RANT FOR TODAY: PLEASE DON'T DO THIS TO BIRDS!

Maureen Eiger

RANT FOR TODAY: PLEASE DON'T DO THIS TO BIRDS!
1) DON'T! find a bird and decide to keep it because you have "experience" in raising chickens, pet birds or just think what you read on the internet works. Then as the bird is not looking good (or you realize how much work is really involved) you actually do what you should have done in the first place and find a Federally permitted/licensed bird rehabber and take the bird to them.
Then you expect them to perform a miracle to save the bird that probably could have been saved if you called when you first found the bird or at least within 12 hours of when you found it. Stop right now and look up a rehabber near you. 

2) DON'T give a baby bird or fledgling bird water down its throat. Baby birds get water from the food they eat- usually insects or sometimes small fruits. It is easy to aspirate a baby bird and most of the time syringing water down its throat will kill it, which also goes with...

3) DON'T Feed the baby bird! It is easier for rehabbers to save a bird that was never fed any food or a weird diet found on the internet. Keeping a baby bird warm and in a box away from animals and people will do more to save its life. Most people don't feed the bird often enough or give that species the wrong food. Not all birds eat worms, or dog food, or cat food, or seeds, or bread, or applesauce, or any of the other crap the internet says is OK. Send a photo of the bird to the rehabber. IF the bird needs to stay with you for a while before transport they will tell you what to feed it. Most birds (except hummingbirds) can easily go 24 hours without food. Just think about severe storms or hurricanes, what do birds do? They hunker down and dont get food and survive! (As long as the storm is not going on for days on end.)

4) DON'T let your pets out unattended. This is the time of year when you should check your yard first for baby birds and other animals before you let your dog out. Keep your cats inside or contained. For heavens sake (and the cat) don't let your cat out overnight! Its not safe after dark for your cat or the wildlife it may run into.

5) Rehabbers need your patience. Most of us are very busy taking care of callers or birds that need care. If we don't respond immediately by answering the phone - leave a message. You will get an answer quicker if you leave a message. If you keep calling and just hang up we think you are a robocall and may block your number. So call and leave a message. If it has been hours, try texting a message with a photo of the bird and ask your question. Cell phones do get funny and do not always send your messages (in a timely manner) or even have your number show up. 

Occasionally rehabbers have to eat, use the bathroom or sleep so be considerate. Unless we work at a large center we are all volunteers and work long hours. To most of us this profession is a calling, not a 9-5 job. Be kind. Ask if they need anything before you drop the bird off. Bring some food, paper towels or tissues or a monetary donation when you arrive. Even a small donation shows you appreciate what they do and every little amount adds up so they can continue saving birds. Say thank you!

6) Share the word. It takes a village to Help Wild Birds
Thank you
Rant over
-Maureen

NOTE: The baby cardinals (pictured below) were killed by a person that fed them dried meal worms. She thought the dried meal worms were OK to feed the baby birds. The young birds came in cold, barely breathing and were choking to death. One was already DOA and the other died within minutes. A postmortem exam showed dried meal worms were found in their throat. :(