How to Rescue Baby Birds
Only adults should rescue baby birds.
Before rescuing adult birds, seek guidance from a wildlife rehabilitator.
- Prepare a
container. Place a clean, soft cloth
with no strings or loops on the bottom of a cardboard box or
cat/dog carrier with a lid. If it doesn't have air
holes, make some. For smaller birds, you can use a
paper sack with air holes.
- Protect
yourself. Wear gloves, if possible. Some birds
may stab with their beaks, slice with their talons (claws)
and slap with their wings, to protect themselves, even if
sick; birds commonly have parasites (fleas, lice, ticks) and
carry diseases.
- Cover the bird with a light sheet or towel.
- Gently pick up
the bird and put it in the prepared container.
- Warm the
bird if it's cold out or if the bird is chilled.
Put one end of the container on a heated pad set on low.
Or fill a zip-top plastic bag, plastic soft drink container
with a screw lid, or a rubber glove with hot water; wrap
warm container with cloth, and put it next to the animal.
Make sure the container doesn't leak, or the animal will get
wet and chilled.
- Tape the box shut or roll the top of the paper bag closed.
- Note exactly where you found the bird.
This will be very important for release.
- Keep the
bird in a warm, dark, quiet place.
Don't give it food or water.
Leave the bird alone; don't handle or
bother it.
Keep children and pets away.
- Contact a
wildlife rehabilitator, state wildlife agency, or wildlife
veterinarian as soon as
possible. Don't keep the
bird at your home longer than necessary. Keep the bird in a container; don't
let it loose in your house or car.
- Wash your hands after
contact with the bird. Wash anything the bird was in contact
with - towel, jacket, blanket, pet carrier - to prevent the spread of diseases
and/or parasites to you or your pets
- Get the bird to
a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible.
