Why Shouldn’t I Wash a Bird?

We understand that the first impulse is to clean an oiled animal, but if it is not done correctly, this cleaning will do far more harm than good. Cleaning oiled feathers successfully is a complex procedure with specific steps, starting with stabilizing the bird first to ensure it can endure the wash procedure. Precise ratios of detergent to water must be used and are calculated based on the type of contaminant and degree of contamination. Washing and rinsing must be done at a certain temperature, and the bird must be carefully dried afterward or hypothermia will set in. After the wash, proper supportive care must be provided for a successful outcome.

In addition, many petroleum-based products can be hazardous, and appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn when handling and washing oiled birds. If you have an animal trapped on a sticky trap or glue trap, please DO NOT attempt to remove it. Pulling an animal off these traps can cause severe injuries. Place tissues on any exposed sticky surfaces to prevent further injuries and take the animal to Tri-State or to your nearest wildlife rehabilitator.