Write a short story about how you rescued a wounded bird or animal and nursed it back to health and freedom
Answers
How to Provide a Dark and Quiet Place for the Bird
Put the bird into a small cardboard box lined with paper towels or fabric. Do not use fabric with loops like terry cloth, as little toes can become hopelessly tangled. You want the animal to remain fairly still, so the size of the box should be somewhat cozy.
Cover the box with a towel or an old sweatshirt (something a little bit heavy). If the box has a lid, like a shoebox, it is fine to use it, as long as there are a few small holes for air.
Now, place the box in a quiet location. Again, you want the bird to be able to remain as calm as possible; any chance of healing will depend on it.
Total darkness will help the bird stay calm, so keep it in a dark closet, storage room, or extra bathroom.
How to Provide Warmth
An injured bird will be in shock and, as with humans, will be unable to regulate its body temperature. Keeping it warm is essential.
If you have a heating pad, set it on low and place it under half of the box. This way the bird could move on or off the heat source as needed. Do not put the heating pad into the box as this could be too warm.
If you have no heating pad, fill a plastic bottle with hot water (not boiling, just hot). Wrap the bottle in a towel and place it next to the bird, inside the box. If the box is too small to accommodate both a bottle and a bird, setting the bottle against one side of the box is the next best thing.
What to Do Next
Get on the phone or go online and find a licensed wild bird rehabilitator.
How to Find a Wild Bird Center or Rehabilitator
Many licensed rehabilitators do not list themselves in the phone book, so finding the closest one to you might take a few calls or a little research. Keep in mind that most wildlife rehabilitators are volunteers that are doing this out of the kindness of their hearts. In most cases, it is not a paid position. In fact, the rehabilitator is often footing all of the costs him or herself, so please be kind and appreciative. Also, keep in mind that their license probably does not allow them to display birds, so please don't ask to see the other birds at the facility.