Since February 2024, not less than 44 oiled birds have come into care at Fowl Rescue’s California wildlife facilities. Following current west coast storms, workers and volunteers have been working tirelessly, washing waterbirds contaminated with oil from pure seep.
You possibly can watch a YouTube video and witness this heartwarming journey as these birds bear a meticulous wash and restore their feathers to waterproof perfection earlier than transitioning to the out of doors pool, getting ready them for his or her eventual launch to the wild.
To be taught extra about our course of for serving to oiled birds, go right here.
How oil Impacts Birds
When oil sticks to a chicken’s feathers, it causes them to mat and separate, impairing waterproofing and exposing the animal’s delicate pores and skin to extremes in temperature. This can lead to hypothermia, that means the chicken turns into chilly, or hyperthermia, which leads to overheating. Instinctively, the chicken tries to get the oil off its feathers by preening, which leads to the animal ingesting the oil and inflicting extreme harm to its inside organs.
See extra: How Oil Impacts Birds
