Once you have a bird in your possession and are seeking transport, or transporting it yourself, it is important to provide basic care. Your primary goal should be to keep the bird calm. Following these simple instructions will avoid further harm to the bird and minimize stress, giving the bird the best chance for survival.
- Do not attempt to give the bird any food or water. Incorrect feeding or watering can choke small birds, and an incorrect diet will not help the bird.
- Place the bird in a container, such as a cardboard box, that has some source of ventilation and been lined on the bottom with a towel or paper towels. Try to match the size of the container to the size of the bird. Providing material at the bottom will make it more comfortable and prevent it from slipping.
- Keep the bird in a warm, dark, quiet place, such as a closet.
- Leave the bird alone. Resist the temptation to talk to it or look at it. Hearing or seeing humans, or our pets, is very stressful to wild birds. They don’t know you are trying to help them.
- Keep children and pets away. They may be curious, but attention will add additional stress to sick or injured birds, diminishing their chance of survival.
- Follow any other instructions Sea Biscuit volunteers may give you.
- Get the bird to rehab as soon as possible.