What To Do If You Found Sick or Injured Waterfowl

Protect Yourself

Wear gloves. When dealing with waterfowl, a thick pair of work gloves can prevent personal injury. A net is very useful for capturing animals that will try to flee or fly. If a body of water is nearby, get between the water and the animal. If the bird is not flighted, you can try to herd it towards an area like a wall or bush where you can more easily catch it.

Prepare a Container

A large crate or large box with air holes, lined with newspaper or a sheet/towel will work for most large birds.

Put the Bird in the Box

Cover the bird’s head with a towel, keep the wings tucked into the body, and always be careful of its bill and wings. Immediately close the box.

If You Can’t Transport It Immediately

• Keep the bird in a warm, dark, quiet place.
• Do not give it food or water. Feeding an animal an incorrect diet can result in injury or death. Also, a captured animal will get food and water stuck in its fur/feathers potentially leading to discomfort and hypothermia.
• Do not handle it. Leave the animal alone. Remember human noise, touch and eye contact are very stressful to wild animals.
• Keep children and pets away from it.

Transport the Bird

For further assistance on where and how to transport, please refer to the "Who to Call for Help" section on this page.

During transport, keep the bird in the box or crate, keep the car quiet (radio off).