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The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Flower borders in front of RSPB The Lodge reserve, Bedfordshire Family Birdwatching through living room window Nestbox on tree, RSPB Wood of Cree reserve
Advice

Sick, injured and baby birds

  • Injured birds
  • Injured wild birds and the law
  • Sick birds
  • Avian influenza
  • Baby birds
  • Humane destruction
  • Bird deformities
  • Oiled birds
  • Poisoning
  • Stranded seabirds
  • Frequently asked questions

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Home > Advice > Helping birds > Sick, injured and baby birds

Sick, injured and baby birds

Injured birds

Being handled and treated is a very stressful experience to an injured bird, and before you attempt to catch it, the benefits of treatment should be weighed against this. More...

Man holding bittern

Outbreaks of disease in finches and other garden birds

Following outbreaks in 2005 and 2006, disease caused by a Trichomonad parasite is once agin being reported in finch species in gardens. More...

Male greenfinch

Sick birds

Garden bird feeding can attract unusually high numbers of birds to a confined area, which enables disease to spread easily. Find out what to do if you find a sick bird, information on some of the commoner diseases, and how to minimise the risk of an outbreak. More...

Female chaffinch

Avian influenza (bird flu)

There are numerous strains of the avian influenza (bird flu) virus, and most pose no significant problems for bird or human health. The unusually virulent strain currently causing concern is referred to as H5N1. Find out more about it here. More...

Domestic chicken

Baby birds

In spring and summer, it's common to see young birds on the ground without any parents visible. Read on for advice on what to do if you find a young bird... More...

Juvenile robin on birdtable

Bird deformities

Deformities among birds have been recorded in a wide range of species and are most frequently seen in species that are readily observable. These deformities can be caused by injury, genetic defect and disease and most noticeably affect the bill and legs. More...

Chaffinch sitting on birdbath

Oiled birds

If you find any oiled bird alive, do not attempt to clean it yourself as it is a very specialised job and you may well do more harm than good. More...

Oiled guillemot standing on beach with wings outstretched

Stranded seabirds

During strong gales seabirds, such as gannets, fulmars, Manx shearwaters and little auks may get blown inland and find themselves stranded. More...

Fulmar in flight by sea cliff

About the RSPB

The RSPB speaks out for birds and wildlife, tackling the problems that threaten our environment. We rely upon memberships and donations to fund our work. Nature is amazing - help us keep it that way. More...

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Visit our Contact us section for telephone numbers, office addresses and more.

Latest news

Eggs-actly what we hoped for!

A pair of rare hen harriers is incubating six eggs at a nest site in Northumberland’s North Tynedale, the RSPB and Forestry Commission announced today (7 May 2008).

National Ethical Investment Week

As a supporter of green and ethical investment, the RSPB is supporting National Ethical Investment Week 2008.

On a wing and a prayer

A coalition of conservation, countryside and welfare groups has called for increased efforts to tackle the illegal killing of the UK’s birds of prey.

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© 2008 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Charity registered in England and Wales no 207076, in Scotland no SC037654
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Last published: 07/09/2007 16:15:21
Show/hide picture credits
Man holding bittern - Andy Hay (rspb-images.com, Ref: 2001_2617_009)
Male greenfinch - Steve Round
Female chaffinch - Steve Round
Domestic chicken - (RSPB)
Juvenile robin on birdtable - Andy Bright
Chaffinch sitting on birdbath - Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com, Ref: 2003_4831_002)
Oiled guillemot standing on beach with wings outstretched - Michael W Richards (rspb-images.com, Ref: 8505000_00002_005)
Fulmar in flight by sea cliff - Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com, Ref: 0902003_00089_002)
Flower borders in front of RSPB The Lodge reserve, Bedfordshire - Andy Hay (rspb-images.com, Ref: 1999_0503_009 )
Family Birdwatching through living room window - Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)
Nestbox on tree, RSPB Wood of Cree reserve - Andy Hay (rspb-images.com, Ref: D_2006_11968_0009 )