Whether you found a dead bird outside or your pet died, you may be wondering how to bury it.Killing a bird can help you come to terms with it's death.You may want to hold a funeral service for the bird.
Step 1: Pick a location.
Most of the time you can bury a bird on your own property.It's always a good idea to call your municipal government to find out if there are any laws regarding the burial of animals.Birds and other animals should not be buried in a vegetable garden.If your water level is too high, there may be restrictions on burying animals.To find out, check with your local environmental department.If you have cats or dogs, you may want to choose an area that they don't have access to in order to prevent them from digging the bird up.
Step 2: Do you want to bury the bird in a container?
Unless you want to, you don't need to bury the bird in a container.If you choose to use a container, make sure it isn't made of toxic materials.If you would like to use a pet coffin, it's up to you.Don't bury things made of plastic.Don't bury the bag with the bird if you transported it in a plastic bag.If you want to dispose of the bag in your normal trash, you can empty the bird into the hole and seal it.
Step 3: The grave should be protected.
It's a good idea to dig a hole at least two feet deep.The deeper the hole, the less likely it is that a scavenger will dig the bird up.You should cover the bird with the dirt that you removed when you dug the hole.You can protect it from scavengers by covering it with stones or paving blocks.
Step 4: A grave marker is a good idea.
You can mark your bird's grave with a marker.This can be either simple or elaborate.Everyone knows where the spot is with a simple stone.You could make a personalized headstone if you want a more elaborate marker.If you make one out of wood, use paint or a marker to write a message on it.A kit that is used to make a concrete stepping stone could be purchased.If you want, you can decorate your stone and write your pet's name on it.There is a statue of a bird on the grave.
Step 5: Think about planting something on the grave.
If you don't want to use a grave marker, you can plant a beautiful plant on the grave.It's important to choose a plant that will tolerate the amount of sun in the area.Perennial plants come back year after year.It is important to take good care of the plant.
Step 6: To say goodbye, hold a ceremony.
If you are saying goodbye to a pet, holding a small funeral may help you feel more at peace.The style of the ceremony can be yours.Each member of the family can say something about the bird.You can either say a prayer or sing a song for the bird.A few moments of silence can be observed to honor your feathered friend.
Step 7: Don't touch the bird with your hands.
If you are burying a pet bird or a wild bird, don't touch it with your bare hands.It's possible that you could transmit a disease if you touched it.If you can, wear disposable gloves.As soon as you finish handling the bird, throw them away.If you can't wear disposable gloves, use a piece of flexible plastic, such as a plastic bag, to protect your hand.
Step 8: Clean up afterwards.
It's important to wash your hands after handling a bird in order to prevent the spread of germs.If the bird touched any surfaces in your home, be sure to wash them.If the bird touched your clothes, wash them in the machine with warm water.
Step 9: Should the bird be tested?
Most of the time, it is fine to bury a wild bird on your property without reporting it, but in some cases, municipalities ask residents to report dead birds, especially during times of epidemic.Contact your local department of public health if you don't know if the rules apply to you.This is worth reporting if you see large numbers of dead birds.