Adult birds
RESCUE ADVICE
Birds are the most common type of animal to come into care with Hunter Wildlife Rescue.
Safety first: Before attempting to capture and contain a wild bird, consider that they may transmit disease and/or inflict serious injuries and that your own safety is paramount. If you need to handle a wild bird, make sure you use gloves or a towel and sanitise your hands thoroughly afterwards.
​Capture the bird as quickly as possible by throwing a towel or blanket over it.
Stay calm and keep domestic pets and kids away.
No petting: Once captured, do not handle the bird unnecessarily. Keep the bird upright and do not compress the chest.
Solitary confinement: Place it in a warm, dark and quiet place while you contact our hotline.
If you are required to transport a bird, use a pet carrier or strong cardboard box with a secure lid (wire bird cages are not ideal due to potential for stress and feather damage). The carrier or box should be large enough to hold the bird, but small enough to prevent flapping. Place a clean towel or some newspaper on the bottom and provide ventilation holes if cardboard.
Secure: Ensure that you secure the container – debilitated or unconscious birds can make sudden recoveries! Protect the bird from excessive noise, vibration, extremes of temperature, wind, rain and direct sunlight whilst transporting.
Species-specific considerations
Water birds
Ducks, swans, cormorants, etc.
Do not put water birds in water! It's best that they are contained in a large cardboard box or dog crate with a soft, cushioned floor. An empty shower cubicle, without water, can be ideal for large, messy, waterbirds.
Parrots
Lorikeets, cockatoos, etc.
Parrots have very strong beaks and claws. They are best handled from inside a big towel. A firm grip of their head or neck as if you were holding a cup will prevent bites. Two people may be needed to handle larger parrots.
Small birds
Swallows, wrens etc.
Need to be handled gently to prevent injury to themselves. Hold your hand in a “pistol grip”. The thumb and index finger hold the head, the others support the body.
Pigeons and doves
Crested pigeons, non-native doves
May drop feathers when handled. A firm hold over the flight and tail feathers or the shoulders may reduce feather loss.
Birds in swimming pools
Wet birds can be carefully scooped from the water. If this is impossible, place a board/branch from a tree or towel over the edge and into the water to give them something to grip to allow them to exit the water themselves. Carefully dry with a towel and place immediately in a box with a bottle with warm (not boiling) water until they are fully dry.
Oiled birds
Birds that have been exposed to oils or other toxic chemicals
Oiled birds should be placed in a well-ventilated box, to avoid fume toxicity. Avoid contact with these birds as some chemicals can cause eye irritation and respiratory issues in humans. If you find a bird with oil on it, do not attempt to wash the oil from the bird. Instead, call our rescue hotline immediately.
Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD)
Parrots with feather loss and deformed beaks may have contracted psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD).
Birds of prey
Birds of prey include owls, hawks, goshawks, eagles, osprey and kites.
They are extremely powerful animals and must be contained by a trained rescuer. See more here >
Living with Magpies
Magpies are one of Australia’s most distinctive birds, gracing us for most of the year with their beautiful song. However, during mating season (August to October), a very small percentage (around 11%) become highly aggressive, swooping and attacking visitors to their territory.