In the wild, birds naturally recognise predators and humans are at the top of that list, so when they are rescued, they are quite likely to be in shock and become severely stressed. Just because a bird is sitting quietly and staring at you does not mean it is not stressed, if you were to feel or listen to the creatures heart you would find it would be pounding. In some cases, the stress associated with capture and handling is enough for them to keel over and die. Always bear in mind we are seen as a predator, despite our best intentions.
Signs of stress
In the event that a bird becomes anxious while being examined, you must carefully return it to its box. Give it ten or fifteen minutes and then resume your examination. This will allow the bird to de-stress. Signs of high stress in a bird could include:
- Panting or breathing with its beak open
- Struggling profusely
- Being very noisy
- Fainting or looking sleepy
Since shock has the potential to be fatal, it is crucial that the first responder to the scene take all reasonable precautions to reduce shock and stress. In order to accomplish this, we gently and quickly catch the bird. We then advise putting it in a warm, dark, and quiet placeideally away from petswhile you decide what to do next. Please remember that unexpected noises, strange smells, excessive handling, and cold temperatures will all make the bird feel even more stressed.
It’s crucial to remember that wildlife is wild and shouldn’t be treated like a pet when working with them. e. you would avoid being too hands-on and comforting. The bird will not comprehend your good intentions because to it we are just another predator. Sometimes the birds will appear fearless, and this is typically the case with juveniles and adults who are only slightly conscious after suffering a concussion.
Effects of Stress
Not only is the temporary anxiety of being caught harmful. The entire process of keeping wild birds in captivity while ill or injured can lead to both short-term, everyday stress and longer-term, chronic stress in the birds. It is crucial to minimize stress wherever possible because the chemicals released into the body as a result of stress, such as cortisol, can impair immunity, delay healing, and make a person more susceptible to diseases like aspergillosis.
Im so sorry about your little canary. Yes, extreme stress can cause a bird to die. Its more about stress than fright. If the string had been caught for some time, she might have already been under stress. In order to breathe, birds must also be able to move their chest up and down. A bird may actually suffocate if you grasp it too tightly around the body. Additionally, they are not very good at handling heat, and they can easily become overheated under stress. It’s complicated, but it seems like the string had something to do with her passing.
FAQ
Can birds die from fright?
Is stress bad for birds?
Can birds die from trauma?