Keep it in a box or paper sack in a warm dark place, away from kids and pets. If it seems to be tame, chances are it is in shock and needs peace and quiet to recover and to lessen its stress.
If it is a bird of prey, you may offer raw chopped chicken. However, if it is dehydrated, it must not be fed until totally rehydrated. In that case, offer Pedialyte or Gatorade, dripped at the edge of the beak. Do not fill its mouth, or it may aspirate and drown right in front of you.
If it is a songbird, offer it dry cat or dog food, crushed up and moistened with water. This is not a complete diet, but will hold most species until you can get it to the rehabber.
Only English sparrows, starlings, and feral pigeons are not protected by Federal law. No other species can be held without permits from Texas Parks and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. There are heavy fines for noncompliance.
A rehabilitator will get the veterinary care the bird needs, and then do whatever nursing care is needed. Our permits are based on returning animals to the wild. If that is not possible, either the bird may go to an educational situation or be euthanized, depending on the quality of life possible due to his injuries.
That decision is made on a case by case basis. If he can be returned quickly where he has a mate, that will be done. If the cause of his injury is related to the environment there, it may be best to release him elsewhere.
You may call On the Wing Again at (972) 842-2805 after about a week to inquire about the bird. Please do not call our veterinarians. Their staff time doesn't allow for that kind of recordkeeping or phone time.
All of it is covered by private donations. There is no state or federal funding. You may send a check to On the Wing Again, 300 Chapparal Road, Ferris, Texas, 75125, or drop off a donation with the bird, if you wish. It is not required.
Oh, did you want to volunteer?
