How to take a sick bird to the vet if it won't let me handle it?

Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do from home without veterinary care if she is already showing signs of illness. However there are some things that may help make her more comfortable to hopefully make it until your vet appointment. Keeping her in a small hospital cage that is kept warm can help with body temperature regulation. Perches should be low to the ground or removed completely, and soft bedding placed at the bottom of the cage in case she falls. Having food and water (if she is still eating on her own) in shallow dishes she can get in and out of even if weak is best. If she's not eating or drinking, you may need to make a slurry of baby bird food and water and drop feed it to her to help keep her energy up. Otherwise, monitoring her and any changes in her symptoms can help when your vet is able to see her.

Thanks for reaching out about Koko and including a photo. With the fall, there are worries about a fractured limb (likely a leg). You might have to travel to the vet as this is probably beyond what can be done at home. A warm environment, remove perches to prevent further falling. Diet needs to be appropriate to facilitate bone growth, healing and health. Is there a wildlife rehabilitation group local that can help? Good luck.

Hello. I would purchase a medium sized storage tote & coax Minka in. Or, you can place the tote over her, slip the lid underneath & carefully turn the tote right side up. Tape or secure the lid. It you have more than a 10 minute trip to your vet, make sure the tote has ventilation holes punched into it. Once you get to the vet, they should be able to handle her. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

The main question is, will she stay relaxed in the car when she looks out the window and the landscape rushes past her? You can try this out, but if she gets upset, I suggest you cover the cage and basically entice her to sleep. It is also important to do this at dusk while driving at night as the lights will be upsetting. IIf your bird gets upset, cover the cage. That should work.

I am sorry to hear about your situation. It sounds like she defintely needs medical attention. I would see if your parents can drive her to a rehab center or some rehab volunteers will pick animals up so perhaps you can find someone to do this. You can look at https://www.nwrawildlife.org/page/Find_A_Rehabilitator and https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-find-wildlife-rehabilitator to try to find a rehabilitator near you. Until then I would keep the bird in a quiet dark place and handle it as little as possible.

Reach out to the local humane society or animal rescue, as they sometimes have connections that assist people with veterinary bills. Contact your local vet and ask if something can be worked out. Borrow money from friends or family. If she is egg bound or ill for other reasons, not much can be done at home. Supplemental heat in the 80-85 F can give some comfort but is not a treatment. Offer water via a small syringe. Good luck.

If he is healthy, there's no reason he can't make the trip. Without a physical exam though, it is impossible to say about for sure. Set him up in a secure travel cage. Make sure it isn't bumped or jostled about and keep it out of direct sunlight or strong drafts. Monitor him for signs of stress and take a break if needed. Consider using a cage cover to provide more security and protection.