The GSPCA has had an incredibly busy year in 2020 with baby birds of all shapes and sizes.
We are appealing for volunteers to make knitted nests for the baby birds in our care.
With our intensive care units bursting with young animals these nests really help keep young birds feel safe and keep them warm.
We currently have very young baby birds to those ready for release. When it comes to young birds they are always best raised by their parents but we see dozens every week at this time of year that have been separated for a range of reasons from cat attacks to those that cannot see any parent birds.
For advice of what to do if you find a sick or injured wild animal or bird please call our 24/7 helpline on 01481 257261 or check out this link http://www.gspca.org.gg/animals/wildlife-advice
Beckie Bailey GSPCA Staff Member said “What a busy year we are having at the GSPCA with baby birds.”
“We have already released dozens back to the wild, but we keep seeing more come into our care.”
“Baby birds are always best raised by their parents but we get many in that really need our care as they have lost their parents or been attacked by cats or other animals.”
“We are appealing for more knitted nests to help with the baby birds.”
“They are really fantastic as we pop the young birds in them and it helps them feel safe while they are in one of our intensive care units.”
“We’ve put the details of how to make them on the website so anyone can get involved and help the baby birds at the GSPCA.”
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “There are so many ways to support our work at the GSPCA and these knitted nests is just one way to help us help animals in Guernsey.”
“Every day is a real struggle to raise the funds to run the GSPCA during these difficult days.”
“For those wanting to donate to our #GSPCACoronavirusCrisisAppeal you can by calling 01481 257261, by post, at the Shelter or online via our web page https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal .”
“Another great way to supporting is by donating each month and to find out details please visit this web page http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf .”
Please find below the instructions for crocheting nests and knitting nests.
For knitted pouches and pouch liners we do have a requirement that only breathable natural materials can be used with wildlife, that means 100% wool or 100% cotton. For the wildlife nests they are open not enclosed and therefore while our preference is for natural materials we can accept acrylic wool nests as well.
Crocheted Bird Nest-
Size H or 5mm crochet hook
Starting ring: crochet 3 chains using 2 or 3 threads of pure wool or cotton yarn held together, slip stitch last chain to first chain to make a ring.
Round 1: Chain 2 ( this counts as your first stitch), work between 10-15 single crochets into the ring ( depending on the thickness of the yarn). Slip stitch the last single crochet to the top stitch in the chain 2 that started this round.
Round 2: Chain 2. Single crochet into the next two stitches, then do 2 single crochets into the next stitch, single crochet into the next two stitches, then 2 single crochets in the next stitch. Repeat this around the circle. Slip stitch your last single crochet into the top of the chain 2 that started this round.
Round 3, 4, 5, 6, and on: Repeat round 2 until your circle is at least 7cm to 15cm, for each following round crochet ONE single crochet into each stitch. You will see the sides begin to form. Crochet until the sides are about 5-7cm high. Bind off and weave in the loose ends.
Knitted Bird Nest
Directions:
On size 5 dpn’s cast on 54 stitches using 2 or 3 strands of yarn so the nests are tightly knit and will stand up in a bowl shape on their own (divide sts up into 18 sts/needle). Work in knit (stockingette is automatic on dpn’s) stitch for approximately 7 cm. Begin decreasing for the crown as follows:
Next row: *K 7, k 2 tog* repeat to end
Next row: *K 6, k 2 tog* repeat to end
Next row: *K 5, k 2 tog* repeat to end
Nest row: *K 4, k 2 tog* repeat to end
Next row: *K 3, k 2 tog* repeat to end
Next row: *K 2, k 2 tog* repeat to end
Next row: *K 1, k 2 tog* repeat to end
Clip off yarn leaving a tail of about 15 cm.
Using yarn needle, slide yarn needle under all stitches on needles, and draw tight to close up the end. Knot
You can make your nest with a bottom as small as 7 cm big, up to maybe 15 cm big.
The sides should be about 5 – 7cm high. Bind off and weave in loose ends.
Make sure the nest can stand up in a bowl shape on its own.
Donations by post please make cheques payable to 'GSPCA’ and post to GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey, GY6 8UD.
For lots of ways of getting involved and supporting the GSPCA please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/fundraising
In line with States of Guernsey advice please DO NOT visit the GSPCA if have been outside of the Bailiwick of Guernsey in the last two weeks or have any symptoms of Coronavirus and we continue visits to the Shelter for only essential reasons and to please call us on 01481 257261 or email [email protected] before your trip to see if we can help without you coming to the Shelter. For the latest information and advice please visit http://www.gspca.org.gg/search/node/coronavirus
The GSPCA continues with all essential services and we plane to phase other services back into operation and to find out more please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-take-cautious-approach-returning-new-normal-%E2%80%93-gspca-plan-our-services-and-volunteers-retu
With huge challenges on our resources and a drop in income from boarding and donations please help us help animals in Guernsey with our #GSPCACoronavirusCrisisAppeal by donating online via - https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal
During these difficult times help us help animals in need. From donating to Sponsoring a Pen, Buying a Brick for the much needed Wildlife Hospital to our Amazon and main page Wish List, holding a mufti day to a sponsored Christmas dip, here are some of the ways you could help give animals joy.
For volunteering information please visit http://gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or call 257261
To find out more on talks and our education work please email [email protected] or call 01481 257261
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