Formula: Many injured or orphaned birds require a specialized bird formula, which can be purchased from pet stores, veterinary clinics, or online. These formulas are designed to provide proper nutrition for growing and recovering birds.
3. Soft Foods: If the bird is older and capable of eating on its own, offer soft and easy-to-digest foods such as soaked dog or cat kibble, cooked rice, finely chopped fruits, or vegetables. Avoid any seasoning, spices, or additives.
4. Insects: Some bird species, especially insectivores, require live insects as part of their diet. Crickets, mealworms, and other small insects can be purchased from pet stores or collected from nature if they are safe and pesticide-free.
5. Fruits and Berries: If you’re aware of the bird’s natural diet, offer small pieces of appropriate fruits and berries. Blueberries, raspberries, and small bits of apple can be suitable options.
6. Hydration: Birds can become dehydrated easily. If the bird is not drinking water on its own, you might need to offer water using a small syringe or dropper. Consult a rehabilitator for guidance.
7. Avoid Dangerous Foods: Do not feed the bird any foods that are high in salt, sugar, or fat. Also, avoid offering foods that are toxic to birds, such as avocado, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol.
8. Monitor Eating Habits: Observe the bird’s eating habits and adjust the feeding schedule as needed. If the bird is not eating, contact the rehabilitator for advice.
9. Feeding Technique: Gently open the bird’s beak and place a small amount of food near the back of its throat. Allow the bird to swallow naturally and avoid force-feeding.

Remember, the best approach is to work closely with a wildlife rehabilitator or avian veterinarian. They can guide you on the specific dietary needs of the injured bird and ensure that it receives appropriate care and nutrition for its recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions: How to Care for an Injured Bird That Cannot Fly

Bottom Line

So this was the complete guide on how to care for an injured bird. This way you can prevent your bird from going in shock and thus save its life.