Chico resident Chrystal Jaeger has dedicated her efforts to wildlife rehabilitation, turning her barn into a haven for injured birds. With her journey beginning in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jaeger now plays a crucial role in the care of various bird species, demonstrating her commitment to animal welfare in the local community.
Jaeger’s passion for wildlife was ignited when she and her daughter successfully nursed a baby squirrel back to health. This experience led her to volunteer with Bidwell Wildlife Rehabilitation, where she quickly learned the intricacies of caring for birds. “I started with songbirds,” Jaeger recounted, explaining that these young birds require feeding every 20 minutes. “You just take a little syringe and it goes down their throat and you just give them a little squirt.”
Transforming her barn into a fully functional aviary, Jaeger has created a space to temporarily house birds until they are ready for release. The structure features two sets of doors, with one covered in a safe mesh material, allowing her to care for multiple species simultaneously.
Jaeger collaborates closely with local veterinary offices, which often assist pro bono in treating the wild animals. “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 just keep it in a small cage in this space until we know that they’re eating good,” she explained.
Maintaining a quiet environment is essential in her rehabilitation efforts. Jaeger utilizes bird masks to prevent imprinting, which can confuse young birds about their identity. “For the babies that fall out of the nest, if we take those in, then they’re not learning from their parents anymore,” she said. To further support the birds’ natural behaviors, she incorporates mirrors in their enclosures and plays back their sounds.
Jaeger’s background in design complements her lifelong love for animals, nurtured during her childhood on a farm in Wisconsin. Reflecting on her past, she noted, “We had a lot of pigs, little baby pigs that were injured or sick. We would always bring the babies in the house and take care of them.”
As spring approaches, Jaeger anticipates a busy season as many birds begin to nest. “When anybody in the public finds injured or orphaned wildlife, they go to our website and fill out a form,” she said. While she primarily encourages the public to bring injured animals to her, she does conduct rescues for raptors, which can be more challenging to handle.
In a recent case, Jaeger successfully rehabilitated a red tailed hawk that presented unique challenges. Initially, the hawk refused to eat, prompting Jaeger to explore various possibilities. “We did identify that she had a parasite,” she recalled. “If they don’t have a physical injury, then it’s hard to diagnose.” With determination, she managed to nurse the hawk back to health, ultimately releasing it back into the wild.
Jaeger remains committed to her role in wildlife rehabilitation and encourages others to get involved. Forms for helping injured and sick wildlife can be found on the Bidwell Wildlife Rehabilitation website, which also accepts donations and offers volunteer opportunities.
As the community gears up for the annual Butte County Heroes series, Jaeger stands out as a finalist, showcasing her dedication to wildlife care. The winner will be announced on March 29, 2026, highlighting the importance of local heroes like Jaeger who make a significant impact in their communities.
