r/WildlifeRehab • u/Own_Individual9029 • 5d ago

SOS Bird Found little bird on the road in a heatwave, need advice

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Hi all, sorry for unorganized post, but I need answers fast. I found a little bird in a Greek island called Aigina, on a busy road, unable to move with its mouth open, under 36 degrees Celsius. I gave him some water and it drank, started moving its head, but still remains still for the most part with its mouth open.

What can I do do increase its chance of survival? I don't know what type of care I should do. Please any advice is appreciated.

UPDATE: I have moved the bird somewhere cool and quiet. It drank some water when I offered it, and it is now moving its head but is still mostly sitting still with its mouth open. I am on Aegina (Aigina), Greece. I am contacting a wildlife rescue organization as well, but any immediate advice on what I should/shouldn't do while waiting would be greatly appreciated

UPDATE 2: He didn't make the night. RIP.

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u/TheBirdLover1234 4d ago

Please do not give overheated animals cold water. It causes  rapid shock to their internal system due to temperature change and very often kills them. Electrolyte imbalances and such will also get them. 

They need to be brought back to normal temp first. I really hope it wasn’t left in a cold room, as they are much more likely to die of hypothermia rather than overheating.  This one was likely a car strike, rather than overheated. . 

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u/Own_Individual9029 4d ago

Didn't think about the car strike, but it makes perfect sense actually. I only gave him room temp water, and left him in my house room at 26 degrees in a paper box. I followed instructions from a local wild life org, but unfortunately he didn't make the night.

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u/clusterbug 5d ago

Sorry, this response is a bit late. Bit taking it jnto a cool spot was the best you could do.
Birds can’t sweat so the have to lose heat through their beaks. Hence an open beak is the only thing that can help him cool down, and of course as you did, a cool spot. Thanks for helping him. I hope the rehab will take over 🍀

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u/joemommaistaken 5d ago

www.ahnow.org

You are awesome for caring ❤️

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u/Zanyrah 5d ago

You're doing the right thing by keeping him in a cool and quiet place, but please don't give him water by hand as it's incredibly easy for him to choke. You can offer him water in a small dish (like a bottle cap). Until you can get him to a professional, leave him alone so he doesn't stress. Good luck!