Massachusetts Wildlife Rehabilitator Practice Exam

After allowing the European Starling to de-stress, what is the next appropriate action?

1. Immediately check the injured toe and splint it.

2. Observe the bird for days to monitor the toe.

3. Conduct a full examination on the bird before any treatment.

4. Decide to euthanize the bird due to breathing issues.

The correct answer is: Conduct a full examination on the bird before any treatment.

The appropriate next action after allowing a European Starling to de-stress is to conduct a full examination on the bird before any treatment. This step is crucial because it allows the rehabilitator to assess the overall health of the bird and determine any injuries or conditions that require immediate attention. A comprehensive examination ensures that any hidden injuries, such as fractures or internal issues, are identified, as well as assessing the bird's overall well-being. By gathering complete health information, the rehabilitator can make informed decisions regarding treatment, prioritizing the most critical issues and planning an appropriate course of care. This initial assessment is vital for ensuring that all factors affecting the bird's health are considered before proceeding with any interventions or treatments, such as splinting an injury or managing other health concerns. In cases where a bird is stressed, rushing into treatment without a thorough examination could miss underlying problems that require different management strategies. Thus, performing a full examination serves as the foundation for effective rehabilitation.