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.
Effects of Stress
It is not just the short-term stress of capture that is detrimental. For wild birds kept in captivity while sick or injured, the whole process can cause short-term daily stress, as well as longer term chronic stress. The chemicals released into the body due to stress such as cortisol can cause immune-suppression, delayed healing and predispose them to further disease such as Aspergillosis, so it is essential to reduce stress wherever possible.
Signs of stress
Should a bird become stressed during your examination you will need to place it gently back into its box. Leave it for 10 or 15 minutes before recommencing 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
Capture
Shock can kill and it is important that the first person on the scene ensures that they do everything possible to minimise shock and stress. To do this we capture efficiently and kindly, then recommend that the bird be placed in a warm, dark and quiet area, preferably away from pets while you plan what to do next. Please keep in mind sudden noises, unfamiliar smells, over-handling and cold temperatures will contribute to the bird being stressed further.
Handling
When handling wildlife, it is important to keep in mind that they are wild, and they should not be handled in the same way you would a pet i.e. you would avoid being too hands-on and comforting. To the bird we are just another predator and they will not understand your good intentions. There will be times that the birds seem unafraid and that is usually with young birds and adults that are semi-conscious with a concussion.
Long term tips
Under all this stress we expect them to heal and recover! For birds to do this we should always try to minimise anything that is likely to put them under stress i.e.
Keep noise to a minimum
Handle the wildlife quickly and quietly
Avoid using sudden movements - move calmly and deliberately
Keep pets, children and unnecessary people out of the recovery areas
Keep people traffic to the bare minimum
Where possible give them things to hide behind or under
Avoid stroking and talking to them
Don’t stand staring at them
Don’t place a prey species of bird in the sight of a predatory species
Provide housing that allows the bird some privacy
If you decide to care for a bird long term, please make sure you know what you are doing. Don’t care for a bird just because you think you know! There are experienced individuals and organisations that are looking for volunteers and foster carers, and they will work with you so you can learn to do things correctly.
Permits are also usually required for rehabilitating native, endemic and game birds, so know your country’s regulations before you start caring for birds.
Written by
Mandy Robertson
Wildlife Rehabilitator
(All photos are the copyright of Wild Bird Care – NZ)
Learn Bird Care was co-founded by Dr Janelle Ward and Mandy Robertson and we offer specialist online courses on wild bird rescue, first aid and rehabilitation.
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