rehabworkshops2008

2008 Workshops for Wildlife Rehabilitators

Join VINS' staff of wildlife rehabilitation professionals for this series of workshops that allow participants to work with a wide variety of avian specimens while learning key principles of rehab. Workshops are open to licensed rehabbers as well as to individuals working toward a wildlife rehabilitation license. Sign up early as space is limited to 15 participants.

January 27:
Permits, Laws & Licensing (9 AM-Noon)
Learn about the laws protecting wild birds and how they affect the public and wildlife rehabilitators. We will review the permit application process, how to deal with illegal activity involving wildlife, threatened and endangered species, and helpful ways to identify birds.
Avian Anatomy & Physiology (1 PM-4 PM)
Utilizing specimens,* we will take a hands-on approach to learning the skeletal and internal anatomy of birds. Discover how unique a bird's body is, how it differs from mammals, and how they use their special adaptations in everyday life. Learn how to identify bones on radiographs (“X-rays”).

February 10:
Avian Diseases & Zoonosis (9 AM-Noon)
Discover the truth about avian flu & West Nile Virus, and learn about the more common avian ailments. Some bird illnesses, called zoonotic diseases can be transmitted to humans. Learn how to protect yourself while treating birds.
Initial Examination & Triage (1 PM-4 PM)
This hands-on workshop will walk you through the examination of a new bird patient using specimens* as examples. Learn what to look for, how to perform a systematic exam, and what critical information should be collected. We will then look at how to determine the prognosis for recovery and release, or decide if euthanasia is warranted.

March 2:
Fluid Therapy & Emaciation Treatment (1 PM-4 PM)
Many avian patients arrive severely dehydrated and/or emaciated (starved). Through the use of specimens* we will discuss the options for rehydration, when & how to use fluid therapy, and practice administration by various routes. You will learn how to treat a starving patient, practice tube-feeding, and how to provide supportive care.

March 16:
Fracture Immobilization (1 PM-4 PM)
Broken bones can be one of the biggest challenges in rehabilitation. We will review avian skeletal anatomy, how to read radiographs (“X-rays”), fracture types, and prognosis for recovery. Specimens* will be used to practice wing wraps and leg splints using a variety of materials depending on the species.

March 30: (Note Revised Schedule for this Program)
Wound Management (1 PM - 4 PM)
Injured birds come in to rehab with a variety of injuries. Learn the different classifications of wound types, how to manage those wounds, topical products and bandaging materials that work for birds, and how a wound heals. See a variety of wound types on specimens* and practice wound closure techniques.

April 13:
Medications & Homeopathy (1 PM-4 PM)
There are thousands of veterinary medicines available but many are not suitable for use in birds. Learn about drug classifications, when to use certain drugs, how to calculate drug dosages, and how to administer oral, sub-cutaneous, and intramuscular treatments using specimens.* We will discuss how to work with your vet to assure accuracy, and what side effects to be aware of.

May 18:
Baby Bird Care (1 PM-4 PM)
Orphaned and injured baby birds are common patients in the summer. Learn how to tell if a baby bird is actually in need of assistance, how to educate the public about babies, and how to re-nest them if possible. We will also cover proper caging, diets and hand-feeding techniques, preventing habituation (taming), dealing with injuries, and preparing for release to the wild.

(*Workshops utilizing deceased specimens will have proper protective equipment supplied to participants)

DOWNLOAD PDF FORMAT DETAILS AND REGISTRATION MATERIALS HERE.

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