Animal Advice: What Should I Do?

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Animal Advice: What Should I Do? - 5/31/2007 5:18:47 PM

JerseyKrissi72

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I have a very soft heart when it concerns animals, especially baby ones...Today, on my way to work ( I walk ) I found a baby sparrow that couldn't fly...I couldn't find a nest anywhere where it would belong and I feared a dog or something would get to it so I went to the store (giggles) and bought a small bird cage, a water dish, food, etc etc...he's not a newborn, that much I know, he has alot of feathers and he's eating well..I think maybe his wing is broken? I don't know much about birds but he's chirping away...what should I do with him? Is it ok to keep him? He's not panicking in the cage and is sitting there right now chirping and munching on some food (lol)...My cat isn't so thrilled that I have a bird but hey....not sure what I should do though...when he's older, free him? any advice...by the way, I now have a pet painter turtle and he's doing great- I have a beautiful tank for him where he has alot of room- turtle food, crickets, he's happy

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RE: Animal Advice: What Should I Do? - 5/31/2007 6:57:23 PM

lilsubl

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i found myself fostering a baby robin who had fallen out of a nest...at first, i paid the neighbor boys to bring me worms & i crushed them & put the goo on the end of my finger so he could suck it off--very weird sensation, that--i kept him in the spare bedroom so the cats couldn't get to him & after awhile i switched from fresh worms to dog food, which i was told would be just as nutritious for the little guy...everybody in the family could walk back & forth outside his room & make all the noise they wanted & he would be very quiet...but if i tried to tiptoe past, not making any discernable noise at all, he would start screeching at the top of his lungs: "MOMMY!MOMMY!MOMMY!" the day that i went in to feed him & he was flying around the room was the day that i decided he could go free...i took him out to an abandoned mink ranch & held him up in the air in my hands & he flew away...

if the bird is chirping & eating & not distressed in any way, i would keep him the way you have him...does his wing look strange? can you see any injuries at all? there are vets who care for injured & ill wild birds & you could call one of them for advice...in the meantime, enjoy the addition to your family, you old softie!!!

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RE: Animal Advice: What Should I Do? - 5/31/2007 7:06:27 PM

HydroMaster

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One thing you need to prepare yourself for is that it may die suddenly for no obvious reason. I took care of an abandoned robin once too. The vet told me to feed it baby cereal. You know that rice stuff off the end of a popsicle stick and was told to hope for the best because the odds aren't that great...we're not momma birds after all. Several weeks went by and the little guy was growing feathers and wanted out of his cage more often to explore and stretch out. I was going to release him as soon as he could fly. One day i woke up and went to feed him and he looked very weak. I took him out and held him for a while as there wasn't much else I could do. He died in my hands while I sat on the porch swing. Not to say it will happen but there's a chance and you should be prepared for that.

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RE: Animal Advice: What Should I Do? - 5/31/2007 7:28:13 PM

JerseyKrissi72

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while he is small he's not a newborn because he is eating well..he is noisey though lol...I do realize they may die early but I'm gonna do all I can for him (or her lol). It flaps like it's trying to fly but can't. it's wing doesn't look mangled though..

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RE: Animal Advice: What Should I Do? - 5/31/2007 7:44:34 PM

HydroMaster

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Yeah, they're definitely noisey little things....mine always wanted attention....or food....maybe a combination. I know the one I had really liked the cereal so that could give you another nutritional idea. That baby stuff is loaded with vitamins.

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RE: Animal Advice: What Should I Do? - 5/31/2007 7:51:27 PM

Bluebird

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Another food to try for protein is fish flakes (the kind you feed tank fish) mixed up with a little water to make a yummy (?) mash.

Good luck...

(edited for clarity)

< Message edited by Bluebird -- 5/31/2007 8:00:42 PM >

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RE: Animal Advice: What Should I Do? - 5/31/2007 7:54:08 PM

DesertRat

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quote:

ORIGINAL: JerseyKrissi72
while he is small he's not a newborn because he is eating well..he is noisey though lol...I do realize they may die early but I'm gonna do all I can for him (or her lol). It flaps like it's trying to fly but can't. it's wing doesn't look mangled though..

I haven't had much luck helping birds. I've taken some very sick ones to my vet and he doesn't mind euthanizing them. Actually, he always tries to cure them first. There was one I saved and kept for a few days. Seemed like it was doing great, but it died suddenly for no apparent reason.

If it were me, I'd try to keep it, have my vet take a look at it, and maybe release it if it completely recovered. I am a sucker for animals. Wouldn't have it any other way.

Bob

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RE: Animal Advice: What Should I Do? - 5/31/2007 7:57:32 PM

mistoferin

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I have raised many, many wild birds. The word of caution from Hydro is unfortunately correct. Birds can turn very fast.

How is the bird eating? Is he picking on his own or are you having to feed it? Does it open it's mouth wide waiting for food when you come near? All of these things can help determine if it is a baby. Also, sometimes babies will have bright yellow at the back edges of their beaks.

What are you feeding it?

If it is a baby temperature is very important. Babies need to have their food about 100 to 105 degrees or their crop (the place they store their food to be digested) will slow down and they will die. Their crop also needs to completely empty once a day...so don't do feedings all through the night.

If you have any questions I would be happy to help.

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RE: Animal Advice: What Should I Do? - 5/31/2007 8:01:49 PM

MissHarlet

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I dont trust anyone that doesnt like animals and isnt moved to help those that are in need ...

Good luck with the bird !!!

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