By Alana Bailey

Pretoria has had some wild storms in the past month. The result is that many nests have blown out of trees, or chicks of various species of wild birds left their nests prematurely.

What do you do when you find such a chick?

In South Africa there is a very handy Facebook group called Helpless Wings. I believe similar groups exist in most other countries and can offer valuable advice.

People feel very sorry for helpless small animals or birds, but sometimes the rescue is more of a disaster than it is in the interest of the little ones. Often part of their growing up process involves leaving nests or shelters before they can fly or become self-sufficient. Their parents will still take care of them for some time and they do not require human intervention. Spotted eagle owls are an example in this regard.

If people interfere and try to raise them, the birds or animals become too used to people (they imprint on humans) and lose their natural fear of the two-legged species, which can later lead to serious behavioural problems, or cause the animal or bird to starve or be in danger if released without proper expert rehabilitation.

If you come across such a small bird or animal, the best course of action therefore is to get advice from a credible, expert organisation BEFORE you pick it up or bring it into your home. If the expert confirms that it does need help, keep it warm and do not give it any food, water or other liquids. Just make sure that it gets to such an organisation as soon as possible in order that it can be properly taken care of.

I was brought up with the story that one should feed small birds porridge, but sometimes this is the most dangerous thing for the species in question. The same applies to giving small animals cow’s milk. This can damage some species’ digestion to such an extent, that they will die a long and painful death.

So, having a heart for nature is great, but make sure you that you are helping, and not hurting.