An Oiled Loon Gets a Bath

January 9, 2008: After this loon is hydrated (using a feeding tube and Pedialyte) and stabilized, she is given a bath.

First her oiled feathers are treated with Methyl oleate, which helps break down the oil. Next she is washed in tubs of warm water (about 106 F) with Dawn detergent. The oil inside her beak is removed with a Q-tip. She is washed in succeeding tubs of warm water until the water is clear of oil. Her head is held above the water, but her body is completely submerged to help with the cleaning and to keep her warm. She has a very sharp beak, and will use it to bite if given the opportunity!
Next she is given a thorough shower, to remove every trace of oil and detergent.

Finally she is wrapped in a soft towel and placed into a net bottom pen with a warm air fan. The towel is removed, and the pen is draped with a sheet to keep the warm air in and give her privacy.

When her feathers and skin are thoroughly dry, she will be evaluated for warm water therapy. Later she will be placed in a cool water pool outside, where she will continue to exercise. When she is ready, she will be released into the wild.

http://www.ibrrc.org/no_cal_center.html

http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/owcn/