The Weirfield Wildlife Hospital

Injured, Abandoned or Orphaned Birds

A baby bird, even when on the ground will be fed regularly as the parent is most likely close by.
Do not think that because the bird appears alone that it had been abandoned, the parent may just not be visible.
There is always a period of time just after the youngster has left the nest when it spends most of the day either on the ground or hopping amongst shrubs and trees.
During this time it does not need to be scooped up and brought inside. Please do not rush in and pick it up, leave it where it is and watch it from a careful distance.
If it is in danger from traffic, cats, larger birds, strong sunlight or heavy rain move it to a safer spot (using gloved hands) nearby so the parents can find it.
Only if the bird has been alone for more than a couple of hours should you consider stepping in, but do not attempt to rear the bird yourself. Take it to your nearest wildlife rescue centre, or call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 as they will have the knowledge and expertise to deal with the casualty.
However, if it is a newborn (no feathers, eyes closed) get it to a wildlife centre as soon as possible. It needs to be kept warm but do not attempt to feed it or give it water as you could drown it.
Several people are worried about doing the bird more harm by actually catching it. The most important thing to remember is to stop the wings flapping by gently picking the bird up with both hands around its body and over its wings.
By preventing it from flapping, you will not only stop it from sustaining any further injury, but the bird will struggle less, making it easier to transfer it to a cardboard box.
Please remember that some birds have very powerful beaks. Birds such as seagulls, rooks, crows, jackdaws and magpies will need to be handled using gloves, as they will use their beaks for defence.
Birds of prey will use their extremely sharp claws to warn you off, so be very careful.
Herons and gannets will go for your face and eyes, so make sure that you have a firm grip on the beak at all times.
The best method of transporting any bird is to put it in a cardboard box or pet carrier with a towel or newspaper in the bottom. Keep the box covered at all times to avoid it escaping and it will also help to reduce the stress the bird.
Wire cages should not be used for birds as they will most likely damage their feathers or injure themselves even more.

When should* you rescue a bird?*	When should you not* rescue a bird?*

If the bird is obviously injured	If the bird is out of the nest but being fed
If the bird is out of it's nest and is not feathered (try to return to the nest first if possible)	If it is not safe for you to do so and you are putting yourself in danger
If the bird is out of it's nest and there is no sign of a parent bird for a couple of hours	If the bird is fully feathered and not in any current danger
If the nest has been destroyed and the occupants are not fully feathered	If you are unable to take it to a rescue centre straight away – call the RSPCA 0300 1234 999
If the bird is in immediate danger from a cat, cars or any other threat
If both parents have been killed

We feed baby birds every 15 minutes – so please do not wait to bring the casualty into us – it is critical for the bird’s survival.

Injured, Abandoned or Orphaned Mammals

It is normal to see fox cubs during the day wandering about above ground from the age of about four weeks. Therefore if you find a cub it is quite likely that it is not abandoned and that its parents or close relatives are not too far away.
If the fox cub is uninjured, in a safe spot and not in danger from traffic please leave it alone.
If the cub is in danger such as on an exposed roadside and uninjured move it to a sheltered safe spot nearby, handling it with gloves if possible to avoid scenting it.
If you find an older cub, with its eyes open and if after leaving it for 12 hours it is still in the same spot, it is generally still better to leave it in the wild and call your nearest wildlife centre for advice.
If the cub is obviously sick, injured or distressed call your nearest wildlife centre for advice.
If you must remove an injured animal from the area, handle it with gloves if possible and make a note of the exact location where you found it and call your nearest wildlife centre for advice.
It is essential that you do not try to rear or care for the animal yourself.
Never endanger yourself. Badgers, foxes and deer can be very dangerous and even when unconscious they can come round very quickly and cause considerable harm.
To check if an animal is still alive always approach with caution and use a stick or umbrella to gently prod it rather than bending down to touch the animal.
Deer leave their young unattended for most of the day. Always leave them alone (if the fawns have human scent on them the adult may abandon them) and keep an eye on them from afar. If there is no sign of a parent after several hours, then call your nearest wildlife centre for advice.
Deer are very difficult to raise and return to the wild if they have been hand reared, please do not touch the baby until an expert has been able to weigh up the situation.
When transporting an injured animal, keeping it warm and covered will help reduce stress and further injury.
Do not over handle the casualty as wild animals are not calmed by contact with humans and talking to them or stroking them will only increase their stress.

When should* you rescue a* baby mammal?	When should you not* rescue a* baby mammal?

If the animal has been in a RTA	If the animal is out of the nest but being fed
If the animal is obviously injured or appears unwell	If it is not safe for you to so and you are putting yourself in danger
If the animal is in immediate danger from a cat, cars or any other threat	It is perfectly normal for the parents to spend time away from the babies. Observe from a distance for several hours and seek further advice if no parents return.
If the mother of nursing babies has been killed	If you are unable to take it to a rescue centre straight away – call the RSPCA 0300 1234 999
If the animal has been caught by a cat or dog	Unless the animal is injured or in immediate danger, it is always best to seek advice from a wildlife centre before removing the animal
If both parents have been killed

A basic rule - if you can approach and pick up any wildlife

it is probably ill or injured and may need help.