What Should You Do If a Bird Hits Your Window?
The first thing you should do if a bird lands on your window is to determine its condition. Your window will not be repaired, but for the bird, it could mean the difference between life and death.
How Do You Care for a Bird That Has Hit Your Window?
When a bird lands on your window, attempt to find it. It will likely be near the window. Watch the bird for approximately five minutes if it is sitting upright to see if it recovers. If the bird is merely stunned, it might require several minutes to gather its thoughts before taking off. After a few minutes, if the bird hasn’t moved much, you might need to take further action.
Put on some gloves and grab a shoe box or other sturdy box with a lid if the bird is still not moving. The size of the box should allow the bird to spread her wings. Then poke holes in the top. Something soft, like an old sheet or towel, should be placed along the bottom of the box. Place a small bowl of water in there. Lift the bird up and place him inside of it. Put the box in a cool, dark place that isn’t too hot or cold. Once an hour or two has elapsed, remove the box and open it outside. The bird should have flown away and healed by now if it had a concussion.
It is best to contact a nearby wildlife or bird rehabilitation center if the bird is convulsing, appears to have a broken wing, or does not return to the wild within 2 hours.
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If a bird has just struck your window, observe it for a short while to see if it gets better on its own. If not, you may take care of it by putting it inside a cardboard box with gentle care. Just be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands while handling the bird. After that, put the box somewhere warm and protected from predators like cats, and for the next few hours, check in on the bird. Release the bird outside after two hours, or contact a wildlife expert if it is unable to fly away. Continue reading for additional tips from our veterinary reviewer, such as how to stop birds from flying into your windows.
FAQ
How long does it take for a stunned bird to recover?
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What to do if a bird hits your window and is still alive?