Here is how to rescue a wild bird in need of your help:<\/p>\n
1. Get ready<\/strong><\/p> \u2022 Prepare the container<\/p>\n Place newspaper or straw at the bottom of a cardboard box or cat\/dog carrier with a lid.<\/p>\n If the container doesn\u2019t have air holes, make some, and ensure the container doesn\u2019t leak, or the bird will become wet and chilled.<\/p>\n For smaller birds, you can use a paper sack with air holes.<\/p>\n \u2022 Protect yourself<\/p>\n Wear gloves, if possible.<\/p>\n Some birds may stab\/peck you with their beaks, slice you with their talons or slap you with their wings to protect themselves.<\/p>\n Take into consideration that birds commonly have parasites like fleas, lice or ticks and can carry diseases.<\/p>\n \u2022 Cover the bird with a light sheet or towel.<\/p>\n 2. Transporting the bird<\/strong><\/p>\n Gently pick the bird up and put it into the prepared container.<\/p>\n Do not hold the bird across its chest as this can damage the crop and the internal organs of the bird, which will kill it.<\/p>\n The correct manner of holding a bird is as follows:<\/p>\n Place a hand over the top of the bird very gently with your index finger and middle finger parting in a \u201cV\u201d.<\/p>\n The neck of the bird should rest between the arches of the \u201cV\u201d as to stabilise its head and neck.<\/p>\n With your other hand, support the bottom of the bird and allow its feet to rest comfortably in your hand.<\/p>\n 3. Caring for the bird<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Keep the bird in a warm, dark, quiet place \u2013 keep children and pets away.<\/p>\n \u2022 Do not give it food or water.<\/p>\n \u2022 Leave the bird alone, don\u2019t bother or handle it \u2013 stress is the biggest killer of rescued birds.<\/p>\n \u2022 Don\u2019t keep the bird at your home longer than necessary.<\/p>\n \u2022 Keep the bird in a container; don\u2019t let it loose in your house or car.<\/p>\n \u2022 Wash your hands after contact with the bird and wash anything the bird was in contact with \u2013 towel, jacket, blanket, pet carrier to prevent the spread of diseases and\/or parasites to you or your pets.<\/p>\n \u2022 Contact a wildlife rehabilitator, nature conservation department or wildlife veterinarian as soon as possible. Alternatively, contact the NSPCA\u2019s Wildlife Protection Unit for assistance by calling 011 907 3590.<\/p>\n \u2022 Get the bird to a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible \u2013 it will be highly beneficial to the rehabilitators if you keep a record of any injuries you may have noticed when you found the bird.<\/p>\n Also, take note of exactly where you found the bird as this will be very important for release.<\/p>\n PLEASE NOTE: Egyptian geese lead their goslings to water a few days after hatching, often along busy streets. Do not \u201crescue\u201d the goslings by separating them from their parents \u2013 rather escort the family through the traffic to the nearest pond.<\/strong><\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za,<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>or Ashley Kiley (Journalist)\u00a0ashleyk@caxton.co.za.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Also follow us on:<\/p>\nALSO READ: How does an SPCA adoption work?<\/a><\/h4>\n
ALSO READ: Attend a dinner to assist animals in need<\/a><\/h4>\n
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