It is terribly difficult to find a wounded bird in your garden and not knowing how to take care of it until professional help can be obtained.

Injured birds are often scared of their unfamiliar surroundings and the fear of not knowing how to fly back home after being wounded can traumatize them. If you are willing to offer aid to your wounded feathered friend, read on to find out how you can help them heal.

Examine the bird

It is significant to examine the bird briefly and take immediate action to stop bleeding. You may prevent bleeding by placing some clean cloth over the wound and apply firm pressure for about five minutes. Be careful not to restrict the breathing of the bird, if the wound is on the body. Remove the cloth carefully to ensure the bleeding has stopped.

Treat for shock

Birds that are in shock appear unresponsive, weak, fluffed up, and breathe in slowly and out quickly. You need to place the injured bird in a semi-dark, quiet, humid, and warm environment. Warmth is essential and the temperature should be between 25 and 30 degrees. It might take the bird 4 to 6 hours to recover from the shock, and if it takes longer, it is better to seek professional assistance. While the bird is in shock, do not force it to eat or drink.

Visually examine the bird

Visually examine the bird to look for unusual wing positions or any deformity. Note that both the eyes should be open and bright and pupils must be equal in size. Head tilting and periods of eye closing can indicate severe trauma or illness. Check for labored breathing as it may indicate a possible respiratory infection.

Check for wounds and cuts

Gently clean the cuts and wounds using a dilute solution of antiseptic or a solution of warm saltwater. If a canine has injured the bird, it is mandatory to seek veterinary assistance to obtain antibiotic dosage.

Offer first aid

Consider getting a standard first aid kit for the wounded bird. One role of micropore or Vetwrap for taping wings if necessary. Keep one roll of sticky tapes for taping snapping beaks when examining birds and one bottle of antiseptic solution to apply on open wounds.

Feeding

Feeding birds can be quite tricky. You should keep high-protein infant cereal on hand to feed the bird. Other options may include dry cat food, soak it in water and feed it. For fruit-eating birds offer soft and native fruits like figs, papaya, and sweet lime.

Do your best to help the poor bird heal and fly back home.