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- Found a Baby Bird? Here's What to Do
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Pet Health
Found a Baby Bird? Here's What to Do
Baby birds are a common sight in Brisbane, especially during the warmer months when nesting season is in full swing! Whether it’s a fledgling learning to fly or a nestling that has fallen from a nest, it’s natural to want to help when you find a baby bird in distress. However, rescuing a baby bird requires careful consideration and the right approach.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do (and what not to do) if you find a baby bird.
1. First Step: Assess the Situation
Before taking any action, it’s important to assess whether the baby bird truly needs help. In many cases, baby birds are best left alone, especially if they are in the fledgling stage. Fledglings are young birds that have learned to fly but may not yet be fully skilled. These birds often leave the nest early to begin learning how to fly and survive, but their parents are usually nearby, keeping watch.
How to tell if the bird needs help:
- Nestling (Not Left the Nest): A nestling is a baby bird that has not yet fully developed feathers and cannot fly. If you find a nestling on the ground, it may have fallen from its nest. In this case, you can gently try to return the bird to its nest, if it’s safe to do so.
- Fledgling (Learning to Fly): Fledglings are usually covered with some feathers and may be hopping around the ground. These birds are still being cared for by their parents, so it’s best to leave them alone unless they’re in immediate danger.
- Injured or Orphaned Bird: If the baby bird is bleeding, limping, or appears unable to fly, it’s likely in need of immediate help.
2. Do's and Don'ts: How to Handle a Baby Bird Safely
If you’ve determined that the baby bird needs help, it’s crucial to approach the situation with care. Here are some key do's and don'ts to keep in mind:
Do's:
- Handle the Bird Gently: Use a soft cloth or wear gloves when handling the bird to reduce stress and protect both you and the bird. Avoid holding the bird tightly or gripping its wings.
- Place the Bird in a Safe Box: If you need to transport the bird to a vet or wildlife rescue centre, place it in a small, well-ventilated box lined with soft cloth or tissue. This will keep the bird safe and calm.
- Keep the Bird Warm: Baby birds can easily become chilled. If the weather is cold or you’re waiting for help, keep the bird warm by placing a hot water bottle or a warm rice sock near the box (but not directly on the bird).
- Call for Help: Reach out to a local wildlife rescue service, such as RSPCA Queensland or WIRES, for advice on the best course of action. A vet or wildlife rehabilitator can provide the necessary care and support.
Don'ts:
- Don’t Feed the Bird: Avoid feeding a baby bird unless instructed by a vet or wildlife expert. Baby birds require a specific diet depending on their species, and feeding them the wrong food (like bread, milk, or fruit) can cause harm. Incorrect feeding can also lead to aspiration, where food or water enters the windpipe instead of the stomach.
- Don’t Keep It as a Pet: While it might seem tempting to take a baby bird home, it’s crucial to understand that baby birds are wild animals. Keeping them as pets can lead to long-term health issues and can prevent them from learning important survival skills.
- Don’t Attempt to Rehabilitate the Bird Yourself: Wild birds have specialised needs that require expert knowledge and care. Handling a baby bird incorrectly or without proper experience can cause more harm than good. Leave rehabilitation to the professionals.
3. What to Do if the Baby Bird is Injured
If you find an injured baby bird, time is critical. Injuries can range from minor wounds to more serious trauma such as broken wings or legs. In any case, it’s important to get the bird to a veterinarian as quickly as possible.
Steps for Injured Baby Birds:
- Keep It Calm: Keep the bird in a quiet, warm environment. Stress can further weaken an injured bird, so minimize handling and loud noises.
- Transport Safely: When transporting the bird to a vet, make sure the container is secure but allows for ventilation. Avoid shaking or jostling the box, as this could cause further injury.
- Control Bleeding: If the bird is bleeding, gently apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth. This will help control the bleeding until you can get the bird to a vet.
4. Getting Professional Help
If you’re unsure of what to do or need immediate assistance, there are several resources available in Brisbane to help with baby bird rescue -
- RSPCA Queensland: The RSPCA provides wildlife rescue services and can offer guidance on what to do if you find a baby bird in need of help. You can contact them at 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625).
- Wildlife Rescue Queensland: WRQ primarily services the Moreton Bay region and can also offer guidance and care for injured wildlife. Their 24-hour emeregency hotline is 0478 901 801.
- Veterinary Clinics: Many veterinary clinics are equipped to handle wildlife emergencies. Our clinic offers wildlife care, including the treatment of injured birds, and can take in rescued birds and other wildlife.
5. Preventing Future Baby Bird Injuries
While it’s always important to respond to baby bird rescues with care and compassion, prevention is also key. Here are some simple ways you can help protect baby birds in Brisbane:
- Keep Pets Indoors: Domestic cats and dogs can pose a significant threat to young birds. Keep pets indoors, especially during the breeding season, to reduce the risk of predation.
- Create Safe Nesting Spaces: If you have trees or shrubs in your yard, consider creating safe nesting environments by planting native trees and shrubs that attract and protect birds. Also, please avoid disturbing active nests.
- Drive Carefully: If you're driving in areas with a high number of young birds (like near parks or bushland), slow down and be vigilant. Many baby birds will be out and about during the fledgling phase, and they can be easily overlooked.
Finding a baby bird in need can be a heart-wrenching experience, but with the right knowledge and resources, you can make a positive difference in its chances of survival. Always assess the situation carefully, and don’t hesitate to reach out to wildlife professionals for guidance. Remember, the welfare of the bird is the top priority, and by taking the right steps, you’ll give it the best chance for a successful return to the wild.
At Northgate Veterinary Surgery, we are committed to providing the best possible care for wildlife in Brisbane. If you find a baby bird that needs help, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us, your closest vet, or closest wildlife organisation.
© Copyright 2024. Northgate Veterinary Surgery, Queensland. All rights reserved.
Posted in Pet Health at 16 December 24