Bird Rescue Tips Touching a baby bird will not keep the parents away, but don’t handle the baby a lot—their bones are very fragile. Never Keep a wild bird in a bird cage. The bars destroy their feathers. Nestlings Out of the Nest (naked and blind): If the bird is cold to the touch, warm it gently in your hand. When it is warmed, place it back in the nest. Nestlings and Nest Down: Tie the nest into the tree in about the same place with heavy twine (birds get tangled in thin string). If the nest is torn apart, make a new one out of a margarine tub. Place drainage holes in the bottom and line it with facial tissues or paper towels. Do not use cotton, mud, or grass, as the bird’s feet could get caught. Tie the new “nest” in that tree and watch from a distance. If the parents have not returned in two hours, call us.
Feathered Juvenile, Baby Birds that Can’t Fly: Oftentimes, birds jump out of the nest a few days before they can fly. Parents will continue to care for them on the ground. Keep children and animals away. Leave the bird alone unless it is injured or sick; it will fly in a few days. If the bird has been picked up, put it in a bush or low tree near where is was discovered. A young bird’s feeding call is very strong and should attract the parents. Call us if the parents don’t return in 4 to 6 hours. Catching Hurt Hawks and Owls: Birds of prey have very sharp talons, or claws which can cause injury. Use heavy gloves when handling them. Keep a jacket, blanket, or towel between yourself and the bird, approach it from the rear, then place the jacket or blanket over the bird. An alert bird will struggle when first covered. As the bird calms down, gather the covering together, being careful to control the feet and to get the bird’s wings folded against its body. Transfer the bird to a ventilated cardboard box as soon as possible. Place a towel, rug, or paper towel on the bottom of the box so the bird can get a grip, but not get tangled. Transporting Birds to the Center: Bring all birds to the center as soon as possible. One very important fact to remember is that the box or temporary nest should fit the bird. An ordinary paper bag works well for transporting small birds. Use a cardboard box for larger species.
Wildlife First-Aid Wildlife Works, Inc. is an all volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of distressed wildlife and the promotion of responsible attitudes about the preservation of native species, habitat, and the environment.
Wildlife Works, Inc. P.O. Box 113 Youngwood, PA 15697 724-925-6862
[email protected]
Wildlife Rescue Do‘s •
Do be a responsible pet owner. Keep cats indoors. Many baby birds and rabbits are orphaned or injured by cats. Keep dogs under control. Even the most innocent-looking canines run deer and terrorize wildlife.
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Do cut the rings on plastic six-pack holders before disposing of them. They can be deadly to wildlife.
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Do slow down when driving around corners in remote areas where most road kills occur. Drive slowly around road kills to allow carrion-eating animals to get out of the way.
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Do limit the use of pesticides. A local conservation group or agricultural extension office can give you recipies for environmentally-friendly gardening and lawn care techniques.
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Do put covers on chimneys. Birds and mammals regularly become trapped in them and die.
Wildlife Rescue Don‘ts •
Don’t touch raccoons and skunks! They can carry rabies and not show any signs of the disease. Call the Wildlife Center immediately.
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Don’t assume young rabbits or deer fawns are orphaned when you see them alone. They are often left by their mothers during the day.
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Don’t cut down dead trees unless it is absoutely necessary! Many species of animals consider them to be home. Always check a tree for nest cavities before you prune or cut it down. If you must remove it, wait until the fall or winter months.
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Don’t leave monofilament line behind when fishing. Discarded line should be taken with you, and remove line that you find. Wild animals become entangled in the transparent line and die slowly and painfully.
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NEVER TRY TO KEEP A WILD ANIMAL AS A PET. They may seem cute and cuddly, but they will never adjust to life in captivity and will become extremely aggressive with age. Also, keeping wildlife is illegal under state and federal laws.
Before Making a rescue attempt, call us at 724-925-6862. If you are unable to reach the Wildlife Center, use the following guidelines. Never drop off any animal at wildlife centers when no one is there to admit it. These unattended animals may suffer from heat stroke or may be taken by predators.
Mammal Rescue •
Handle all wildlife as little as possible. Keep wild creatures in a warm, quiet, dark, place. Do not attempt to feed or water any wild species. More harm than good can come from feeding the wrong thing to an injured or infant wildling.
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Baby mammals cannot maintain their own body temperature and must be kept warm. Use a heating pad set on “low” with several layers of toweling between the baby and the pad.
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Use extreme caution when handling injured mammals! These animals may be suffering from pain and fear. They can inflict serious injury with their teeth and claws. Gloves are ALWAYS a good idea!
