Please note that in Louisiana it is illegal to rehab wild birds without a state and federal license/permit.
It is VERY IMPORTANT to get the bird to a skilled, permitted rehabber.
Here’s why:
DIET: If the bird is not fed the proper diet - including the necessary micronutrients - the bird will not thrive or be capable of survival in the wild. It is illegal to keep a federally protected bird as a pet. The diets found on google are most ALWAYS INCORRECT AND INCOMPLETE. Sure, they may work temporarily for some birds but they are NOT ENOUGH for long term, proper nutrition. Incorrect and incomplete diets lead to a litany of diseases and ailments including, Metabolic Bone Disease, Rickets and Immune Disorders which makes the bird susceptible to Parasites, Trichomoniasis and Coccidia just to name a few.
THE INGREDIENTS IN SOAKED DOG AND CAT FOOD CAN BE HARMFUL TO CERTAIN TYPES OF BIRDS.
NOT ALL BIRDS EAT WORMS. NOT ALL BIRDS EAT SEEDS. NOT ALL BIRDS EAT FRUIT.
PARROT FEEDING FORMULAS DO NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE NUTRITION AND THE INGREDIENTS CAN BE HARMFUL TO CERTAIN TYPES OF BIRDS. *THERE IS A GOOD REASON WHY THE LABEL CLEARLY STATES THAT IT IS NOT INTENDED FOR USE ON WILD BIRDS.
PROPER IDENTIFICATION: If you are unable to properly identify the type of bird, DO NOT FEED IT ANYTHING until you have consulted with a licensed rehabber. We take in birds daily that finders are certain is one type of bird when in fact it turns out to be something totally different. Identifying a bird is not always easy - even to a seasoned rehabber!
DO NOT GIVE WATER!! NEVER GIVE A BABY BIRD, DISEASED BIRD, INJURED or STRESSED BIRD WATER IN THE BEAK as doing so could accelerate death or lead to aspiration and eventual death. When a bird is injured or stressed, food and water is not the first thing a bird needs. Please place the bird in a soft towel-lined box (holes poked in top for ventilation). Keep it in a warm, dark and QUIET place until you can transport the bird to a permitted rehabber.
CAT SALIVA IS LETHAL TO BIRDS and death will occur if the bird is not properly medicated within 24-48 hours.
WE ARE ALWAYS HAPPY TO HELP. This our passion and we do it all For the Birds of Acadiana. ~ Julie Rabalais Founder / Director 337-501-4523 https://www.facebook.com/forthebirdsofacadiana/