Emergency · Birds
Bird collision / trauma
Window strikes, ceiling fan injuries, and falls can cause concussion, internal bleeding, and fractures.
Immediate safe actions
- Turn off ceiling fans and close windows.
- Place the bird in a small, dark, warm, ventilated box or carrier lined with a towel.
- Keep it quiet; minimize handling.
- Call an avian or emergency vet. For wild birds, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
What NOT to do
- Do not give food or water to a stunned bird.
- Do not hold it tightly around the chest.
- Do not try to splint wings or legs.
Information to gather for the vet
- What it hit and how hard
- Bleeding, drooping wing, leg lameness
- Behavior since the event
Red flags
- Bleeding from mouth, nose, or ears
- Head tilt, unequal pupils
- Open-mouth breathing
- Not recovering within 15–30 minutes
Veterinary escalation
- Any neurologic signs or bleeding = emergency vet now.
General educational information only. Species differ greatly — always confirm with a licensed veterinarian or animal poison service.