WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND A BIRD
If it’s a baby bird: above all, don’t rush… Most young birds are still dependent on their parents when they leave the nest. Many of them don’t wait to learn how to fly before venturing out on their own. Thinking it’s a nestling that has fallen from the nest and is lost, you may be tempted to take it in: unfortunately, this condemns it to almost certain death due to inadequate feeding.
The best thing to do is to leave the chick where it is, or put it on a high branch or in a bush away from cats. If you observe it for a moment from a distance, you may be lucky enough to witness the parents feeding it. If not, or if the chick is in danger or injured, contact the care station for advice.
If it’s a sick adult, call the nursing station.
For reasons of numbers, black crows and city pigeons are not catered for.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND A MAMMAL?
If it’s a sick adult , call the care station.
If it’s a youngster, take a good look around: the parents may not be far away. Perhaps the youngster isn’t really abandoned.
Place the animal in a cardboard box with holes to allow it to breathe. At the bottom, place a cloth or household paper, but be careful not to use absorbent cotton!
If you have a hot water bottle, install it in the box to allow the animal to warm up. Leave enough room for him to move away if he gets hot enough.
Important: do not feed or drink the animal. He’s already traumatized and needs to calm down. Leave the animal alone and close the box. The less stressed he is, the better his chances of survival.
Call the nursing station on +41 (0)79 737 11 23. If you get no response, you can keep the animal overnight and bring it in the next day. But be careful: once again, don’t give the animal anything to eat or drink, and leave it in a quiet place.
