Releasing a bird
Returning rehabilitated birds to the wild
What is a “Soft Release”
Releasing an orphaned or injured bird back into the wild is always the goal of our rescue. Healthy wild birds can thrive in the wild if released properly. The term “soft release” expresses the duration of time in which to release a bird. Birds need time to acclimate to its new environment and time to understand the perks and dangers of it’s surroundings.
For this reason, you should not release a bird any sooner than 5-7 days if it is a wild bird. Ophaned birds need anywhere from 4-12 weeks before release. Soft releases ensure the highest chance of success for a bird to survive and thrive in the wild.
It is a long process that requires patience but we are here to guide you on how to do it! If you do not have the time to do a soft release (over the course of 4 weeks to months) we can find a rehabber who is willing to do the release for you! Connect with us on Facebook.
Scroll below to see how to release your bird.
NOTE: Mynah birds should NEVER under any circumstances be released alone!
Weather
Take all factors including weather into account when releasing birds. Choose a day that is Sunny, with no to moderate amounts of wind, and no rain (if possible).
If you are unable to find a day that works for release, we have rehabbers that are available to release birds for you.
Adult Bird Release
For sick or injured adult birds found as wild birds we strive to return them to the original location found. Doves and pigeons often have mates who will stay in the area nearby awaiting their return. Most of these wild birds understand the environment where they have grown up in and where to find the necessary food and water sources.
Optimal releasing time is in the early morning- where the sun is up and weather conditions permit. If possible, do not release on a windy or rainy day. It is important to check the weather forecast for the next 7-10 days- look for sunshine or partly cloudy weather. Do not release before a storm arrival.
If a release back to the original environment is not possible, contact a rehabber on Facebook for recommendations on where to do a soft release.
Soft releasing Wild birds:
To ensure success and integration into a new environment, a bird should be kept in an outdoor cage for 5-14 days to become familiarized with its surroundings.
The cage setup should be large enough the bird can fly short distances and away from direct sunlight to ensure the bird does not overheat. Partial shade over the cage is important. Make sure to put fresh food and clean water for the bird.
Open the cage door around day 5-14 and keep the cage door open in the early morning. This will allow the wild bird to explore outside but also come back inside the cage if it does not feel confident enough to leave. If the bird returns to the cage around sunset, close the cage door to make sure no predators eat the bird. Open the cage door the following morning and repeat the process until the bird does not return to the cage.
Once the bird leaves and is outside for more than half the day, keep the cage out for 2 days to ensure that the bird has somewhere safe to come back. Continue to place food and water in the cage.
After release, it is very common for rehabbed birds to hang around the area. Do not try to chase the bird away, instead you can offer it species appropriate food.