ADULT BIRD > REHABILITATORS > Swifts

 

Read the REHABILITATORS section of ADULT BIRD first
Extra species specific information for long term husbandry below

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HUSBANDRY
RELEASE

HUSBANDRY

• Housing

Swifts
SWIFTS CANNOT perch but will hang vertically! All 4 toes point forward with sharp nails for clinging.
They stay in their nest space  until they are ready to migrate and catch their own food ‘on the wing’ so they have special requirements:
Space to safely fully stretch their wings and do “press ups” and wing beating.
Do not use wire cages, the birds can irreparably damage their wings on the mesh. Ideally use a plastic rodent cage.

© G Westray courtesy of www.swift-conservation.org	© G Westray courtesy of www.swift-conservation.org	© G Westray courtesy of www.swift-conservation.org

 

Otherwise: Sturdy box with nest bowl inside A towel hung over the side of the box for them to cling vertically on if they fall/climb out of the nest bowl Open topped to allow feeding from above Light mesh cover over the container Towel draped over a portion of the container for privacy
	© G Westray courtesy of www.swift-conservation.org

 

Swallows & House Martins
These are PERCHING birds and in order to keep their feathers clean must have perches by the side of their nests.
Unlike Swifts they are fed by their parents for up to a week after fledging and return to their nest at night. Therefore they need to be allowed to practise their flying skills, grow their feathers to correct length and be fed for about a week before releasing into a community.

© G Westray courtesy of www.swift-conservation.org	© G Westray courtesy of www.swift-conservation.org	© G Westray courtesy of www.swift-conservation.org

 

Handling Gently and carefully place bird in the palm of your hand and wrap your fingers around it's body to restrain it's wings against it's body. Wear cotton gloves to protect feathers.
	© Dr Ken Perry courtesy of www.swift-conservation.org

RELEASE

See Rehabilitators RELEASE section first
Seek assistance from expert organisations with knowledge of the whereabouts of particular species at different times of year. See CONTACTS page

Species specific considerations

Swifts, Swallows & House Martins all feed on the wing, insects do not fly in bad weather so releasing must ONLY be done on a fine day with a fair forecast (not always easy!)
All three are OK, depending on weather, till the first week of October.
Only release during summer months before the other swifts migrate.
Young Swifts  become restless and may refuse food when ready for release.
 Young swifts need a minimum wing length of 16cms. Shoulder to wing tip. (details at Swift-Conservation)
Should ideally be a minimum of 35g and ideally over 40g at release.
Ideally release where found (not necessary for a swift) or into a community for Swallows & House Martins.

 

If can't be released where found, take to large open space with short grass, or an open hillside. Ideally release when other swifts are around and in a light breeze. Encourage the bird to take off from a raised hand.
	© Erich Kaiser courtesy of www.swift-conservation.org