Where to start

   After careful consideration you have decided to become a Wildlife Carer. I say careful consideration because this is a full on job, not just something you do in your spare time. It takes patience not only from yourself but also from all family members.

So where do you go to find out how and where?.    I started by ringing my local Vets, then the Birdlife parks on the Gold Coast and eventually I found the volunteer group which I started with.

   Some groups like you to do some kind of Workshop that enables you to care for different species. This is not a bad idea as there is quite a lot you should know if you want to do a good job in caring for different birds and their injuries.

   Although it is very rewarding at times there is also a lot of frustration to endure. Sometimes all the time and effort put into caring for sick and injured birds results in their unexpected deaths. One minute they are creating a noisy ruckus, the next they could be feet up on the bottom of the cage. This can be extremely upsetting but what you have to remember is that you tried, and it's NEVER a case of tried and failed. There is only so much you can do and after that it's in the hands of the Gods.

   It can also be very time consuming if you have baby chicks in your care. The constant feeding does get you down sometimes. But in a well organized group help is always close at hand.

   Another aspect to consider is the cost. As most of these organizations are on a volunteer basis there is little financial help other than what your group can give. So it is a case of what you can beg, borrow or steal, preferably not the latter. A quiet chat to your local butcher or grocer probably wouldn't go astray.