How to make rice socks

Why?

Rice socks are used by veterinarians and rehabilitators to provide warmth to wildlife when it is being transported between locations. Injured and orphaned wildlife need warmth in order to be able to take fluids and food, thus ensuring they can stay alive and one day be returned to the wild.

Who?

Any group – scouts, book clubs, classes, work charity events – can make socks to donate to the Wildlife Rescue League.

What?

The supplies you will need to buy are as follows:

Child’s crew socks

(Dollar stores have sizes 1-7 for $1.00/pair) – each pair makes two rice socks – in white if you want to decorate them, but any color will do.

Rice

any kind that is inexpensive to buy (usually white rice), the bigger the bag the better (NOT instant rice, which does not hold the heat well), uncooked

Measuring cups

pour 3/4 to 1 cup of rice into each sock

Funnels

for pouring the rice into socks

Large Bowls

for putting the rice in/scooping rice out of

Plastic Table Clothes

for covering the tables you are working on

NOTE: WRL has a small supply of measuring cups, funnels and large bowls that can be borrowed for making rice socks.

How?

Take a child's crew sock and color it with your favorite designs.

Pour 3/4 to 1 cup of uncooked rice into the sock. A funnel works best for this.

Tie the open end of the sock into a knot. Voila! A rice sock!

WRL WILL GLADLY TAKE ANY EXCESS SUPPLIES AS A DONATION FOR MAKING RICE SOCKS IN THE FUTURE.
Wildlife Rescue League - Viriginia
Wildlife Helpline 703-440-0800