Setting a bird's broken wing or take care of sick wildlife -- where I could go to learn to do that?

Question

Without going to vetinary or vet tech school -- who has classes?

Answer 1

See if your state requires you to be a licensed/certified wildlife rehabilitator (some do, some don't). Your state game office (listed in the phone book, or on line) can help you here.

Ask them for the name of someone in your area that does wildlife rehabilitation. It may be a zoo, vet, or private individual.

Contact that organization/person and see if you can volunteer some time - you'll get to clean lots of cages and prepare food for the animals there - but you can also learn what you need to know!

My state requires a written test to become certified, and the state game agency provides the study materials (books & such), but recommends volunteer experience as well. If your local rehabilitator covers a large area, you may be able to become a "satellite" facility where you live once you've gained the experience.

Answer 2

Check with your local Audubon Society in your area. You can also find out from your Fisheries and Wildlife Department on how to become a wildlife rehabilitater. You can ask for names of rehabilitater in your area and see if you can volunteer to help them. You will learn how to care for birds and animals through them. Setting birds wings should be left to specialized Avian Veterinarians because their bones are so delicate.