[OutlawedSpirit]

So today I was sitting at my computer and outside the window I saw a bird in the bush. I watched it for a couple minutes and it wasn't acting quite right. I went and got my gardening gloves and went outside to look. It couldn't really fly, so I decided to catch it. It looks like a cat or something got a hold of it, it's missing quite a few feathers, and it's entire tail. Since I didn't want to keep it in the cat carrier I had to put it in, I decided to go get a bird cage, some food, water vitamins. Needless to say I spent money we don't really have. I'm not sure whether I'll get yelled at more for spending the money, or for keeping the bird.

We have no close wildlife rehabilitation centers, and I think it will be okay, once it's feathers regrow, as long as there is no internal damage and it doesn't get too stressed out. I just don't know if I did the right thing. Whether I was right to bring it in and give it a chance, or if I should have left it to nature to decide.

[Roukan]

Well, it's never a waist of money to help animals. Just tell ole yellie pants you had no choice, and how would he like to sleep outside with nothing covering his backside.

[unaluna]

Originally Posted by Roukan

how would he like to sleep outside with nothing covering his backside.

Good answer! LOL!

[kindachaotic]

Be sure to cover the cage with a sheet or something after it gets dark.
It's sort of a nesting thing & calms them down, especially injured.
Sending good thoughts for your bird to heal.

[kindachaotic]

Originally Posted by kindachaotic

Be sure to cover the cage with a sheet or something after it gets dark.
It's sort of a nesting thing & calms them down, especially injured.
Sending good thoughts for your bird to heal.

Oh, think I should've said "roosting" instead of nesting.

so how is it going? are you getting yelled at?

[Moodmuse]

You did good

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[Blue Poppy]

if the birdy is not going to make it, you will know early on

kudos for caring!

my hubby rescued a baby woodpecker from the cat that was toying with it

unfortunately, the little guy died the next morning

he held a burial for it!

such a softie

[OutlawedSpirit]

I didn't get yelled at like I thought I would, although she doesn't believe me that I intend to re-release the bird once it has recovered. Which, honestly, if it doesn't recover enough use of it's wing to fly, I can't really release it. Although at that point, I may be tempted to make the drive to a rehabilitation center, but I am not sure if I want to because I have heard of some that will put down a bird that is unreleaseable.

It made it through the night, and seems very alert, so I have good hopes that the broken wing is the major issue, and am hoping there is no secondary infection. It is very alert, and mobile, and definitely likes to bite! We tried to bind the wing last night, but the bird removed the binding rather quickly. I plan to try again today, and if that doesn't hold, going to just have to see if it will heal on it's own.

Thanks for the feedback, I hate seeing animals in distress, I'd rather see injured people. And when she tried to say that leaving it outside was "nature" I asked if our daughter broke her arm, if I should leave her outised because it was "nature". I don't think I have to tell you her response. I told her if things were left to nature, the bird probably wouldn't have been injured in the first place, because it was probably someone's cat that got hold of it to begin with. (Part of the reason I am a big advocate of keeping cats inside. Not to mention there are so many diseases and stuff they can get from being outside)

[OutlawedSpirit]

I did call the closest wildlife rehabilitation center and they are at capacity and cannot accept him. I am also trying to get in touch with my department of natural resources to see if I can get a permit to permanently house him. It really sucks when you try to do the right thing and everything is conspiring against you. Of course, all of this is moot if he ends up with an infection or gets too stressed, or refuses to eat. If I can get him through this, though, it will be very rewarding to know I saved him from either another predator or starving to death.

i hope that the bird will be okay.

they are sooo cute

[OutlawedSpirit]

I've tried several rehabilitation centers and they are all at capacity. I've tried most of the vets in the area and they either don't work with birds, or won't deal with a wild bird. I've made the decision to take him to the shelter and have him euthanized. At this point, I think it is the kindest decision. He is in pain, and I have run out of resources to try and help him. I think having him put down is kinder than letting him back out into the wild to either become prey or starve to death. At least I know I tried.

[unaluna]

sometimes it's enough that we just bear witness. I sat with a bird once after he crashed into our office bldg's glass windows. I pulled him off the cement path onto the woods and just stayed with him and kinda talked to him. it was sad, but I think it made him feel better to not be alone those final moments.