HELP FOR INJURED OWLS
& OTHER BIRDS OF PREY
What
to do if you find an injured Owl or other Bird of Prey
Remember the following:
Minimising stress is the prerequisite of effective first
aid - more birds are killed by shock than by 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 Owl or 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 is
that you:
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.
4.
Remember that bird of prey centres and raptor rescue
organisations are there to deal with birds of prey -
see this list
to find one near you. 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.