BABY BIRDS: WHEN TO RESCUE, WHEN TO LEAVE ALONE
In the spring and summer nesting season, members of the public often pick up garden bird fledglings (e.g. sparrow, blackbird, robin - pictured) who are simply learning to fly and don’t need to be rescued. If the baby is not sick/injured and the parents are around, reuniting the baby with the parents is always the best outcome.
When to pick up a fledgling and take to a rescue:
§ if it is a pigeon (parents won't feed them on the ground)
§ if the fledgling is injured, looks sick or has been attacked by a cat (even if looks unijured, cat saliva is toxic to birds)
§if not sick or injured but parents have not been seen after monitoring for about 2 hours
§ if found in a dangerous location and there is nowhere safe to put back and monitor
What to do
Before calling us please:
- Ensure the bird is moved out of danger
- Place the bird in a closed and ventilated cardboard box (make lots of holes)
- Place tissues under the bird to help soak any droppings
- Put the bird in a safe place at room temperature
- Unless the bird is in critical condition or a small baby, place a bowl of water for the bird to drink to prevent dehydration
- Do not feed pigeons meat/dairy products
- Do not squirt water into the mouths of birds or animals; it could cause them to choke or cause aspiration pneumonia and may kill them
- In many cases food may kill the bird (e.g. internal injuries, canker), so do not offer food if the bird is in critical condition and never force feed (warmth and isolation are the most important factors)
Then call LWP on 07909 795064
Pigeons
Advice and a starting point for those kind-hearted people who have picked up a sick, injured or baby pigeon and need guidance on the next steps
Gallery of recent rescues
Corvids
Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs are declining in numbers and need our help.
We will be able to direct you to your nearest hedgehog rescue centre and assist where possible. Tel: 01584 890801
Visit British Hedgehog Preservation Society website
Bats
Any bat that is found on the ground, or in an exposed area, especially during the day, is likely to need help. If the bat is on the ground, on an outside wall, or in an exposed area where it may be vulnerable, it should be contained in a box (see the instructions below).
Swift
These amazing birds have shared our buildings ever since the Romans came to Britain.
Swift Conservation provide support throughout the UK & Europe.
Foxes
Mama Cat Trust is the first point of contact here
The main issue for foxes is mange which is extremely prevalent now in London and severely debilitating. It causes them a great deal of misery and suffering resulting in death if they are not treated for it. The link gives advice on how you can help foxes with mange.
Cats
Lost, found and feral cats.
Have you lost a cat and are unsure of what to do next? Or have you found a cat and you're not sure whether it is a stray or feral? Take a look at our guides.
Waterfowl
We frequently get calls for assistance with water birds. We will do our best to link callers with water bird rescuers.
Here is some basic information on assessing the casualty and the first steps.
The Swan Sanctuary is a charity dedicated to the care and treatment of swans and waterfowl with an established worldwide reputation.
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE EXACT LOCATION OF THE SICK OR INJURED SWAN TO HAND
Amphibians
Common Toads are very particular about where they breed and often migrate back to their ancestral breeding ponds each year. They follow the same route, regardless of what gets in their way, which sometimes leads to them crossing roads. We get a toad vs. traffic scenario and the toads inevitably come off worse. For info & advice contact Froglife
Squirrels
Insects
Deer
