How to Help a Bird with a Broken Wing

A broken wing is a serious injury for birds, especially for those species that rely on flight for survival. If you find a bird with an injured wing, whether it is wild or domestic, it’s important to assess the situation quickly. Determine whether the bird can recover, and if so, wrap it in a clean towel and place it in a shoe box to keep it warm and protected from other animals or children in the home. Afterward, contact a veterinarian and/or a local wildlife rescue center for guidance on what to do next.

Wear gloves when touching the bird. Birds can carry dangerous pathogens, so it’s crucial to protect yourself when attempting to help an injured bird. Never handle wild birds with bare hands; always wear gloves and wash your hands immediately after touching them. This is also important when dealing with a pet bird that is injured, as it may become aggressive and bite due to pain and fear of being attacked.

• Ideally, use thick fabric gloves, like gardening gloves. These will offer good protection against the bird’s beak, talons, and any diseases it may carry.
• If gloves are unavailable, you can use a towel to lift the bird.
• If the injured bird is a large predator, it’s best not to touch it. Instead, contact a local wildlife rescue center for assistance.

Avoid bringing the bird close to your face. Even small birds have sharp beaks and claws. When handling an injured bird, always keep it away from your face to protect yourself, as even pet birds can bite when they are in pain or scared.

• Injured birds, especially those with broken wings, tend to be more sensitive and may use their beak or claws to attack you.

Do not try to feed or give water to the bird. Injured birds are usually very frightened and will not eat or drink. It’s important to act quickly to assist them, so there’s no need to offer food or water when you’re only caring for the bird for a short time.

• Injured birds can choke on water if you attempt to make them drink, so avoid doing so.

Wrap the bird in a towel. Whether the bird is wild or domestic, it will feel more secure and comfortable when wrapped in a towel or something similar. This step will help keep the bird calm while preventing it from moving too much and causing further injury.

• Be sure to protect the injured wing when wrapping the bird in the towel. Gently position the injured wing against the bird’s body (without bending the wing incorrectly) and wrap it securely in the towel.

Place the bird in a shoe box. Line the bottom of a shoe box with a towel and place the bird on top to make it more comfortable. Use a box with a secure lid so the bird cannot escape and hurt itself.

• If the bird is larger, you may need a bigger box. Try using a cat carrier or a larger cardboard box.
• Make sure the box has ventilation holes so the bird can breathe properly.

Limit the bird's movement. You should avoid moving the bird with a broken wing (or other injuries) unless absolutely necessary, even if it is your pet. This will help prevent any further injury.

• Use a towel to lift the bird, wrap it up in the towel, and place it in a shoe box. Once it’s in the box, avoid moving the bird unless it’s urgent.

Provide a heat source for the bird. When a bird is injured and weak, it may require warmth to stay comfortable. Place a warm water bottle in the bird's box to help keep it warm.

• Place the water bottle in a position where the bird can move away if it becomes too hot. Since the bird can’t move much while injured and wrapped in the towel, put the bottle at the opposite end of the box and monitor if the bird seems overheated.
• If the bird begins to pant, remove the bottle immediately. Occasionally open the box to check for any signs of overheating.

Place the bird in a warm, safe location while you seek further assistance. As you search for ways to continue helping the bird, make sure it is kept in a warm, quiet, and safe environment, away from danger, so it can calm down.

• Keep the bird away from children and other animals that might attack it or unintentionally cause further harm.

Assess the severity of the injury. Try to observe and determine the extent of the bird's injury. If the bird seems lethargic, disoriented, or unconscious, it may be in shock and could have additional injuries beyond a broken wing. If the bird is still alert – and even trying to escape – that is a positive sign. Look for any visible blood or wounds to assess how serious the injury is.

• If the broken wing is severe and recovery seems unlikely, it might be more humane to consider euthanasia for the bird.
• You can take the bird to a veterinarian or local wildlife rescue center to assist with a peaceful passing if needed.

Contact a veterinarian or an avian specialist. If the injured bird is a pet, you can reach out to a veterinarian for advice. If you’re unsure what to do with a wild bird that’s injured, you can call to see if the veterinarian can assist. Some veterinary clinics offer free services (such as antibiotics and emergency surgery) for injured wildlife.

• The veterinarian might not be able to care for the wild bird until it recovers (unless you cover the costs), but they may offer assistance or guidance.

Reach out to local wildlife rescue organizations. If you find an injured wild bird, you will need to contact wildlife rescue organizations for help. They can provide medical care for the bird but may not be able to offer housing or rehabilitation. When contacting them, ask specifically what services they offer: one-time medical care, housing, rehabilitation, or ongoing medical support during recovery. You may need to contact several centers to find one that provides housing for the bird.

• You might have to reach out to multiple centers to find one willing to assist. Wildlife rescues often rely on donations, so they may be lacking in funds, equipment, or medical space.

Take the bird to a rescue center that does not perform euthanasia. If you’ve determined the bird’s injuries are not life-threatening, you should inquire about the euthanasia policies at wildlife rescue centers. Ask specifically about their policies for birds with broken wings. Some organizations believe that birds with broken wings will never live a full life without the ability to fly, and therefore should be humanely euthanized. Others believe that the bird can still live happily after recovering from the injury.

• You wouldn’t want the bird, after all your efforts to help, to be euthanized at the rescue center you take it to.

Be cautious when transporting the bird to a new location. Whether you are taking the bird to the vet or to a wildlife rescue center, it’s crucial to transport it safely. Make sure the bird’s carrier is securely closed so it can’t escape during the trip, and try to keep the carrier as stable as possible.

• If you are driving, place the carrier on the passenger seat; if not, ensure the carrier is as steady as possible during the journey.