Should you leave an injured bird alone?
Put the cardboard box in an area inside the house where the bird will be away from pets and children, an area that is quiet and in the dark, not air-conditioned and not in the sun. Then leave him alone. Important: Do not give the bird any food or water unless a rehabilitator specifically instructs you to.
Do birds recover from injury?
Some birds will recover after crashing into a window, but many may not. Young birds have weak flight muscles, short tail and wing feathers, and are often fed by their parents outside of the nest for a few days. So, assess the situation and if the wild bird is indeed injured move on to the next step of care.
How long does it take for an injured bird to recover?
You might notice drooped wings, and they sit very still in one spot. If the bird is in a safe place, then you should leave it alone to recover. If the bird is still conscious without any serious injuries, it will likely recover within a few minutes.
How do you know if a bird is dying?
Wheezing, clicking noises, labored or rapid breathing are all signs your bird is very ill. You may also see them moving their tail up and down and stretching of the neck which are body movements they make to try to bring more air into their system. Open mouth (or beak) breathing is also a sign of difficulty breathing.
What does a bird in shock look like?
Shock is characterized by a bird that is fluffed up, unresponsive, slow breathing, and weak. For recovery, the ideal location is a quiet, dimly lit environment. The temperature should provide warmth, and it should be humid, if possible.
What you should do if you find an injured bird?
Make sure the bird is injured not orphaned. Some birders can mistake young, orphaned birds for injured ones. Place the wild bird in a cardboard box and cover it with a lid or towel. Check on the bird periodically to ensure that the situation is getting better.
What should you do if you find an injured wild bird?
If you find an injured bird, carefully put it in a cardboard box with a lid or a towel over the top, and place in a cool, safe place. Birds go into shock very easily when injured, and often die from the shock. If a bird has hit a window and is still alive, it may just need a little time to regain its senses, then may be able to fly away.
How to help sick or injured small birds?
Keep feeders clean to minimize contagion to other birds
How to find help for injured birds?
Start by calling a bird rescue center such as Save Our Seabirds or Wildlife Inc.