How to Determine If the Bird is InjuredIf you see an adult bird on the sidewalk with its eyes closed and/or not moving, the bird likely hit a window and is stunned. The following are characteristics of an adult bird in need of help:
- Lying on its side or sitting motionless on its stomach
- Allowing humans to closely approach
- Attempting but failing to fly
- Bloody or with apparent wounds
- Visible broken legs or drooping wings
- Swollen or closed eyes
How to Contain and Secure an Injured BirdApproach the bird slowly and quietly from behind, pointed away from traffic, so as to not scare it. Do not talk to the bird as you walk toward it. Wild birds are frightened of humans and will try to escape, often flying back into glass or into the street. Gently but firmly grab the bird by putting one or two hands over its wings; put it into an unwaxed paper bag, cloth tote bag, or box. Make sure you close the container completely: do not leave the top open, because the bird might try to escape as it begins to come to its senses (even though it likely still needs more help).
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I’ve done a lot of research on Google, but almost everything I find is about budgies that are obviously ill or having issues before their time.
Maxi, our aging son, is more than ten years old and manifests clear signs of declining health. He is by far the longest-living of our birds; the majority have died between seven and eight years old.
He appears to be in good health and is agitated, but there may be more going on with him than just getting older.
Is there anything more we can do to help him feel comfortable, aside from keeping him warm, calm, and not startled, or am I overlooking something and he could be genuinely unwell?
FAQ
How do you know if a bird is dying?
What to do if you see a dying bird?
How do you comfort a sad bird?