how to help birds with broken wings

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When you come upon an injured bird or a chick on the ground that appears to be orphaned, your first instinct is to help. But it’s always best to stop and think. In many cases, the best action is to do nothing.

However, if you encounter a bird that is obviously injured – or if it will be in danger if it remains where it is – do your best to take it to a safe place. Remove it to a cool, safe place, if possible. Birds go into shock very easily, and anything you can do to keep that from happening will greatly improve the bird’s chance of survival. Don’t try to feed the bird or make it drink. If a bird has just hit a window, it may simply need time to regain its senses. If it has obvious injuries (such as bleeding or a broken wing), you should try to contact a wildlife rehabilitation agency. Los Angeles Audubon has a great list of contacts in the Los Angeles area.

If you have found a chick on the ground, it is almost always best to leave it where it is. When many young birds first fledge and leave the nest, they may still have a little down with short tail and wing feathers. Fledglings often also have weak flight muscles and may be fed for a few days by their parents outside of the nest. This is a vulnerable time for young birds, as they are easy prey for roaming cats and other predators. It is important to keep fledglings safe and to allow the parents to continue feeding them. If the bird has fallen out of the nest prematurely, or if a tree was cut down and a nest of young is found, a rehabber may be needed.

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Put on some gloves to shield yourself from any bacteria the bird may be carrying before attempting to assist a bird with a broken wing. Wearing gloves, gently wrap the bird in a towel to help it relax and stop it from injuring itself any more. After wrapping the bird, put it inside a cardboard box with another towel inside to keep it cozy and safe. It is likely too afraid to eat or drink, so don’t give it food or water. After you’ve placed the bird in a box, give your neighborhood veterinarian a call to get their advice. Try contacting local bird rescues to see if they can take in the bird if they are unable to assist you. Continue reading for additional advice from our Veterinary co-author, such as how to give an injured bird more heat!

However, if you encounter a bird that is obviously injured – or if it will be in danger if it remains where it is – do your best to take it to a safe place. Remove it to a cool, safe place, if possible. Birds go into shock very easily, and anything you can do to keep that from happening will greatly improve the bird’s chance of survival. Don’t try to feed the bird or make it drink. If a bird has just hit a window, it may simply need time to regain its senses. If it has obvious injuries (such as bleeding or a broken wing), you should try to contact a wildlife rehabilitation agency. Los Angeles Audubon has a great list of contacts in the Los Angeles area.

Your first reaction is to assist a wounded bird or a chick that looks to be abandoned when you see it on the ground. But it’s always best to stop and think. In many cases, the best action is to do nothing.

With a kind donation today, you can support our efforts to keep providing the Los Angeles region with this excellent programming. Thank you!.

It is nearly always preferable to leave a chick that you find on the ground where it is. Many young birds may still have some down with short tail and wing feathers when they first fledge and leave the nest. In addition to frequently having weak flight muscles, fledglings may receive food from their parents outside of the nest for a few days. Young birds are particularly vulnerable during this period because they make easy prey for roving cats and other predators. Encouraging fledglings to remain safe and to be fed by their parents is crucial. A rehabber might be required if the bird left the nest too soon or if a tree was chopped down and a nest of young birds was discovered.

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FAQ

How can I help my bird with a broken wing at home?

A bird with a broken wing (or other injury) should not be moved except when absolutely necessary, even if it is your pet bird. This will help prevent further injury for the bird. Pick the bird up with a towel, wrap it in a towel, and place it in a shoebox. Then don’t move the bird again unless absolutely necessary.

Can a birds broken wing heal by itself?

A bird’s broken wing can sometimes heal on its own, but the healing process can be slow, and the bird may not regain full use of the wing. In many cases, a broken wing can cause permanent damage or disability, which can make it difficult for the bird to survive in the wild.

Can a bird still fly with a broken wing?

Yes, quite often a bird with a broken wing will still be able to flutter around; not take flight, but rather will move about on the ground in circular patterns using its good wing.

How do you feed a bird with a broken wing?

Put the bird in a dark, warm, quiet space, away from children and pets. Avoid interacting with, talking to, and handling the bird, as this will cause it additional stress. Never give a bird food or water. Immediately contact your local wildlife rehabilitation facility.