Ornothologist/Vet advice - re sick fledgling

[EmmaP]

I found a fledgling on the pavement beneath a tree on the way home tonight. It's eyes were open but it was gasping. It cannot fly. It wings do not appear to be damaged.

I've contacted the RSPCA who have advised me to keep the fledgling in a box in a dark, cool room.

I brought bird home and within five minutes of finding it could not open its eyes. I gave it some water which it is taking up slowly. There is some blood coming from its beak but I cannot see any wound or blood on its body. I have also placed it in a bird bath to cool down. Its body temperature is down now and it is opening its eyes.

The vet should attend but I have to leave for work in morning at 08:30.

Anything I can do other than give it water, keep it in a box and dip it in a bird bath?

Any thoughts are most welcome.

[TheEnd]

I'd call a Priest...

[Astacus]

I take it you are feeding the poor bugger?

Meal worms.......lots

[Ruskie]

Is it big enough to make a pie?

[EmmaP]

RSPCA said no food. Happen to be looking after parakeet at moment so feel like Dr Dolittle. This wasn't what I had planned for Saturday night.

Given that it is dehydrated I think that a liberal shaking of Holy Water might worsen the situation.

[EmmaP]

Where might one avail themselves of meal worms? Should I get a shovel and start digging in the garden?

[Engineer1]

Meal worms are fisherman's bait or possibly reptile/exotic animal food.

[TheEnd]

can the parakeet talk? it might be able to translate for you?

[joebongo]

Call RSPCA and find where your nearest animal hospital is and take it there to get the vet care it needs. Alternatively if no joy there find local bird sanctuary/wildlife group who usually are volunteers and they will care for it. Generally nice to donate a score or something if you can (they've never asked but if I can afford it I have done).

Last in line stay safe but post the area you're in and a PH'er might be able to help transport the bird.

[EmmaP]

I'm SE23. I have car, will travel. Bird still alive. Was in panic initially but it seems to be settling now it has water and cooled down.

[becksW]

EmmaP said:

RSPCA said no food. Happen to be looking after parakeet at moment so feel like Dr Dolittle. This wasn't what I had planned for Saturday night.

Given that it is dehydrated I think that a liberal shaking of Holy Water might worsen the situation.

Why no food? makes no sense unless they think digestion shut down, don't let it go to other extreme of getting too cold, wwhich will happen very quickly, I would suggest as soon as perks up a bit of food would be good

[Haliatus]

Got a photo ID will help with helping it/ whether just to leave it etc.

[EmmaP]

Have spoken with emergency vet and she has advised me to put it under a bush where I found it so that its mother can look after it and feed it.

It seems that mum really is best.

Thanks for all the useful advice

[TheEnd]

Haliatus said:

Got a photo ID will help with helping it/ whether just to leave it etc.

Emma has been on the forum for a long time, i think you can trust her.

[EmmaP]

Just handed over birdy to lovely RSPCA lady who examined bird and confirmed that the bird is a baby robin. It appears to have a small puncture wound from a cat and internal bleeding so birdy is going to get put to sleep.

[becksW]

EmmaP said:

TheEnd said:

Haliatus said:

Got a photo ID will help with helping it/ whether just to leave it etc.

Emma has been on the forum for a long time, i think you can trust her.

I thought he meant photo ID of baby birdie. Thought to myself, "How odd!"

So did I. To be honest I'd normally suggest back where you found it but that is when the fledgling looks healthy, this one doesn't sound so good, however it's chances will be slim either way, so back with mum worth a go.

[Haliatus]

Ha sorry people lack of punctuation did not help,

I meant a photo of the birdy so we could tell what species it was.

[EmmaP]

Haliatus said:

Ha sorry people lack of punctuation did not help,

I meant a photo of the birdy so we could tell what species it was.

I re-read your post and realised that that is what you meant hence I deleted my post but was not quick enough it would seem.

As above, a fledgling robin. Very sweet it was too.

[mybrainhurts]

Blimey, why all the faffing about...?

This is cat food...and it's free

[becksW]

EmmaP said:

Haliatus said:

Ha sorry people lack of punctuation did not help,

I meant a photo of the birdy so we could tell what species it was.

I re-read your post and realised that that is what you meant hence I deleted my post but was not quick enough it would seem.

As above, a fledgling robin. Very sweet it was too.

Oops. Sorry