Birds that are in shock appear weak, unresponsive, fluffed up and breathe in slowly and out quickly. Place the bird in a quiet, semi-dark, warm, humid environment. Warmth is essential in getting birds through a state of shock – temperature should be between 25 and 30 degrees.
It may be that the bird is in shock and will soon recover so you can let it go. If it is more seriously injured, this will reduce stress on the bird until you can get advice on how you can help it.
Birds go into shock very easily when injured, and often die from the shock. If a bird has hit a window and is still alive, it may just need a little time to regain its senses, then may be able to fly away. Do not try to force feed or give water to the bird.
A dead bird looks like it has poor muscle tone will appear stiff and is cold to touch. A stunned bird looks like it is limp and weak from the physical trauma. Cover the bird with a cloth to keep it warm and check on the bird every 20 minutes. Recovery time may take a few minutes and some may take up to 2-3 hours.
Depending on the severity of the impact, it may take just a few minutes or up to 2-3 hours for a bird to recover, and during that time it should be stimulated as little as possible.
Treat for Shock
Birds that are in shock appear weak, unresponsive, fluffed up and breathe in slowly and out quickly. Place the bird in a quiet, semi-dark, warm, humid environment. Warmth is essential in getting birds through a state of shock – temperature should be between 25 and 30 degrees.
Birds with head trauma should be kept quiet, dark and cool (T 23C) to prevent vasodilatation of the intracranial blood vessels. Steroids are no longer recommended. Avoid over perfusion of fluids. Birds having seizures may need to be wrapped gently in a towel.
Biting, hissing, lunging, and excessive screaming are all signs to watch out for. Fear – While not all birds are outwardly friendly, if your bird suddenly becomes timid and avoids being handled, this could be a sign that your feathered friend is stressed.
Try to restrain the bird immediately. Place it inside a small container (e.g., unwaxed paper bag or cardboard box) and move the container to a dark, quiet, warm space. B. Contact your local wildlife rescue (see list below) as soon as possible and arrange for the bird to be transported to their facility.
According to psychologist and ecologist Gay Bradshaw, PhD—who established the field of trans-species psychology—captive birds experience Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from prolonged, repeated suffering.
The Bird-Shock Flex-Track is a low-profile electrified track that sends intermittent electric impulses to make the birds stay away long-term without hurting them.
These signs may include feather picking, depression, behavior changes, seizures, shallow breathing, lack of muscle control (ataxia), difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), increased thirst and urination, and green or bloody diarrhea.
If you have found a sick or injured bird it will need to see a vet before coming into care. If you are able to safely contain the bird, you can keep it in a quiet, dark, warm place e.g. wrapped in a towel in a ventilated box or carrier with a lid while you transport it to the nearest vet.
Most birds with minor concussions recover within an hour or two if they're going to recover at all. If blood or black spinal fluid is coming from the mouth, the bird is most likely fatally injured.
Bad Luck
In some cultures, a dead bird is seen as a negative omen or bad luck. It will symbolize bad luck if you see a dead bird in your yard or near your home. It may also symbolize bad luck if you find a dead bird while hunting or during a special event, like a wedding.
After colliding with glass, some birds may be only temporarily stunned and without lasting injury — but often they are not so lucky. In many of these cases, birds suffer internal hemorrhages, concussions, or damage to their bills, wings, eyes, or skulls.
The following are indications that a bird may be sick or injured: The bird is quiet, dull, the eyes may be closed, and it has fluffed feathers (the bird looks “puffed up”). It may have an obvious wound, breathing problems, a drooping wing, or show lameness or an inability to stand.
Depending on their species, a bird will make loud noises. However, a sudden increase in screaming and screeching may indicate that a bird is stressed, unhappy, or bored. Just as biting can be indicative of pain or discomfort, so can screaming.
Symptoms of a depressed bird can include: Fluffed-up feathers. Loss of appetite. Change in droppings.
More than 70% of birds die of head trauma instantly or within minutes. Of those that survive, the majority suffer a concussion. Many suffer internal bleeding, severe bruising and/or shock. Some are left with a fractured wing, clavicle (collarbone), sternum (breastbone) or other incapacitating injury.
Description: Concussions, fractures or lacerations can all occur with head injuries. Birds can often recover quickly from seemingly serious head injuries.