Rogers
Wildlife
Rehabilitation Center
Found a Bird?
How to Know If a Bird Needs Help
A bird needs immediate medical attention if it:
- has ingested lawn chemicals, fertilizers or other toxic substances
- has hit a window or building
- has been hit by a car
- has been attacked by a wild or domestic animal
- is having difficulty breathing
- is showing neurological symptoms (including eyes ticking to the side repeatedly, severe head tilting, tremors, convulsions and paralysis)
- is having difficulty flying or walking
- is unable to get away from you
- is having any issues with vision or inability to open eyes
- is covered in oil, sticky substances or is stuck to a glue trap, fly tape or other sticky trap
- is comfortable with humans (it may be a pet or may be otherwise unable to survive on its own)
Overnight Care
If you are unable to transport the bird to us before we close for the day and are unable to reach us, please follow these guidelines. These are general guidelines, meant for short term, emergency care. Please call us ASAP for more species and injury specific care instructions.
Baby Birds
- Always exercise caution when rescuing wild birds. The easiest way to grab a bird on the ground is to throw a towel or cloth over it and gently pick it up.
- Place the bird in a securely lidded box on a t-shirt or a towel and allow for air.
- Place the box on a heating pad set on the lowest setting. Baby birds MUST be kept warm or their chances of survival drop severely.
- Keep the box inside the house in a quiet, dark area away from children and pets.
- If the bird opens its mouth and begs, you can feed it dry cat or dog food that's been soaked in water until it's spongy every time it begs. Wet cat or dog food can also be given, but dry food is preferred. Stop feeding it when it stops begging or when you can see the food in the back of its throat. They only need to be fed during daylight hours.
- DO NOT GIVE THE BIRD WATER with an eye dropper, as it can very easily aspirate the fluids into its lungs, which can later develop into life-threatening pneumonias.
- DO NOT FORCE FEED THE BIRD. You may injure the bird doing this improperly.
- PLEASE bring the bird to us ASAP, as it will need a properly balanced diet to prevent metabolic deficiencies and may need life-saving medical care.
Adult Birds
- Always exercise caution when rescuing wild birds. The easiest way to grab a bird on the ground is to throw a towel or cloth over it and gently pick it up.
- Place the bird in a securely lidded box on a t-shirt or a towel and allow for air.
- Place the box on a heating pad set on the lowest setting. Diseases and illnesses will often lower a bird's body temperature, worsening its condition.
- Keep the box inside the house in a quiet, dark area away from children and pets.
- If the bird can stand on its own, you can offer it a bowl of water.
- DO NOT GIVE THE BIRD WATER with an eye dropper, as it can very easily aspirate the fluids into its lungs, which can later develop into life-threatening pneumonias.
- DO NOT FORCE FEED THE BIRD. You may injure the bird doing this improperly.
- PLEASE bring the bird to us ASAP, as it will need a properly balanced diet to prevent metabolic deficiencies and may need life-saving medical care.
Why Can't I Keep It?
As much as you and your children may want to keep the bird and as much fun as it may seem, there are many reasons why we discourage them being kept as pets.
It's bad for the animals
- Wild birds need very specifically formulated diets and can develop crippling nutritional diseases without it.
- The bird may have an injury or illness that may not be noticed by someone without avian veterinary expertise and may lead to death without proper medical treatment.
- If not rehabilitated properly, the bird may become extremely comfortable with humans, domestic pets, and other situations. These animals may pose a nuisance or hazard to humans which can, in turn, easily become a risk to the animals' safety as well. They may even become unable to survive on their own if they become too reliant on human contact for feeding, shelter, and protection.
It's against the law
- Almost all wild birds are protected by The Migratory Bird Treaty Act, a federal law, as well as state and local laws. These laws protect wild birds, their nests and eggs from killing and/or unlicensed possession.
- According to federal law, wild birds can only be kept for up to 48 hours by unlicensed persons with intent to relocate to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
What if I have already been caring for a wild bird?
If you have been caring for a wild bird, you should bring it to an avian wildlife rehabilitor as soon as possible. We understand your good intentions but the average american home is not the place for a wild bird. The sooner the bird can be given a proper diet and medical care, the better its chances.
Found a Mammal or Reptile?
As we are a wild bird-only rehab center, we do not accept other kinds of animals. Check out the resources below to find a licensed rehabilitator for the species.
- List of Texas Wildlife Rehabilitators by County (Make sure to check surrounding counties too!)
- Call the DFW Wildlife Coalition at (972) 234-9453
Far away? Find Someone Closer
- List of Texas Wildlife Rehabilitators by County (Make sure to check surrounding counties too!)
- Call the DFW Wildlife Coalition at (972) 234-9453
- Not in Texas? Contact your local animal control or parks and wildlife department for more information.
More Information
Texas Parks & Wildlife / Law Enforcement
800-792-4263
