Every year scores of baby birds are taken to vets and RSPCA Qld’s Wildlife Hospital when in fact they should have been left where they were.
“Sadly this happens all the time,” said RSPCA Qld’s spokesperson Michael Beatty. “People think they’re doing the right thing by “rescuing” chicks that are healthy and being looked after by their parents. They mean well but it often ends up very badly for the chicks.”
Do you know what to do if you find a baby bird? Read our tips on when to rescue and when to reuniting baby birds here.
Cats and dogs can kill and severely wound native birds and wildlife, particularly the young and flightless. Responsible pet ownership includes confining your cat/s and dog/s (particularly at night). Residents can further assist native birds by planting bushy indigenous shrubs and ground cover to provide protection and camouflage. This will help increase the survival rate of young birds, and will significantly reduce the injury and mortality rates of all wildlife species.
Do you know how wildlife friendly you are? Take our wildlife quiz here to find out!
Remember, if you find an injured, sick or baby bird and are not sure what to do, call our 24/7 Animal Emergency Hotline 1300 ANIMAL for real time advice.
