First Aid

Minimising stress is the prerequisite of effective first aid - more birds are killed by shock than their injuries! So, whatever you do, swift action is a prime necessity as any delay increases stress.

If you are actually able to approach and pick up an injured wild Bird of Prey, it is likely that it is in a very poor state indeed, and will further be traumatised by being handled!

Never attempt to examine any injured bird yourself as this is also very stressful and requires a trained rehabilitator or vet to do correctly!

Recognised practice for dealing with an injured bird requires you to:

1. Gently throw a jumper or blanket over the injured bird to keep it warm
2. Put the bird into a well ventilated, darkened cardboard box - not so small that the bird will sustain further damage, but not so large that it can jump around inside. The box should preferably lined on the bottom with another towel or, if not available, newspaper. Never use straw or sawdust and do not place water in the box).
3. Do not try to feed the bird. Get the bird to the nearest bird of prey centre as soon as possible. We have listed contact details on the accompanying page
4. Remember that bird of prey centres or raptor rescue organisations are are experienced in dealing with birds of prey. Contact the RSPCA about other types of injured bird, or take it to a vet.
5. Always wash your hands if you have touched a bird.

What to do if you find an ‘orphaned’ bird of prey

Firstly, many ‘orphaned’ Birds of Prey are not usually orphaned at all - they're just in the process of testing their wings! Many young birds spread out and away from their nests long before they can fly - this prevents overcrowding in the nest as the youngsters grow rapidly, and is nature’s way of helping to minimise any threat to the entire clutch from predators.

But, many young birds lose their footing during these first explorations and fall to the ground A grounded chick may look lost and vulnerable, but the chances are its parents know exactly where it is and will continue to feed it. Also, many young birds are quite capable of climbing back into their tree using beaks and talons.

So if you find a deserted chick, ask yourself:
a) Is the chick obviously injured? If yes, refer to ‘First Aid For Injured Birds of Prey’
b) Is the chick in immediate danger from vehicles, people or predators? If yes, put the chick in the branches of the nearest tree and leave the area.

If the answer to both questions is ‘No’ - then just walk away quietly and let nature take its course.

Only ever remove the bird from the area if you are positive it has been abandoned or if it is clearly injured. Seek expert advice immediately and do not attempt to treat or feed the bird yourself. It is all too easy to imprint a youngster on humans, thus rendering it incapable of being returned to the wild, and there is no quicker way of doing this than hand-feeding.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT TREATING INJURED WILD BIRDS OF PREY, PLEASE
E-MAIL US OR CALL 01449 711425