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Dublin Live
Dublin Live
National
Amy Donohoe

DPSCA issue warning after baby bird brought to shelter

The DPSCA Is warning the public not to take 'helpless' birds to their shelter.

The animal charity explained that the young birds are actually just learning how to fly, and that their family is nearby.

And even though people think they are helping the birds by picking the up, this is the wrong thing to do.

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A spokesperson from the DSPCA said: “This time every year we receive hundreds of calls about young baby birds or ‘fledglings’ on the ground.

“People think they are helping by picking them up and bringing them to the shelter. This sadly is the wrong thing to do and we are asking the public not to do so.

“Every year in spring and summer Irish birds are nesting. When the chicks hatch they stay in the nest for a couple of weeks until all their feathers grow.

“Then when the time is right each chick jumps out of the nest and lands on the ground. When on the ground the young chick is not injured or in need of help, he is just learning how to fly.

“This can take anything from a few hours to a few days depending on the breed of bird. When the young chick does take flight he will return to his parents who will be watching closely in the trees.”

The DSPCA shared a picture of one little chick who came into the shelter after a passer by found him on the ground.

They are advising the public only to lift them in certain circumstances.

“Please do not move them because you are afraid something ‘might’ happen, only ever step in if a) has obvious injuries or b) in immediate danger,” they added.

“If in immediate danger, then you can pick it up (using gloves) and move it a very short distance to somewhere safe, no more than a few metres away.

“Look for somewhere with shelter for the bird and where the parents will still be able to easily find it.”

If you are concerned about the welfare of any animal, you can visit dspca.ie.

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