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--- who_to_help_and_who_to_leave_alone [2025/10/11 20:50] – administrator
+++ who_to_help_and_who_to_leave_alone [2025/10/11 23:25] (current) – administrator
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 The often heard advice to put the fallen nestling back into the nest is controversial at the very least, and will most likely prolong suffering and can potentially lead to the death of the bird concerned. It should only be attempted when the nest is amenable to be observed for a prolonged period of time after the nestling has been put back to ensure that the parents return and that they feed all of the nest inhabitants, including the fallen chick. If this is not possible, and this is rather commonly the case, then this should not be done.
-If this approach is being seriously considered, then this should only be attempted when the nestling is still warm, healthy and uninjured, and only when the nest location is known with absolute certainty. A cold bird cannot digest food, and even when successfully reunited and fed by the parents, will most likely die. Also, the correct species identification is crucial, as there may be birds of a different or the same species nesting close to each other, which can make it difficult to find the original nest. One has to also bear in mind that putting a nestling back into its nest could theoretically be considered as a disturbance of nesting birds under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
+If this approach is being seriously considered, then this should only be attempted when the nestling is still warm, healthy and uninjured, and only when the nest location is known with absolute certainty. A cold bird cannot digest food, and even when successfully reunited and fed by the parents, will most likely die. Also, the correct species identification is crucial, as there may be birds of a different or the same species nesting close to each other, which can make it difficult to find the original nest. One has to also bear in mind that putting a nestling back into its nest could theoretically be considered as a disturbance of nesting birds under the [[https://www.nature.scot/professional-advice/protected-areas-and-species/protected-species/legal-framework/birds-directive-and-wildlife-and-countryside-act-1981|The Birds Directive and Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981]].
 Taking all these factors in consideration, it is more likely that an orphaned hatchling or nestling has to be taken into human care. It is crucial that the bird is being kept warm during transport by using a heat pad or warm water bottle wrapped into a towel. No food or water should be offered. Hatchling and nestling birds need specialist care and equipment, like appropriate feeding tools or tubes, a species specific diet and a suitable incubator. They may need antibiotic and anti-fungal treatment when diseased or injured. With the right expertise, setup and experience, hatchlings and nestlings can be successfully raised and subsequently soft released.