| Pest
Advice |
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| Injured Wildlife
Advice By Species |
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| Injured Wildlife
Advice by Scenario |
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| Find a Wildlife
Rescue |
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When to help Waterfowl?
Waterfowl refers to birds which live on ponds and lakes such as Swans, Geese, Ducks and their smaller cousins such as Coots and Moorhens.
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If the bird has been attacked by a dog or hit by a car it will need proper assessment for any injuries.
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If the bird has fishing line tangled round it's body or coming out of it's beak - check that it is line though and not just pond weed!
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Any bird with an obvious injury such as a wound or broken wing
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A bird with a deformed wing. There is a
condition called Airplane or Angel Wing which causes part of the
wing to sit at a right angle to the body. These birds will never fly
& need permanent sanctuary. |
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A pet bird abandoned in the wild. These birds
often can't even swim let alone fly and are easy prey for foxes.
They are easily spotted as they are usually tame and often white or
brightly coloured. |
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A bird which is "oiled" |
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Babies which are alone or groups without a
parent. Observe to see if Mum returns and if not call for help. |
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A duck nesting in an unsuitable location such
as a garden, hanging basket, on a swimming pool etc. They'll be
vulnerable to predators & may need to be relocated. Call a
wildlife rescue for detailed advice. |
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A swan with its foot tucked up on its back. This is quite normal. If you are worried that the bird is injured, try to tempt it onto land with some food to see if it can walk normally.
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What Should I
Do Next?
A small bird such as a duck, coot or moorhen can be
picked up and placed in a secure box. They are not dangerous but can peck
quite hard so best to pick them up in a towel. They will struggle and can
be suprisingly strong. It's worth trying to point the rear end away from
you as well as they have a habit of relieving themselves when scared and
this will be liquid and travelling at a suprising velocity!
Any
fluffy babies which you pick up can also be placed in a cardboard box. It
is essential that you keep them warm and dry. Ducklings cannot dry
themselves (whilst they are fluffy Mum does it for them) and if they are
allowed to get wet they can quickly fade. If you pick up a baby which is
very wet you can dry them lightly with a warm (not hot) hair
dryer.
If you find a swan or goose in need of assistance it is not
advisable that you attempt to rescue them yourself. Although claims that
swans can break your arm with their wing are somewhat exagerated, they are
powerful birds and difficult to
handle. |
