Birds are sensitive creatures in and being wild, lots of handling from people can cause a significant amount of stress to them. This stress can be enough to cause them to go into shock, so we want to keep handling to a minimum and try to keep them in a dark, quiet environment as much as possible.
Keeping the bird in the dark helps reduce stress, and a source of heat can help with shock. You can wrap a hot water bottle in a towel and place it inside or next to the box, making sure the bird can get away from the heat if it wants to. If it begins to pant, remove the heat source immediately.
The most common way that a bird can get stunned is when it accidentally flies into a window. Birds do not know that a window is solid and can only see the reflection that is shown in the glass.
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. Do not open the box or bag to check the birds' condition, and do not poke or prod the bird to try and get a response.
Many birds are able to fly off after window collisions, but if they are knocked out or stunned and on the ground they should be gently picked up and placed in a warm, dark, sheltered place for at least two hours.
The bird will generally take 4 to 6 hours to recover from shock if there are no other major medical issues or injuries sustained – if it doesn't – seek advice. While the bird is in shock, don't force it to eat or drink.
Many bird rehabilitators agree that any stunned bird needs proper care. If it's safe to do so, place the bird in a shoe box or a similar box with a lid with a paper towel or cloth under the bird for stability. Once the bird is secured, contact your local wildlife agency or wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.
Scientifically known as thanatosis, or tonic immobility, playing dead occurs across the animal kingdom, from birds to mammals to fish.
Some birds can go into shock and can remain like that for several hours, which is why people often assume that they are dead, when they may not be. There is no exact time for a bird to stay in shock, as it depends on what has happened and the force at which they have hit or injured themselves.
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.
Indications that a bird may be effectively stunned (but not killed): No rhythmic breathing (examine the bird's abdomen).
New research suggests that some birds may know who their human friends are, as they are able to recognize people's faces and differentiate between human voices. Being able to identify a friend or potential foe could be key to the bird's ability to survive.
Let's let John Marzluff, noted corvid researcher at the University of Washington, have the last word: "Birds certainly possess the capacity to mourn — they have the same brain areas, hormones and neurotransmitters as we do, they can feel what we feel"— but that doesn't mean we know when it's happening.
It won't take long for natural decomposition to occur through flies, insects, and bacteria, and a dead bird can decay in just 2 or 3 days. Scavengers such as rats, foxes, and carrion eating birds will also help dispose of a bird's body not long after it has died.
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.
Many are also eaten by predators and all that remains is a small circle of feathers, quickly used by other animals as nesting material. Finally, nature disposes of corpses very quickly, with mammal scavengers, insects and their larvae, bacteria and fungi recycling them within a few days.
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.
Give your bird some new ones frequently to keep it stimulated. Make sure that your bird also gets plenty of "one-on-one" time with you and other family members and that it gets adequate time to play outside of the cage each day. That ride on your shoulder might make a lot of difference in your bird's mood.
Birds that are constantly stressed and sad may eat less and may lose weight or suffer nutritional deficiencies. Extremely anxious birds that feather pick and self-mutilate may permanently damage their feather follicles, preventing regrowth of feathers, and scar their skin.
Recognising Stress in Your Pet Birds
Look at the bird's feathers for an indication if they suffering stress lines. Aggression – If your bird suddenly has a change in their demeanour and becomes aggressive, this could be a sign of stress. Biting, hissing, lunging, and excessive screaming are all signs to watch out for.
The bird is either sick or injured and must be taken right away to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Important: For the bird to have the best chance of recovery and release, you must contact a rehabilitator right away and transport the songbird there immediately. Don't ever try to care for the bird yourself.