Community Involvement

2Feet4Paws Veterinary Clinic believes it is important to play an active role within our community
by constructively contributing towards the welfare of ALL animals, where ethically and clinically possible.

I’ve found an injured bird, what should I do?

For most injured birds, place them gently in a box and keep them quiet, dark and cool. It may be that the bird is in shock and will soon recover so you can let it go. If it is more seriously injured, this will reduce stress on the bird until you can get advice on how you can help it.

Whenever attempting to handle a wild bird it is advisable to pick a bird up by gently covering it with a cloth first. This greatly helps to reduce stress on the animal (& protect yourself),

What should I do with an abandoned baby bird?

Probably nothing. A young bird alone on the ground has not necessarily been abandoned. The young of many birds will fledge after they grow feathers, but before they are able to fly.

They spend a day or two on the ground before their feather development is complete. It is really best not to interfere. The parents will be close by and come to feed the bird as soon as it is safe.

If the bird is in a vulnerable position it will do no harm to move it into shelter but not too far away as the parents will then be unable to find it. Touching a bird will not make the parents abandon it.

Will touching a baby bird make the parents abandon it?

No, birds have little or no sense of smell, but do keep contact to a minimum. It is often easier to pick a bird up by gently covering it with a cloth first.

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I am really concerned about a bird that has been injured.

Ok, give us a call at the Clinic (04 552 0213, during working hours) and we can advise next steps.

However, we do need to make it clear…..

* WE CANNOT TAKE & REHABILITATE BIRDS.
* WE DO NOT HAVE THE FACILITIES TO ISOLATE WILD BIRDS FROM IN-PATIENTS FOR A LENGTHY REHAB PERIOD

For example, feeding and caring for young birds is exceedingly time consuming.
In the case of very young birds, they need feeding every 2 hours around the clock.
Unfortunately, we simply do not have the staffing (nor the facilities) to cope with this.

So, what are the options regarding injured wild birds?

Finders can surrender the bird to us.
We will assess the bird and, if
1. 1. it looks healthy enough to be released next day after rest, some food & water &
  2. IF we have the space to keep it isolated from our other Avian In-Patients,
    we will do that.
2. if the bird is compromised in some way (injury or illness – bacterial or viral) and the Finder is unable to take the bird & care for it – sadly the only option is PTS (humane euthanasia).
  This is a ‘better’ option that allowing a longer slower painful death by Ant, Crow or Cat
  *There is no charge for the above*
If Finder wishes to have a booked consultation for the bird, we have a special reduced Wildlife Consultation fee – 158 AED.

During this consultation, the Vet will assess the bird and advise the Finder of the animal’s specific situation and best course of action.
Should a surgery and/or, extended period of rehabilitation be required, the Finder must understand that they now bear the responsibility for this

** Finder should also be aware that in most cases, if the baby bird imprints on a human, it is inappropriate (ie not safe) for the bird to be released

Please note: this is voluntary undertaking by our staff who feel passionate about helping to ease suffering all animals, we do ask for kind and respectful behavior during all interactions with our Team. Aggressive, threatening, accusatory behaviour or words, will not be tolerated.