Distressed birds require calming before washing. They may go up to 5 days prior to a bath if it helps them rest and get to a point where they are more likely to survive the stressful washing process. Do not expect to wash any birds at night. After-dark washing adds markedly to their stress, as it disrupts their circadian rhythm. A vet or trained professional needs to check to see if the bird is progressing properly by looking for signs including stabilization, responsiveness to medical treatments, proper weight gain, and normal behavior. This is part of the reason you should not wash a bird on your own. [3] X Research source

Come prepared to get wet. You may be inadvertently injured by a panicking bird, and you need to avoid contaminating the bird or yourself. This is why it is crucial to come in proper protective gear. The rescue organization will likely provide you with some gear. Expect to work as part of a team. Expect to work with at least one other person, if not more. At least one of you will be tasked with keeping the bird in place and as calm as possible while the other scrubs. The bigger the bird, the more hands you’ll need. [4] X Research source

Remember that the tubs need to be large enough for the bird to fit in with a little extra room to get hands in there, too. The warmth of the water should be comparable to the bird’s internal body temperature. In birds, body temperature will range from about 103ºF/39. 5ºC to 105ºF/40. 5ºC.

The washing process needs to be completed in one go to minimize the stress to the bird. Depending on the size of the bird and the amount of oil, you may need to move a bird through as many as 10-15 tubs. You may want a third person with you to scrub and refill tubs. [8] X Research source

Rinsing is generally considered finished when all the suds are gone from the water coming off of the bird.

Only use a pet grooming dryer. Personal hair dryers are too hot for aquatic birds and can burn their skin.

As the bird goes through waterproofing, you will need to watch for signs of preening, of its ability to swim and float, and of its alertness and dexterity. Check for wet spots under the feathers over the next few days, as these indicate the need for further cleaning and drying.

A bird may stay at a rescue center for up to 10 days gaining weight and returning to normal behavioral patterns after an oil spill.

An unsupervised person with no training could actually increase the bird’s risk of dying through stressful and improper washing. That’s why it’s best to call a professional and wait nearby until they come.

In many cases, a rescue organization will require you to get certified in avian rescue before they let you wash the birds. Improperly washing and cleaning birds can kill them, so you must know how to wash them in a way that minimizes any stress. When you join a rescue organization, they will provide you with their requisite training and certification. You do not need to seek this separately. Rescue organizations also have certain coverages and privileges that you wouldn’t as an individual. They may, for example, be allowed on an otherwise restricted beach after an oil spill. Working with them ensures that you’re in full compliance of the law.

Your volunteer organization should have designated people you can tell if you see an oil-covered bird. They will ensure that the bird is recovered as safely as possible. Oil contaminated birds will preen constantly to the point of forgetting to drink and eat. As a result, oil-affected birds will appear dehydrated and emaciated. [16] X Research source

Medical treatments and tests will be performed by a vet or an experienced professional. As a volunteer, you will typically help prepare solutions before they are administered. This solution is often made from a mix of Pedialyte and a medication like ToxiBan that helps the bird excrete any oil it may have ingested. You may also be asked to assist in the process of testing blood and feather samples to gauge the levels of contamination.