the bird's body will enable you to check that the temperature is right at a glance. Nestlings of hollow-nesting birds such as the kookaburra appear to be able to manufacture calcium without sunlight. It is still a mystery how they do so. As soon as they fledge and leave the nest hollow they must be given sunlight or vitamin D as with all other fledglings. The most common injuries to Kookaburras are broken wings or legs, internal injuries, concussion and bruising. Unless the bird is bleeding, place it gently in a warm quiet place for about an hour before examining it, because it will almost certainly be suffering from shock. If a hospital box is not available, place the Kookaburra in a cardboard box, making sure it is the right size for the bird so that feathers will not be broken and have to regrow ( which can take up to twelve months). Place some extra holes in the box for ventilation and place a lid on the box. If it is a cold day, a hot water bottle well wrapped in clean towels may be placed at one end of the box to keep the bird warm (about 25C.). Check the temperature of the water bottle every two hours to make sure it is still warm. Be careful, a cold water bottle will act as a heat sink and chill the bird. If the bird is bleeding it can be Wildlife Rescue Magazine
found in a swimming pool, unable to stopped by holding a pad made from a fly, unable to walk – all these are clean cloth such as a handkerchief and important to note. applying pressure with fingers. When was it rescued? If the bird is having difficulty Birds that are held onto without breathing, check mouth and throat and medical attention have been shown to remove any obstructions. have a reduced chance of successful Kookaburras don't usually drink, rehabilitation. they usually derive enough moisture The length of time that an injury from their prey. Unless you are has existed will often determine a experienced with giving water with a bird’s “treatability”. The fresher the syringe, do not risk getting water into injury, the better the chances of the lungs. If you think the bird is successful dehydrated and it rehabilitation. is a very hot day Treatment of you can gently fresh, open dribble water over fractures seem to the top of birds Kookaburras don't usually be quite beak, so that it drink, they usually derive successful, but runs down sides of enough moisture from grossly the beak. their prey. contaminated When a bird wounds and/or is rescued an dry exposed accurate history fracture fragments should be are very reliable indicators that obtained and passed on to anyone who rehabilitation is unlikely. will attend to the bird Kookaburras have weak feet Where was it found? compared with other birds of prey but With few exceptions, wild birds their beaks are large and strong. It is should be released as close to the point preferable to have someone helping of rescue as possible. It is essential that you when examining the bird. Even the place where the bird came from be very young Kookaburras have identified and recorded with as much extremely strong beaks. Take care detail as possible. Why was it rescued? when handling them. Was the bird found on the side of Hold the bird firmly but gently a road, beneath a tree, in a cat’s mouth, well away from your face, keeping all in a backyard, caught by the children, fingers close to the bird's body or you
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R8R R8R
February 2013
v1n6 Part A
may find your nose or your finger held in a vice-like grip which is hard to release. If a wing or a leg is broken it will need to be splinted by a Vet, unless you have experience in doing this. If you are going to transport it to a Vet because of a broken wing place a temporary strapping on it to prevent further damage during transport. Broken bones heal very quickly in birds so it is essential they are attended to urgently otherwise the bone may heal in the wrong position. Check that eyes are wide open and clear, with both being the same size. Any abnormality could indicate concussion or brain damage and a Vet will be necessary because the bird may need medication to reduce the inflammation in the brain. If the bird is standing with head bowed and both wings drooping it is probably feeling very weak. Check the body condition by feeling the keelbone (sternum) at the front of bird on its chest. This should be well rounded and firm. If the keel bone is very sharp the bird has not been eating well, which could indicate disease. Check the throat for Trichomoniasis (canker). This will appear as a cheesy-yellow fast growing, foul-smelling growth, which will be fatal if not treated promptly. Trichomoniasis can prevent the bird from swallowing food, and if it Page 44