Wild About Animals

LESSON FOR THE DAY ~ Always place injured birds that can't stand up by themselves in a "doughnut" and place them in a box. Do not give them any food or water.
This bird is a Northern Mockingbird. It was found on the ground last night and was laying on its back. The person did put the bird in a box but it could not stand and was left laying on its side. The finder also dripped some water down the bird's mouth before calling for help. Not a good thing to do.
While on the phone, I had them make a nice "doughnut" for the bird so it could be in an upright natural position. After they did that they said the bird looked more comfortable and alert.
Unfortunately the mocker came in "mouth breathing." It is hard to say if the mouth breathing is from being aspirated when it was given water or if it was from the impact.
SO - Please keep birds supported upright in a box (as shown in the photo below) not laying on their side. Birds have air sacs along the sides of their body that expand and contract when the the bird breathes. Injured birds should be gently supported so air sacs can expand and contract and the bird can breathe easily. Do not try to give any food or water - unless you are instructed otherwise by your rehabber. You can very easily aspirate an injured bird and that alone can kill a bird. Help save a bird, feel free to share.
Learn more at www.helpwildbirds.org
There is more information on our website and guidance on what to do if you find a bird that needs help.