Should you rescue an injured or abandoned baby bird?
Finding an injured or abandoned baby bird may tug at your heartstrings. Your first instinct may be to rescue the little creature. However, before taking a baby bird into your own care, it’s important to consider whether this is truly in the bird’s best interest. There are a few key factors to think through.
Is the bird truly abandoned or injured?
Before intervening, take some time to observe the situation. Fledglings (baby birds that have left the nest) will often spend several days on the ground while they learn to fly. Their parents will continue to care for them during this time. If the bird has feathers and is hopping around alertly, it is likely a fledgling. As difficult as it is, leave the bird alone so the parents can take care of it.
Only if the bird is clearly injured (e.g. bleeding, wings drooping unevenly) or in immediate danger should you consider rescue. Also, featherless nestlings have been abandoned if they are out of the nest and no parent comes to feed them for an hour or more. Even in these cases, it may be better to find a wildlife rehabilitator rather than taking matters into your own hands.
Can you provide appropriate care?
Baby birds need specialized feeding and housing that requires specific knowledge and supplies. They must be fed every 15-20 minutes from sunrise to sunset. The diet consists of specific bird-friendly formulas and insects that must be carefully researched ahead of time. Housing must keep them contained while providing heat and security.
Additionally, they are very susceptible to stress, which can be fatal. Things like excessive noise, handling, and improper environment can quickly lead to death. Without training and access to the right resources, attempting to care for an infant bird often ends tragically, despite good intentions.
Is it legal to keep wild birds?
In the US and Canada, it is illegal to keep native wild birds unless you have special licensing and permits. This includes injured and abandoned babies. The only exceptions are introduced species like pigeons, doves and house sparrows. Without proper permits, you are not allowed to posses a protected species, even if your goal is to rehabilitate and release it. There are hefty fines if you are caught with illegal birds.
Risks of disease and imprinting
Baby birds are highly susceptible to life-threatening diseases and parasites. The stress of captivity can quickly compromise their underdeveloped immune systems. Diseases are easily transmitted to your own pets as well. Additionally, baby birds can quickly imprint on their caretakers. Then they fail to integrate back into the wild. Imprinting and inappropriate bonding are almost guaranteed if you raise a baby bird yourself. This may permanently ruin their chance at living free.
How to properly rescue a baby bird
If the situation clearly warrants intervention, here are some dos and don’ts for rescuing the baby bird properly:
Do’s:
- Wear thick gloves to prevent bites and scratches
- Gently contain the bird in a cardboard box or paper bag with air holes
- Keep the bird in a warm, dark, quiet space
- Consult an expert on proper temporary housing if needed
- Leave any rescue attempts to a trained wildlife rehabilitator whenever possible
Don’t’s:
- Don’t offer the bird food or water
- Don’t handle the bird any more than absolutely necessary
- Don’t keep the bird for longer than 24 hours
- Don’t raise the bird yourself unless you are a trained rehabilitator
The key is to transfer the bird to an experienced wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible. They have the proper training, facilities and licensing to give the bird appropriate medical treatment and housing. Locate a local rehabilitator ahead of time so you know who to call in an emergency situation.
Caring for a baby bird yourself
Again, baby birds have extremely demanding care needs that are nearly impossible for untrained individuals to meet. However, if you have made the decision to care for the bird yourself, here are some key points for proper care and housing:
Feeding
- Consult an avian veterinarian on formula recommendations
- Specific feeding equipment like syringes are required
- Birds must be fed every 15-20 minutes from 6am-8pm
- Over or underfeeding can be fatal
- Handfeeding is a two person job; one to hold and one to feed
- Weaning to solid food is a gradual process over weeks
Housing
- Must be warm – use incubators, heat lamps, or heating pads
- Ensure correct heat and humidity levels
- Small, enclosed spaces help the baby feel secure
- Nest-like enclosures can be made from boxes or hanging baskets
- Line housing with soft cloth – avoid loose threads that can entangle bird
- Keep environment clean, safe and quiet
Other care considerations
- Stimulate urination/defecation with warm cloths before/after feeding
- Bathe birds daily in warm water to teach self-grooming
- Observe weight and appetite closely
- Separate multiple chicks to prevent competition/fighting
- Limit handling and human interaction
- Isolate from other birds or pets to prevent disease
Proper permits and licensing is required for long-term rehabilitation and release. Without the proper training, facilities and legal clearance, rehabilitating baby birds is an extremely challenging and risky endeavor. Leaving rescue attempts to wildlife professionals is best.
Dangers of imprinting on humans
Imprinting occurs when baby birds consider humans – not adult birds – to be their parents and flock-mates. Since birds view the first creature they interact with as their parent, imprinting happens very easily if you hand raise an infant. This has devastating effects:
Inability to integrate into the wild
Imprinted birds lack survival skills and cannot integrate into wild flocks. A bird that thinks it’s human does not know how to find food, avoid predators or interact with potential mates. Tragically, these animals often starve, get killed or live truncated lives in captivity.
Inappropriate mating behaviors
Birds may display mating behaviors towards their human caretakers, such as regurgitating food and attempted copulation. These behaviors are very difficult to discourage once imprinted.
Aggression and territorial behavior
As imprinted birds reach adulthood, they often become aggressive and territorial towards humans and other birds. They do not tolerate perceived intruders on their territory.
Self-mutilation and behavioral disorders
The stress of being isolated, unable to join a natural flock, leads some imprinted birds to self-mutilate through pulling out feathers or self-biting. Neurotic repetitive behaviors are common as well.
Lack of socialization
Without interaction with members of their own species, imprinted birds lack appropriate communication skills. This makes integration with a same-species flock even more impossible.
To avoid imprinting, minimize contact and interaction with baby birds as much as possible. Prioritize transferring them to licensed wildlife rehabilitators over caring for them yourself.
How to find a wildlife rehabilitator
The best option for baby birds is specialized care from a professional wildlife rehabilitator. Here are some options for finding a licensed rehabber near you who can take the bird:
Online directories
The Humane Society website has a searchable database of wildlife rehabilitators in the US:
https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-find-wildlife-rehabilitator
The Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative has listings for each province:
http://www.cwhc-rcsf.ca/wildlife_rehabilitator_directories.php
Wildlife officials
State wildlife agency officials can assist you in finding licensed rehabbers in your area.
Veterinarians
Local veterinary clinics may have contacts for wildlife rehabilitation specialists, even if they do not treat wild animals themselves.
Wildlife hotlines
In some regions, telephone hotlines connect you directly with wildlife experts who can direct you to rehabilitators.
Wildlife sanctuaries
Animal sanctuaries, nature centers and zoos sometimes have on-site rehabilitation programs or can connect you to external specialists.
Wherever you turn, prioritize qualified individuals with appropriate caging, diet and medical resources. This provides the baby bird’s best chance at recovery and release. Avoid amateur rescue attempts.
Fostering baby birds
In some cases, rehabbers may ask members of the public to “foster” baby birds until they are ready for weaning. This temporary arrangement reduces stress on overburdened rehab facilities. However, fostering must be done under close guidance:
Rules and regulations
Fostering agreements must comply with local and federal wildlife laws. Fostering licenses may be required. Signed consent forms are advisable as well.
Ongoing veterinary care
The rehabber should arrange vet exams, lab work, medications and treatments while birds are in foster care. Foster caregivers transport birds to appointments.
Rehabber provides supplies
Food, housing, feeding supplies and other equipment should be provided by the wildlife rehab facility. They offer critical guidance to caregivers.
Training required
Hands-on training is essential to teach fostering techniques correctly. Detailed instructions ensure high standards of care.
Frequent status checks
Rehabbers should make regular home visits and phone calls to monitor birds’ progress during the fostering period. Weight charts and feeding logs are useful.
Socialization protocols
The rehabber sets rules to minimize imprinting and human bonding during foster care. Limited contact prevents behavior issues.
When regulated carefully, temporary fostering can benefit overworked rehabbers. But improper fostering can harm birds more than helping them. Close rehabber supervision is mandatory.
Wildlife rehabilitation laws
Strong regulations govern wildlife rehabilitation to protect public safety and animal welfare. Here is a summary of key laws in the US and Canada:
Permits and licensing
State, provincial and federal permits are required to legally rehabilitate wildlife. Background checks, facility inspections and many hours of training are typically involved.
Zoning and codes
Municipal zoning, noise and nuisance ordinances may prohibit wildlife rehab on private residential properties without special use permits.
Endangered species
Extra certification and facilities are needed to rehab threatened or endangered species like eagles and condors. Strict regulations protect these birds.
Record keeping
Detailed intake and medical records must be kept on all animals. Thorough documentation is required. Annual reports are also submitted in some areas.
Animal holding periods
Minimum number of days an animal must be held before euthanasia or release may be defined. This allows owners to claim lost pets.
Euthanasia policies
Regulations may govern how and when rehabbers are allowed to euthanize animals. Only trained staff should perform euthanasia.
Public health protocols
Safety and disease protocols may include personal protective equipment, quarantines, and rabies testing. Transfer of zoonotic diseases to the public is a major concern.
Penalties for violating rehabilitation laws include significant fines, permit revocation and even criminal charges for repeat unlicensed rehabbers. Proper licensing ensures the public and animals stay protected.
Costs of bird rehabilitation
Wildlife rehabilitation is an extremely expensive undertaking requiring specialized facilities, equipment and expertise. Here are some of the costs involved:
Caging
Item | Cost |
---|---|
Small incubators | $200-500 |
Flight cages | $800-2,000+ |
Outdoor aviaries | $1,500-5,000+ |
Veterinary expenses
Service | Cost |
---|---|
Exams | $75-150+ per visit |
Lab work | $50-300+ per test |
Medications | $20-150+ per prescription |
X-rays | $100-300 per image |
Staff and overhead
Salaries for rehab staff, licenses, utilities, insurance and building maintenance contribute to high overhead costs. Grants help offset expenses but fundraising is constant challenge.
Given the resources required, wildlife rehab is far too expensive and demanding for casual hobbyists. Support these licensed nonprofits financially instead of impromptu bird rescue attempts.
Alternatives to rehabilitating birds yourself
Attempting bird rehabilitation without proper facilities and training does more harm than good in most cases. Here are some safer ways to help baby birds in your community:
Volunteer with local rehabbers
Rehabilitation centers need helping hands with tasks like cleaning, food prep and transporting birds to appointments. You’ll gain experience while supporting their trained staff.
Assist with fundraising
Donate cash to reputable rehab nonprofits or assist their grantwriting and fundraising efforts. Your dollars support their life-saving work.
Improve backyard habitat
Install bird feeders, birdbaths, native plants and nest boxes. Keep cats indoors. Make your property a safe haven for local birds to raise young.
Transport birds to rehab
Offer to safely transport injured/orphaned birds to licensed rehabilitators rather than housing birds yourself.
Report unlawful activity
If you suspect illegal wildlife keeping or rehabilitation, discreetly report it to local wildlife officials. This protects birds from harm.
Spread awareness
Share information on social media about how to correctly handle bird rescue situations. Education keeps birds safe.
With some creativity and guidance from experts, you can help baby birds flourish without taking on rehabilitation yourself. Focus on supporting licensed professionals.
Summary table: Key points on baby bird rescue
DO | DON’T |
---|---|
Leave fledglings alone if parents are nearby | Attempt to raise birds without proper permits/facilities |
Transfer birds to rehabbers ASAP | Offer food/water to baby birds |
Carefully contain birds in boxes/bags | Handle birds more than necessary |
Keep birds in quiet, dark, warm spaces | Allow birds to imprint/bond with humans |
Volunteer/donate to support rehabbers | Attempt to rehabilitate birds at home long-term |
Conclusion
Caring for helpless baby birds tugs at our heartstrings. However, good intentions can still cause harm. Untrained individuals rarely meet infant birds’ demanding care needs. Additionally, permitting laws often prohibit keeping native wildlife.
Though difficult, the healthiest choice is leaving baby bird rescues to expert rehabilitators. They have the specialized facilities, diet, medical resources and animal behavior knowledge to give the birds their best chance at recovery and release.
You can still help by transporting birds to rehabbers, volunteering, fundraising, improving backyard habitat and spreading awareness. With patience and the guidance of wildlife professionals, baby birds can successfully grow into the wild creatures they are meant to be.