Additional Seasonal Gull Advice (Updated 04/06/2024)
So it begins…Gull chick’s are hatching…it’s warm and they move around and fall of the roof. It gets a bit gull mad at this time of year!
Gull chick’s can not cope on own and parents can not get them back to safety but are very protective.
If possible the best outcome is to put back on the nest or at least get them higher up so safer from predators but parents can get to them.
If this isn’t possible but they are in a safe area the parents will come and feed till they are old enough but this is a few weeks .
If need advise or need us to help one please call or go to our website for advice.
This little one is the first (of many) that arrived today .
The rehabilitation of these takes months. I do the chick stage…feeding and care. Then as secondary feathers come through they go to Claires pen and then when old enough lose in her garden so they can safety learn to fly and then leave. (Often returning )
This takes huge amounts of time, food and cleaning (they are messy beasts!! )Please support us if you can by visiting our donations page.
Thank you,
Gill
Seabirds (Gannet/Cormorant Etc)
These birds are highly specialist creatures, and can be difficult to handle. If you need to handle them to make them safe, do so with gloves and make sure you protect your eyes as they will often peck at eyes.
If you see a young bird entangled in fishing line, and especially if you can see the hook in the bird, please contact us for advise.
Please call us for further help and advice.
Seabirds (Gulls)
Gulls hatch their young on flat roofs and when weather hot or as they explore the young tend to fall off roof . If un-hurt and safe they can be left as parents will protect them but in most cases we need to help so as to protect from predators. If possible place back on or near roof . The parents will dive bomb and are very protective. If placing back isn’t an option please get in contact with us.
When old enough they fledge. Fledging age is the next picture. At this age they will be on ground and trying to fly . This is practice time and they need to be left.
Gulls can give a nasty bite /peck so don’t handle without gloves . With adult gulls it’s either an injury or illness that brings them to rescue. If injured they need to go to a vet first. If they feel we can rehabilitate we will then take. If ill please ring us first for advice. Due to Avian Flu especially in sea birds we ask people not to handle sick birds. Please call us for advise first. If you find a dead bird please report to Defra.