Did you find a little bird that fell from the nest? Is it better to pick it up or leave it where it is? What is the right thing to do in these cases?
Have you found a little bird fallen from the nest? Is it better to pick it up or leave it where it is? Every year, from spring onwards, it can often happen to find a nest, a baby bird, during a walk. What is the right thing to do in these cases?
There it is explains the Lipu, remembering that most of the chicks does not fall from the nest but it it abandons spontaneously (blackbirds, sparrows, owls.) even when it is not yet a perfect flyer: these animals are not abandoned but cared for by their parents, who accompany them in their gradual autonomy through the "parental care" typical of each species.
Therefore, collecting a bird of these species means in fact snatching it from the care of the parents, certainly more valid even than the most expert and attentive veterinarian. There are two situations that we must always evaluate: if they are injured animals or in a real state of danger (if of small size threatened by cats or other predators, ended up in the middle of the road) to survive they need human care; if they are healthy chicks, even if still unable to fly, they are not in danger and must be left there.
Also remember that often the source of danger can be eliminated, for example by keeping a pet (dog or cat) in the house, or by moving the small bird a few meters away from the potential threat. However, you can watch over the nest until it is no longer considered safe.
If, however, thebird we found outside the nest it is a Swift, whether it is injured or out of the nest, the story is different, because these birds do not leave the nest until they are completely self-sufficient. For them, therefore, the same indications of rescue as the other chicks do not apply. The young Swift, even if in good health, is unable to walk, fly or feed. No attempted flight must be made.
READ: HOW TO RECOGNIZE A SWIFT
What to do if you need to collect the bird that fell from the nest?
Put on some gloves and take it home, putting it in a cardboard box with holes for ventilation and some newspaper at the bottom. Do not use cages or cat carriers. Wild animals are intolerant of captivity and if placed in cages or carriers they can become agitated and seriously injured. Leave the animal quiet and let it rest away from noise.
Chick he needs to eat and drink only during the day, at regular and different intervals according to the stage of development: approximately every half hour for the featherless nestlings and every 2-3 hours for the feathered nestlings. As a universal emergency food, it is possible to administer: small pieces of raw meat or moths (flour or honey larvae) and water with a dropper or syringe without a needle. Never and under any circumstances (both for young and adult birds) feed pieces or crumbs of bread, milk or milk derivatives.
Do not put food or water in the box, to prevent it from getting dirty, infecting any wounds. Never improvise veterinary care e contact the nearest Recovery Center as soon as possible. For further information call the National Headquarters of Lipu tel 0521/273043 (Mon - Fri 8.30-17.30) or contact your relevant Provincial Administration.
