WILD BIRD RESCUE

Because of the irresponsible and careless way in which poisons are used by certain sections of the farming and gardening public, poisoning of birds is a very frequent occurrence. And that’s not to mention the criminally culpable few who deliberately put out poisons intended for birds!

SYMPTOMS OF POISONING

• Unexplained paralysis, often of the legs. Take care not to confuse with a back injury.
• Lack of co-ordination. Falling about and flapping.
• Drowsiness and dribbling from the mouth, sign of nauseousness.
• Rapid and irregular breathing, not to be confused with a lung or airsack injury.
• Dilated pupils.
• Irregular and rapid heartbeat, not to be confused with stress-induced rapid heartbeat.
• Fluctuating body temperature
• Faeces and oral dribble smell of poison
• Black, tarry faeces
• Sickly sweet smell at mouth

FIRST AID FOR POISONING

Poisoning can be difficult for the inexperienced to treat. It’s essential you get help URGENTLY as time is of the essence. Wings in Need on (012)804-7202 or the Raptor Conservation/Poison Action/Vulture Study Group on 082-446-8946 will be able to provide immediate advice and assistance. While waiting for help, the following basic first aid may save the bird’s life:

• Provide warmth (+- 35C) and quiet to stabilize the bird’s body temperature.
• For the first two hours repeatedly (but carefully) flush the bird’s system with copious quantities of  emergency oral electrolytes (see February 1999 Animaltalk for details).
• Should help be unavailable after two hours, administer powdered Kaolin or Activated Charcoal (available from your chemist) orally to absorb the poison.
• Get the bird to a rescue and rehabilitation centre.

AVOID POISONING BIRDS

Most garden pests can be controlled without the use of poisons. Should it be essential to use poison, try to use the least harmful and most specific poison for the problem. Remember, if a little is good, a lot is NOT better! Be responsible, and help save our birds.