When a pet bird dies or you find a dead bird outside your home, you may want to know how to properly bury it. Burying bird carcasses is very easy, and can help you deal with the loss of your pet bird. You can even create a special funeral to commemorate the bird in a different way.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Burying Birds
Step 1. Choose a burial location
Usually, you are allowed to bury bird carcasses on your own land with some conditions. As the laws on this differ from country to country, it is best to contact your local government to find out the regulations surrounding the burial of animal carcasses.
- Do not bury dead birds or animal carcasses in areas where vegetables are grown.
- Sometimes, you are prohibited from burying animal carcasses if the groundwater flow is too high. Ask the competent authority or environmental conservation agency for more information.
- If you have a cat or dog, you should choose an area that is not accessible to the animal so they don't dig up dead birds.
Step 2. Decide if you want to bury the bird in a container
You don't have to bury a dead bird in a container unless you want to. If you decide to use a container, make sure the material is safe and non-toxic.
- Pet coffins are usually used for sentimental reasons. So you can use it if you want.
- Don't bury anything made of plastic. If you move the bird to the burial area with a plastic bag, do not bury the bird with the bag. Remove the carcass by holding the corners of the plastic bag, then close the hole and throw the plastic bag into the trash as usual.
Step 3. Protect the grave
It is better to make the grave at least one meter deep. The deeper the hole, the less chance it will be dug by wild animals. After placing the carcass in the hole, cover the hole with soil from the excavation.
You should also cover the burial area with stones or paving blocks to protect it from wild animals
Method 2 of 3: Remembering a Dead Bird
Step 1. Consider marking the grave
If you want, you can mark the bird's grave with a souvenir or other memento. It can be something simple or something unique to your liking.
- You can mark graves with stones so everyone can see where they are.
- If you want a more unique marker, you can make your own headstone. Consider making it out of wood, then writing a personal message with paint or marker.
- You can also buy a special kit that is usually used to make concrete stepping stones. This will allow you to decorate the tombstone and write the bird's name, if you wish.
- You can also place a bird statue over the grave as a keepsake.
Step 2. Consider planting something in the bird's grave
If you don't want to use a grave marker, but you want to mark the grave in memory of the bird, consider placing a pretty plant over the grave.
- Make sure you choose plants that can withstand sun exposure in the area.
- Plant something that keeps growing to keep it growing for years.
- Don't forget to take care of the plants to keep them growing.
Step 3. Perform a ceremony to say goodbye
If you're going to say goodbye to your pet, you may find it easier to hold a simple burial ceremony. You can define the style of the ceremony yourself.
- You may want to give everyone in the house a chance to say something to the bird.
- If you want, you can say a simple prayer or sing a song to the bird.
- You can also observe a moment of silence in memory of a dead pet.
Method 3 of 3: Avoiding the Spread of Disease
Step 1. Don't touch the carcass with your bare hands
When you bury a carcass of a pet bird or a carcass of a wild bird, do not touch it with your bare hands. This can lead to the spread of disease through touch. So, be careful.
- Wear disposable gloves, if you can. Throw away gloves immediately after burying bird carcasses.
- If you don't have disposable gloves on hand, wear washable gloves or a flexible plastic object, such as a plastic bag, to protect your hands.
Step 2. Clean yourself after burying the carcass
After burying the bird, it is very important to wash your hands thoroughly to prevent any bacteria left behind from spreading.
- Make sure you also clean the areas in your home that come into contact with dead birds.
- If the carcass touches your clothes, wash the clothes in the washing machine in warm water as soon as possible.
Step 3. Find out if the bird needs an autopsy
Often times, you can bury bird carcasses on your own grounds without reporting it. However, sometimes the local government may ask its citizens to report the presence of bird carcasses, especially during a pandemic. If you don't know if the rules apply in your area, contact your nearest environmental department.
If you find a large number of bird carcasses, report it
Tips
- If the ground is too cold to dig, you can store the carcass in the freezer until the air is warm enough for burial (just make sure the carcass is tightly wrapped so it doesn't come into contact with food). You can also take the carcass to the vet for cremation or bury it in a pet grave area.
- If you can't bury the dead bird, you can wrap it in plastic and throw it in the trash.
