Wild birds Flashcards
DVMs and permits?
OK to provide supportive care for up to 24h before transfer to a licensed rehabber; otherwise must have permits (state and federal permits are required for rehabilitation of native bird species)
Birds exempt from permits
Non-native species
(European starlings, pigeons, house (English) sparrows, domestic waterfowl, poultry, parrots, etc.)
Can you rehab a raccoon, skunk, fox, bat, coyote?
NO-NC prohibits rehab of rabies vector species
Most common reasons for presentation of wild birds to vets
- trauma
- orphans
- toxins
- starvation
- disease
Common causes of traumatic injuries in wild birds
collisions, gunshot, bite wounds
P. multocida from cat bites causes what in birds?
deadly septicemia within 24-48 hours
What % of rehabbed birds are successfully released back into the wild?
40-50%
Handling safety for raptors
- sharp powerful talons are potentially dangerous
- many raptors will bite-especially owls, falcons, eagles, and vultures
- wear heavy gloves, goggles during capture
Handling safety for wading birds
wading birds (e.g. herons, egrets, some aquatic birds such as cormorants) can cause blindness and even death with their beaks. ALWAYS wear eye protection and restrain head at all times
Rehabilitation is useless unless:
- excellent return to funciton
- pre-release conditioning
- bird has survival skills
- appropriate time of year and location for release
Preferred method of euthanasia for birds
Beuthanasia 0.5-1.0 ml/kg IV
Methods of euthanasia that are considered conditionally acceptable
cervical dislocation, decapitation, nitrogen, argon
