If you see an injured bird, you want to help it out, but it's not legal for you to care for it on your own.You should call for help before you try to pick up the bird or after you place it in a safe location.
Step 1: Check the age.
You might think a baby bird needs help, but it may be just learning how to fly.If you can see the bird from a distance, it is injured and has been abandoned by the mother.Look for feathers.A baby bird is likely to learn to fly if it has feathers.If the baby birds are not injured, you can put them back in the nest.Before setting a bird back in the nest, warm it in your hands.The scent of your hands won't bother the parents, who will feed it as they do the other babies.If you don't see a nest, hide the bird from cats and dogs.You can put it in a bush or tree.
Step 2: There are wounds in birds.
You may need to rescue an adult bird if you see a gaping wound.
Step 3: To check for blood, sight-check.
A bird with blood is in trouble.The bird may need help if it is dripping blood or has dried blood.
Step 4: Take a look for movement.
The bird needs help if it is having trouble standing or flying.
Step 5: Consider all of the possibilities.
If you can't get help from a professional, you should leave the bird where it is.If you don't know what you're doing, big birds can cause serious harm.
Step 6: You should have a box ready.
Cut holes in a cardboard box.Place a towel in the bottom.If the bird is large, you can use other types of pet carriers.It is best to keep the animal in the dark and quiet by covering the box or cage with a towel.A wire carrier can cause harm to the bird.
Step 7: A heating source needs to be prepared.
You can use either a heating pad or hot water in a zip-top bag.The heating pad can be placed on the outside of the box at one end.Wrap the bag in cloth and put it in the box with the bird.
Step 8: Put the gloves on.
Birds can damage your hands.Before attempting to help the bird, put on a thick pair of gloves.
Step 9: Put a towel or blanket over the bird.
If you want to calm the bird, cover it with cloth.
Step 10: Carefully pick up the bird.
If you startle the injured bird, it can cause you harm.It is likely to fight back.
Step 11: The bird needs to be in the box.
If you want to cover it with a towel, close the lid.While you work on your next steps, keep the bird in a warm place.Make sure your pets don't have access to the area where you put the bird.
Step 12: Put your hands into a container.
It's important to wash your hands and arms after handling wildlife, as they can spread diseases.
Step 13: Feed the bird is not a good idea.
The diet of the bird is likely to be wrong.You can give the bird water, but don't give it too much.Even if the bird is dehydrated, it will still be able to drink water.
Step 14: Find a rehabilitator.
It's important that a wildlife rehabilitator knows how to care for a wild animal.You can find lists of local rehabilitators on government websites.You can call the veterinarians.It is illegal for a person without a license to attempt to rehabilitate a wild animal or bird.The Migratory Bird Treaty Act makes it illegal to keep a bird without a license.
Step 15: Do you know how to care for the bird?
It's best to bring the bird to someone who is licensed to care for it if the rehabilitator tells you to.You will know how to move forward.
Step 16: The bird should be delivered to a wildlife rehabilitation professional.
Wild birds don't adapt well to captivity because of their varied requirements for diet and care.
Step 17: Understand what will happen after that.
One of four fates is faced by rehabilitated animals.The best option is for the bird to be released back into the wild.If it is not possible to release the bird back into the wild, it will be placed at an appropriate facility and used to educate people.The other two options are not very pleasant.If the injury is too severe, the bird may need to be put to sleep.
Step 18: Get a license.
It is illegal to keep wildlife without a permit or license.Through your local government, you can apply for the proper paperwork.You need to fill out a permit form in the U.S. to get a license.You can get a Fish and Wildlife Service for the federal government.You need to have the knowledge and expertise to care for wild animals to rehabilitate them.You will have to answer questions about how you were trained to care for animals.