Should you pick up injured or sick wild birds? | Question answer

Sick or injured birds are often found on the streets, but knowing how to help them can be a challenge. While many people are familiar with caring for dogs or cats, birds require specialized care and attention. Olena Pasich, a volunteer with “AiF,” shared her insights on how to assist sick birds.

According to Pasich, if you come across a sick bird, you can pick it up, but be prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. This includes conducting examinations, providing treatment, and creating special conditions for the bird’s life in captivity if it cannot be returned to the wild.

Pasich emphasized that a bird that has fallen into the hands of a person or an animal is likely not healthy. Catching a wild, healthy bird is nearly impossible, even in a home environment. The only way to catch a bird without causing further harm is in the dark, when the bird cannot see.

To properly care for a sick bird, it is crucial to find an avian doctor who can determine the cause of its condition. This may involve x-rays, smears from litter and the goiter, bacterial cultures, and in some cases, PCR tests. If the bird has a fracture that is operable, an operation to install a pin under anesthesia may be necessary.

Unfortunately, there are very few recommended and proven ornithologists (therapists) available. Pasich mentioned that there are only two such specialists in Minsk, Belarus, where she volunteers. It is important to be cautious of charlatans who claim to be experts in bird care.

In some cases, remote online consultations with doctors may be possible. Russia has 11 specialists who can provide remote consultations, including for people in Belarus. However, these consultations are not free.

Proper nutrition and maintenance are also essential for the well-being of birds. Their diet should be varied, and they require access to ultraviolet light. Birds that live in apartments should be taken outside into the sun, as window glass does not transmit ultraviolet light. In autumn and winter, birds need a special full-spectrum lamp to compensate for the lack of ultraviolet radiation. Regular bathing is also necessary for birds.

Releasing a fully cured bird comes with its own set of challenges. It is recommended to release birds from about April until the end of summer, as birds that have lived in warmth lack the necessary undercoat for colder seasons. The soft release method is often advised, where the bird is placed in an aviary for 2-4 weeks before the door is opened for it. This allows the bird to fly out and potentially return if it desires. It is important for the bird to learn necessary habits from its relatives, which it may have lost while living with humans. If an aviary is not available, releasing the bird into a pre-fed flock of birds can be an alternative.

However, some birds may remain unable to go outside after treatment, such as those with old fractures that are no longer operable. In these cases, it is crucial to ensure a comfortable existence for the bird throughout its life. Birds need to fly to live, as they have air sacs located throughout their bodies. Without flights, the air sacs do not receive proper ventilation, weakening the bird’s immunity and allowing colonies of fungi and bacteria to multiply. Lack of flight can lead to a range of health issues and a higher risk of systemic infections. For birds that are unable to fly, it is important to encourage them to flutter and flap their wings through exercises and practice. Keeping birds in cages or boxes can slowly harm and even kill them, so providing an apartment or house environment is more suitable for their well-being.

Caring for sick birds requires specialized knowledge and attention. By following the advice of experts like Olena Pasich, individuals can provide the necessary care and support to help these birds recover and thrive.

How can individuals find reputable avian doctors or specialists for proper care of sick birds

Assisting sick or injured birds found on the streets can be a challenging task, as birds require specialized care and attention. Olena Pasich, a volunteer with “AiF,” provides insights on how to help sick birds effectively.

Pasich suggests that when encountering a sick bird, it is possible to pick it up, but one must be prepared for the difficulties that may follow. This includes conducting examinations, providing treatment, and creating suitable conditions for the bird’s captivity if it cannot return to the wild.

It is crucial to note that a bird that has fallen into the hands of a person or animal is likely not healthy. Catching a healthy, wild bird is extremely challenging, even within a home environment. The only way to capture a bird without causing further harm is in the dark, when it cannot see.

To ensure proper care for a sick bird, finding an avian doctor is essential. These specialists can determine the underlying cause of the bird’s condition through various tests such as x-rays, smears, bacterial cultures, and PCR tests. In some cases, surgery may be required to treat a fracture.

Unfortunately, there is a shortage of recommended and proven bird specialists available. Pasich mentions that there are only two such specialists in Minsk, Belarus, where she volunteers. It is essential to be cautious of individuals who claim to be experts in bird care but lack proper credentials.

In certain situations, remote online consultations with doctors may be possible. Russia has 11 specialists who can provide remote consultations, including for individuals in Belarus. However, these consultations are not free.

Proper nutrition and maintenance play a vital role in the well-being of birds. A balanced and varied diet is crucial, and access to ultraviolet light is necessary. Birds that reside indoors should be taken outside into the sun, as window glass does not transmit ultraviolet light.