Wild birds often get injured when flying into windows. If they seem stunned rather than sick, gently pick them up and put them into a box in a quiet room for safe keeping.
Make sure the box is large enough for the bird to move around freely inside, and line it with an unrippled towel. Punch two perching holes a couple of inches from the bottom. Additionally, provide your bird with an appropriate stick.
Contents
Commercial bird food
injured wild birds must be given a diet tailored specifically to their nutritional requirements. Such diets are readily available from pet stores or specialty suppliers.
A nutritious blend of seeds, nuts and fruit pieces to meet the energy requirements of injured wild birds.
Cereal mixes, such as corn flakes and oatmeal, may offer injured birds carbohydrates; mild grated cheese provides protein. Depending on their species, baby birds may require small live insects such as mealworms or waxworms as well as pureed vegetables and fruits for nourishment.
Avoid feeding wild birds bread, which is high in fat and does not provide them with necessary nutrition. Dairy products, particularly milk, may cause diarrhea in birds and even lead to their death. Water plays an essential part of their diet; provide it via shallow dishes, bird waterers or syringes – their frequency depends on age and condition of each individual bird.
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Care of an injured bird requires providing it with a secure shelter that will shield it from predators and sources of stress, as well as feeding it a diet tailored specifically for its species and condition.
Supplementing their diet with fresh fruits and vegetables will help their bird maintain energy. A variety of veggies such as carrots, kale, radish and spinach can be provided as food items; while fruits such as apples, bananas and berries provide quick energy-giving nutrients for birds.
Stale cheese pieces in mild flavors should also be offered to granivorous birds as treats, along with pasta and rice scraps that do not include heavy sauces or strong spices.
Softened pet food
Seed-eating birds like pigeons and doves are some of the most frequently injured wild birds encountered by people, making care for these injured creatures relatively straightforward. Birdseed mixtures offer energy boost as well as essential vitamins and minerals needed for healing; peanuts should be avoided, however, since too much fat could clog their tracheas.
Other healthy options for injured birds may include mixing mashed puppy chow with water or providing pelleted food specifically formulated for your bird species (this can be found at pet stores or recommended by wildlife rehabilitators). It is crucial that injured birds only consume foods suitable for their species and age as feeding the wrong foods can result in further injury, possibly leading to even death.
Some injured birds may require live insects or mealworms as part of their diet, particularly baby bird babies. When providing them, make sure that you select appropriate species-appropriate insects since some insects may contain stingers that could harm or even kill the bird.
Water
Injuryd birds require pain relievers and anti-inflammatories to reduce brain swelling (which could potentially be fatal), as well as their appropriate food source. For optimal care, call an animal rehabilitator immediately; otherwise gently wrap the bird in a towel and place in a small box – keeping this space dark, quiet, and out of drafts or noise sources.
Dependent upon the species of bird, depending on your options for care may include live foods like mealworms or waxworms; dried fruit and/or cereals (check with a rehabilitator for specific recommendations); baby birds will require pureed fruit and vegetables. If a bird seems dehydrated or unresponsive to feedings consult a wildlife rehabilitator or avian veterinarian who may provide electrolyte solutions tailored specifically for avian species to give via syringe or dropper; be sure to follow their guidance for portions sizes and feeding frequencies as per guidance from rehabilitator guidance.
