Hand-Rearing Introduced New Zealand Birds

A guide to hand-rearing introduced, non-native New Zealand birds. Please note that a Department of Conservation (DOC) permit is required to care for most native and/or endemic species. Please contact the South Island Wildlife Hospital for assistance if you rescue a native and/or endemic bird.

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When to intervene and rescue a bird

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Is the bird:

• in a dangerous area? e.g. on the road or stuck down a drain

• alone (for a significant period of time)?

• cold?

• covered with parasites?

• tangled with foreign material?

• injured?

You don't need to intervene when a bird:

• is bright and alert

• is active and mobile

• has no evidence of trauma or distress.

Often a lone bird's parents are actually nearby and just waiting for you to leave. Parents often leave older chicks alone for short periods of time.

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If older chicks/fledglings are in your backyard then keep your pets like cats and dogs indoors or in a different area for a few days until the fledglings can fly.

You can put young chicks back in their nest, their parents will not reject them, this is just a myth!

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Additional resources and further help

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• Your local veterinarian

• Hand-Rearing Birds by Laurie J. Gage & Rebecca S. Duerr

• Wild City Neighbours: A Guide to Native Bird Rehabilitation by Christine Mander, Lynn Adams & Annabel Riley