Young Birds Rescue, identification

1
Young BirdsRescue, identification immediate
care

• Norma Henderson
• WIRES
• Northern Beaches Branch

2
The Rescue

• Phone to confirm that-
• It is still alive
• What size is it
• What is it
• Is it convenient to pick it up now

3
The rescue be preparedPeoples idea of size can
differ

• Take with you in the car a carry basket or
  cardboard box containing a towel, hot water
  bottle, small bag
• Does it really NEED rescue
• Check if the parents are around
• If so, is it injured or thin

4
The rescue arriving home

• Check for injuries
• Check identification pointers
• Weigh
• Keep warm with heat pad, hot water bottle or 25
  watt coloured party globe
• Rehydrate with glucose
• Ring with details to-
• bird co-ordinator,
• buddy or experienced carer

5
What bird is this?Solving the puzzle

• How big is it
• Where did it come from
• Were the parents around
• Is there a nest
• What call does it make

6
Different types of bird

• Precocial chicks
• Hatched covered in down
• Run and jump
• Able to peck up food
• Altricial nestlings
• Hatched naked
• Eyes closed
• Totally dependent upon parents

7
Identification - Feet

• The most common layout is 3 toes forward 1
  backward
• Water birds have webbed feet
• Kingfishers and Kookaburras have 2 toes partly
  joined
• Parrots and cuckoos have 2 front and 2 back
  facing toes

8
Identification - MouthGape and flanges
9
Chick housing Warmth and security are the most
important aspectskeep nestling clean
10
Feeding the chick Precocial chicksPeck up food
themselves. They may need teaching
11
Feeding the chick Altricial nestlingsMethods
include spoon, syringe, stick
12
Chick buddying

• Chicks MUST be buddied as soon as possible to
  avoid imprinting and for social contact
• THEREFORE ring the bird co-ordinator ASAP