A dedicated wildlife rehabilitator in Chico, California, is turning her barn into a sanctuary for injured and orphaned birds. Chrystal Jaeger started her journey in wildlife rehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic, after caring for a baby squirrel alongside her daughter. Now, she is preparing for an influx of birds as spring approaches.
Jaeger partners with Bidwell Wildlife Rehabilitation, which collaborates with local veterinarians to provide care for various species. “We hold them here,” Jaeger explained, showing her nursery area where smaller enclosures house sick or injured birds. “If it’s a sick bird that shouldn’t be flying, or its wing is injured, or if it needs to be medicated daily, then we keep it in a small cage until we know that they’re eating well.”
Her barn, which she converted into a functional aviary, will soon be bustling with life. It features separate sectors designed to accommodate multiple species simultaneously. The space ensures that birds remain safe and comfortable while receiving the care they need.
Caring for wildlife requires patience and expertise. Jaeger highlighted the importance of minimizing human interaction to prevent imprinting, a phenomenon where young birds become confused about their identity due to human presence. “For the babies that fall out of the nest, if we take those in, they’re not learning from their parents anymore,” she said. To mitigate this, Jaeger uses bird masks and mirrors in the enclosures, and even plays recorded bird sounds to help maintain their natural behavior.
Jaeger’s passion for animals is rooted in her childhood on a farm in Wisconsin, where she often cared for injured animals. “We had a lot of pigs, little baby pigs that were injured or sick, and we would always bring the babies in the house,” she recalled.
As the season for baby birds approaches, Jaeger anticipates a busy period ahead. She manages a system where the public can report injured or orphaned wildlife by filling out a form on the Bidwell Wildlife Rehabilitation website. While she primarily encourages the public to bring the animals to her, she also directly rescues raptors, which can be more challenging to handle due to their size and strength.
Earlier this winter, Jaeger faced a difficult case involving a red tailed hawk. The hawk was not eating, and after a thorough examination, Jaeger discovered it had a parasite. “It’s hard to diagnose if there’s no physical injury,” she noted. After a careful process of elimination, Jaeger was able to help the hawk recover, eventually releasing it back into the wild.
For those interested in supporting wildlife rehabilitation efforts, forms for assisting injured animals can be found at bidwellwildliferehab.org. The organization also welcomes donations and volunteer opportunities as it continues its mission to help local wildlife.
As part of a broader initiative, Butte County is recognizing local heroes, including Jaeger, in its annual Butte County Heroes series. The winner will be announced on March 29, 2026, highlighting the significant contributions of individuals like Jaeger who dedicate their lives to caring for animals in need.
