Ask Your Pet Question. Pet Experts Answer You ASAP.

(Not a Pet Question?)

I rescued a wild finch on my picnic table near my ...

Sent to Pet Experts November 25 01:54 AM

I rescued a wild finch on my picnic table near my finch sock on my back patio.... I can't see any injury marks and no broken leg...I don't think it is a broken wing as I did try to let her go and she flew about 6 feet and then stopped, not even budging when my dog came close... I have kept her in a cage for two days... and don't know what to do....she goes all over the cage...eats well and drinks...to I attempt to release her again?? or care for her as a pet?? please help me know what to do...thank you Terri

 

Optional Information:
Breed: wild finch bird

Already Tried:
I nursed it back to a state where it was alert and hopping around the cage and then tried to let it go... It only flew 6 feet and then let me pick it up again and I returned it to its new home... it eats and drinks and was moving all over the cage today like she wanted out???

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
November 25 2:02 AM (7 minutes and 34 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

Hello Terri. It will be best for the bird in the long run, if it is able to be released back to the wild. No matter how hard you try, you cannot totally duplicate it's diet. It may be that it is a young, only recently fledged chick. They don't fly real well at first. It also may have sat still when your dog approached, partly out of fear, partly out of shock. If it is eating and drinking and you see no signs of injury at all, I'd first take her to a room where you can shut the door to keep the dog out and her in. A bedroom or a room with carpet would be best. Release her over a soft padded surface from about waist height to judge her flying ability. If she can fly well, go ahead and let her out. If she cannot achieve and maintain altitude, then something may be wrong. You best bet in that case would be to contact a wildllife rehab person. If they will take her, they are the best qualified to properly care for her. If they won't, let me know and I'll try to help you as best I can but the outcome of caging a wild bird is not often a good one. Let me know if you need anything further. Patricia

Click here: How To Locate a Wildlife Rehabilitator

Click here: The Wildlife Rehabilitation Information Directory




If I've helped, please click the ACCEPT. Even if a deposit was made, I won't get paid until you accept. A bonus is always appreciated and leaving feedback benefits us both.
Reply
November 25 2:11 AM (9 minutes and 33 seconds later)
         
If I try to release it and it still cannot fly...and I cannot get someone to come and get it.... should I try to care for it myself?????? or do they usually die??
Answer
November 25 10:07 AM (7 hours and 56 minutes and 9 seconds later)
         
THIS ANSWER IS LOCKED!
You can view this answer by clicking here to Register or Login and paying $3.
Think you can answer this question?
Login or Become an Expert

 

DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the JustAnswer service comes from those individuals, not from JustAnswer, and that JustAnswer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on JustAnswer are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. JustAnswer is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.

JustAnswer > Pet Health