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Transport Instructions

If you and a permitted rehabber have determined that a bird needs to be transported, please follow the directions below in order to transport the bird safely.  Remember, state and federal laws govern human contact with wild birds, including possession of such birds. All such laws should be followed; only properly permitted persons may receive and retain wild birds.

1) PROTECT YOURSELF appropriately with heavy gloves, long sleeved shirt, heavy long pants, and eye protection such as shop glasses.  For small birds, gloves should be sufficient protection.

2) Prepare a box or crate appropriately sized for the bird to be transported.  Line the bottom of the container with soft T-shirt material.  Please do not use terrycloth material because the loops can injure the bird’s feet.  If you are using a box, punch holes from the INSIDE toward the outside of the lid to allow for air to reach the bird.  That way, rough edges will be on the outside of the box.

3)  If you are transporting a baby bird, be sure to keep it warm by including a source of warmth such as a plastic bottle or tightly tied rubber glove filled with warm water and covered with cloth.  Place the bottle near the baby or underneath the baby.  Be sure the water is not too hot and that there is fabric or material between the baby and the heat source.  Also make sure the water in the container is not able to leak causing the bird to become wet and chilled.  You can also use a sock filled with uncooked white rice.  Place the filled sock in a microwave for a minute or longer, until the sock is moist-warm to the touch (but not hot); place under or near the baby.  Be sure there is material between the baby and the sock, and check to make sure the sock is not too hot.  Adult birds normally do not need a heat source for transfer unless the bird seems chilled.

4)  To capture an injured water bird, try throwing a light blanket over the bird and grabbing from behind, holding the wings close to the body.  Use one hand and arm to support the bird and hold the wings close to the bird’s body and use the other hand to hold the beak.

5)  Gently place the bird in the container and secure the lid tightly.  You can imagine the surprise it would be to be driving down the road with a bird loose in your car.  Birds can recover quickly and escape from a container that is not securely fastened.

6)  Transport as quickly as possible to a properly permitted rehabilitator.  Always reduce stress for the bird by keeping the container in a dark, quiet area whenever possible.  Please refrain from using the radio during transport or allowing children or adults to handle the bird unnecessarily.

7)  Wash and disinfect your hands and any transport materials thoroughly when the transport is complete.

Contributed by Beverly Guthrie

see complete article BIRDS, Those Backyard Jewels

Additional Information on Birds