Every year, many veterinary clinics receive "orphaned" or "abandoned" baby birds brought in by the members of the public every spring. More frequently than not, these birds are actually fledglings that recently left their nest and have not learned how to fly properly. These birds are not lost or helpless. Fledglings will spend a short period of their time, hopping along the ground, practicing their flying skills while still being fed and protected by their parents.
Before picking up a baby bird and bringing it into the nearest vet clinic, it is important to ask yourself a few questions first.
Help Fortitude Valley Vet, I found a baby bird!
Is this a nestling or a fledgling, Fortitude Valley Vet?
A nestling is unable to perch on your finger or branch, is bald or has down feathers. In contrast, a fledgling is covered in feathers and can perch on your finger without any problem.
Is the bird injured, Fortitude Valley Vet?
If the bird is able to move by itself and hop around, then it is unlikely that it is injured. Any obvious trauma, like bite wounds, a broken leg or wing, will need veterinary care.
Is this bird in a safe place, Fortitude Valley Vet?
Pets, kids, cars and other people present a risk to the baby bird. Place fledglings in a tree or shrub off the ground. Then leave the fledgling alone.
Nestlings should be returned to the original nest if possible. It may be quite difficult as their nests are well hidden. Provide a substitute nest by tying a basket or small box in a tree and line the nest with tissues.
As mentioned before, the parents are probably close by and watching from a safe distance. Your presence near the safe place can prevent the parents from reclaiming their offspring. Monitor the bird from a distance or even better, come back after 2 hours. If the nestling is still unclaimed, with no sign of any parent feeding the baby bird, then it will be time to bring the bird to a wildlife carer.
