…a bird is covered in oil?
In short Do not wash it. Wrap it in cloth, keep it warm and dark, and call.
Should you step in?
Yes. A fouled bird will not survive: it will freeze, or poison itself while preening.
When is help needed?
Always, when there is oil or fuel on the feathers — even if the patch looks small.
What you must never do
Do not wash it with detergent, do not feed it, do not force water on it, do not warm it with a hairdryer.
When to contact us
At once. Say how many birds you can see: a spill rarely touches just one.
A real rescue
Birds after a fuel spill: washing is possible only once the animal is stable — and specialists do it.
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