To decontaminate an oil-covered bird, you should wash the bird with 104°F water and Dawn dishwashing detergent.

• A. False
• B. Use hot mineral spirits
• C. Wash with cold water only
• D. Wash with 104°F water and Dawn dishwashing detergent

Answer: (D)

Decontaminating an oil-covered bird hinges on emulsifying and removing oil from the feathers with a gentle, effective wash. Warm water around 104°F helps loosen the oil and makes the detergent work more efficiently without risking burns or feather damage. Dawn dishwashing detergent is a mild, effective surfactant that lowers surface tension and emulsifies the oil so it can be rinsed away rather than smeared deeper into the plumage. This combination is preferred because it removes oil while preserving feather structure and insulation.

Using hot mineral spirits is inappropriate because petroleum solvents are toxic to birds and dangerous for handlers. Washing with cold water alone won’t adequately remove the oil, leaving contaminants and compromising the bird’s condition. So, the recommended method—104°F water with Dawn—is the best approach for safe and effective decontamination.