HELP
I’VE
FOUND
A BIRD
Evaluate the current situation and select a category below.
I’ve found a…
Baby Bird
Make sure the baby bird is not in immediate danger such as ants crawling all over it, it’s ice cold, easy prey for cats or dogs or about to end up in the pool – if it is in immediate danger, then remove the bird from the situation by either moving it to a safe spot or placing it in a secure, but breathable box/basket/container with a lid on and provide heat. Then CALL US to advise you on what to do next.
If it is not in immediate danger, then rather first CALL US to assess the situation and help you decide what to do next.
NOT ALL BABY BIRDS NEED SAVING!!
Any other situation, rather CALL US first to chat about what is best for the bird.
Call or WhatsApp us on +27 (0)660 473 473
Sick Or Injured Bird
If the bird is sitting quietly in a corner, under a parked car or under a bush etc. then rather CALL US first before attempting to catch it, so that we can advise you on the best way to apprehend the bird and what to do once you have the bird in hand.
If the bird seems stressed and is trying to get away, but not managing to, then try to catch it and place it in a secure, but breathable box/basket/container with a lid on and CALL US to talk you through what to do next.
If your cat/dog/kid brought you an injured bird, then secure it safely in a breathable box/basket/container with a lid on, provide heat and CALL US to advise you further.
PLEASE DO NOT TRY TO RELEASE THE BIRD AGAIN.
If the bird is in immediate danger, such as about to end up in the pool or being run over by a car, then first remove it from the situation, place it in a secure, but breathable box/basket/container with a lid on, provide heat and CALL US.
Call or WhatsApp us on +27 (0)660 473 473
Drowning Bird
Scoop the drowning bird out the water. Briefly and gently tilt it upside down for a minute so the beak is facing the ground. This will allow some of the water to run out its beak and nose and help minimize the amount of water that can end up in the lungs –
!!NEVER!!
1) shake the bird (to make the water come out faster) or
2) release a drowning victim before you have chatted to a professional, as they could still need treatment, although they do not look sick or injured.
Carefully and lightly wrap the bird in a towel and pat dry as best you can. Place the bird on a dry towel in a secure, but breathable box/basket/container with a lid on, provide heat, and CALL US to talk you through what to do next.
PLEASE DO NOT RELEASE THE BIRD BEFORE CHATTING TO US FIRST!!
Call or WhatsApp us on +27 (0)660 473 473
Bird Flown Into Window Or Struck By Car
If the bird flies away immediately then there is not much you can do, unless it falls to the ground a short distance further and you can still manage to get hold of it.
If the bird is sitting or lying on the ground looking stunned, then pick it up gently and secure it in a breathable box/basket/container with a lid on and CALL US for further advice.
NEVER release a bird that flew into a window or was struck by a car, even if it seems to have recovered quickly – a concussion or swelling in the brain or spinal cord may develop later on, and/or the adrenaline from flying into the window may mask the severity of its injuries.
Call or WhatsApp us on +27 (0)660 473 473
Fluffed Up Or ‘Tame’ Bird
DO NOT pick it up with your bare hands as it might be sick. Use gloves, a towel or a blanket to pick it up gently and place it in a secure, but breathable box/basket/container with a lid on and provide heat.
WASH YOUR HANDS after dealing with the bird and then CALL US to advise you further on what to do next.
Call or WhatsApp us on +27 (0)660 473 473
Bird Caught By My Cat/Dog
We are about to step on toes here, but if your dog or cat is busy killing the bird and has already done extensive damage, then rather leave them to finish the job. Too many half-eaten birds are ‘rescued’ with the best of intentions, but the reality is that it is just prolonging the pain and suffering and the inevitable.
BUT if the dog/cat barely got hold of the bird, pick it up gently and secure it in a breathable box/basket/container with a lid on and provide heat. Then CALL US so that we can advise you on what to do next.
NEVER release a bird that was caught by your cat/dog. A cat or dog’s saliva is toxic to birds and the bird will need urgent treatment to ensure its survival. Also, DO NOT consider keeping the bird for a few days first to see how it will recover, as that will prolong its suffering and pain – even though it does not show any signs of it!!
And lastly, always mention to the vet or rehabber if you suspect the bird was caught by a cat or dog, so that the necessary treatment protocols can be initiated immediately.
Call or WhatsApp us on +27 (0)660 473 473
Electrocuted Bird
Electrocution injuries are very serious and painful, even though the bird seems fine! Treat any electrocutions as a normal injury – thus secure the bird in a breathable box/basket/container with a lid on and CALL US to find out what to do next or where to take it to.
ALWAYS mention to the vet/rehabber if you suspect a bird was electrocuted or had flown into an electric fence, so that the necessary treatment protocols can be initiated immediately.
Call or WhatsApp us on +27 (0)660 473 473
Baby Owl Or Bird Of Prey
Not all baby owls found on the ground need saving, so it is important to first correctly identify the species before “saving” it (unless it is in eminent danger of course!). First send us a photo of the bird on WhatsApp with a short voice note or message explaining the situation, and we’ll get back to you asap. If the baby is injured, then place it in a secure, but breathable box/basket/container with a lid on and provide heat. Then CALL US to advise you further on what to do or where to take it to.
Call or WhatsApp us on +27 (0)660 473 473
Adult Owl Or Bird Of Prey
It is not normal for owls to be out in the open during the day, so if you see an owl in broad daylight, then there is probably something wrong with it. Likewise, birds of prey won’t just ‘hang around on the ground for fun’. However, it might not be that easy to catch them, so if you do come across an adult owl or bird of prey during the day, please send us a photo of the bird on WhatsApp and CALL US to discuss the situation further and to determine what would be the best course of action for the bird.