In some of these incidents, birds were in captivity for only a few days; while 

 in others, birds remained in captivity for as long as 6 v/eeks. The birds are 

 are not released until they are waterproof, healthy, and capable of fending 

 for themselves in the wild. Little information is available on the ultimate 

 fate of the birds that are released. 



The success of a rehabilitation effort depends on a number of factors, 

 which include: 



1. The toxicity of the oil involved . Oil is preened and ingested 

 by affected birds and is absorbed through their skin. 



2. The weather conditions when the birds are oiled . Since the oil 

 destroys the insulating qualities of the plumage, harsh conditions 

 quickly deplete the energy reserves of the oiled birds. 



3. The time elapsing between oiling and treatment . Exposure to cold 

 and oil toxicity progressively debilitate affected birds. 



4. The condition of the birds at the time of year they are oiled . 

 When birds have expended their energy reserves in moulting or 

 breeding, they are less able to withstand the stresses associated 

 with oil contamination. 



5. The species of bird involved . The larger ducks, geese, grebes, 



and pelicans are easier to rehabilitate than the smaller individuals. 



These factors are largely beyond the control of those preparing for oiled 

 bird cleaning efforts. Additional factors that influence rehabilitation success, 

 however, can and should be controlled by advanced planning. These include: 



1. Extensive prior planning, including the training of personnel, 

 the stockpiling of equipment and supplies, and the selection of 

 an adequate facility for cleaning and rehabilitation; and 



2. Efficient organization and overall coordination during an 

 incident, and trained supervisory personnel for all phases of 

 rehabilitation, including capture, medical treatment, cleaning, 

 drying, maintenance in captivity, and swimming in preparation 

 for release. 



The International Bird Rescue Center offers consulting services in planning 

 for emergencies and in training supervisory personnel, and can also provide 

 some on-scene assistance in distant emergencies. 



THE PROCESS OF REHABILITATION 



It quickly becomes clear to anyone working with oiled birds that rehabilitation 

 requires more than just effective methods for removing oil from the plumage 

 of birds. The birds must also receive appropriate medical treatment and 

 care during their entire stay in captivity to help them regain or maintain 

 a normal physiological state and to reestablish the water-repelling and insulating 

 qualities of their plumage. Unfortunately, answers have not been found for 

 all of the problems posed by rehabilitation, but more effective methods have 

 been developed, and with continuing investigation and experience, these techniques 

 can be improved further (Table 2). 



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