What to Do if You Find an Injured Bird

The Bird Care & Conservation Society of South Australia provides guidelines on how to treat an injured or distressed bird:

Do:

• Handle the bird carefully, for your sake and his.
• Take the bird away from possible sources of dangers such as other animals and extreme weather conditions.
• Provide a warm protected environment for the bird, such as a cardboard box.
• Remember the bird is in shock.
• Keep the bird out of reach of children and pets.
• Call your local animal protection organization.

Don’t:

• Leave the bird for a long time without seeking help. Immediate action is critical.
• Try to treat the bird unless you know how.
• Keep the bird for your children’s amusement.
• Keep the bird as a pet. Wild animals should be released back into their natural habitat.
• Automatically assume the bird is a seed-eater. It may need other types of food.
• Pick up a young bird being taken care of by its parent unless it is in grave danger.

Places such as Hope for Wildlife will accept injured birds.