Soaring mercury levels in the city are taking a toll on hapless birds. With the increase in temperature, the number of the winged creatures falling ill is also on the rise. There has been a flurry of ailing birds at the Charity Birds Hospital in Chandni Chowk. Majority of birds have suffered from nutritional deficiency, dehydration and heat stroke.
Doctors said nearly 50 birds are being admitted to the hospital every day in the OPD while some of them have to be shifted to the ICU, which has nests for various species of birds.
While the OPD can accommodate 30,000 birds, the ICU has the capacity of nearly 300 birds. “This year there are more patients as compared to the last year. The hospital is almost full to its capacity. The OPD can accommodate 30,000 birds. However, the number goes excessively high during May, June, July and August,” said Dr SP Singh, a surgeon at the hospital.
Doctors said the critical birds are immediately shifted to ICU while the tele-medicine facility is also available for those in far-off localities. The medical advice is available on phone from the experts.
Doctors said special care is taken while feeding these creatures. “The food given to these birds includes bajra, corn, jowar, chana, wheat and cerelac. It is ensured that they are only given RO mineral water for their proper health,” doctors said.
“Due to the scorching heat birds become extremely thirsty, as they are not able to get clean water around and they tend to consume dirty water. This leads to various diseases. Generally, the bird takes 10 days to two weeks to recover. Allopathic medicines, injections, plasters, operation if needed are all part of the treatment,” Dr Singh added.
“The hospital also gives free treatment to private birds and is always open towards submission of birds. The OPD timings are from 9am to 12pm where many people come and treat their birds. Usually birds tend to suffer from eye flu while some of them are wounded. The most common injury among birds is caused by ceiling fans. We have provided a fountain for the birds so that they can enjoy and reduce the chances of heat stroke.” said Sunil Jain, Manager. The hospital has wards, operation tables and also amenities like cooler in summers and heater in winters. Also, the hospital has netted windows and doors to prevent the birds from flying away during treatment. However, once cured, the birds are set free and the birds with permanent disability are given life long shelter at the hospital.