Intubating a mute swan. Not only is there the physical damage but also the potential electrical damage. This may take several days to manifest itself even in an apparently uninjured birds. Damaged tissue breaks down and prognosis for these birds is hopeless. They are generally in good condition and can be washed immediately.
Immediate washing is indicated especially if the pollutant is of an irritant nature, e.g. diesel.
Seabirds are generally washed ashore days or weeks after becoming oiled, preventing heat insulation and feeding. These birds are cold and emaciated. Stress from washing will kill these birds. Do not keep these birds on anything but the cleanest substrate, and never on straw or hay. They are extremely susceptible to aspergillosis.