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I am a newbie at birding. Please advise re: signs and what to do
Sent to Pet Experts September 29 12:58 PM

I have a sweet little chicadee at my outside feeder by the kitchen window. It's not moving much at all. It seems to be trying to still take food. I put water for it right beneath the feeder,, but it doesn't want to fly, so I put water in the bottom rung of the feeder itself and it seems to be taking that water off the seeds and rallying a little.

I think it's dying. My vet is not in but he usually doesn't get involved in this type of care.

I'm a newbie with wild bird care. The websites online so far are useless. Anyone out there. I am not going to let it get cold tonite. Shall I bring it in so at least it can pass somewhat comfortably?

Jane

XXXXX@XXXXXX.XXX

 

Optional Information:
Breed: It's a wild bird, chicadee

Already Tried:
kept other birds away from it. has food and water. where does this money go to. If you obviously are just going to tell me the bird is going to die, .....

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
September 29 2:38 PM (1 hour and 40 minutes and 13 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

Provide a warm environment by supplying heat with a heat lamp or hot water bottle wrapped in a towel. Take extreme care to not burn the bird. Keep the temperature about 85-90ºF. Monitor the air temperature to avoid overheating. If it is due to illness or injury (shock), seek veterinary attention. If it is due to environmental conditions, fix the problem or relocate the bird.

In place of the water or with it try offering a Rehydrating solution such as Gatorade or Pedialyte.

Home Made Pedialyte:

3 cups boiling water
1 tablespoon clear Karo Syrup
Pinch baking soda
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Mix thoroughly.

If the bird is eating some and drinking it is usually a good sign. If it's not and has any of the symptoms below I would be concerned.Extreme weakness, lethargy or depression, unconsciousness, collapse, or coma

  • Seizures (flapping wings while lying in the bottom of the cage)
  • A head tilt, nystagmus (eyes move rapidly from side to side), staggering, walking in circles, difficulty sitting on a perch, or other problems moving
  • Severe or continuous pain
  • Sudden inability to bear weight on a leg or use a wing
  • Swollen or injured foot due to a leg band problem

If your vet is not in you have a couple of choices, treat it yourself and hope for the best. Call the humane society in your area. Look in the area for an AVIAN vet. they are specifically trained in care of birds.

You are a good person to be so helpful and concerned. Sometimes even doing everything you can will still result in death. Birds are by nature slow to show signs of distress because that makes them prey. Usually when a bird does show signs of an illness or injury it is too late. I wish you the best! Please let me know if you need any other help or information.

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Justerri
Reply
September 29 6:32 PM (3 hours and 54 minutes and 8 seconds later)
         
Reply to Terri's Post: GUESS WHAT??? I FELT SO BAD FOR OUR LITTLE VISITOR, I JUST SAT WITH HIM AND PRAYED AND SANG HIM LITTLE LOVE SONGS TO CALM HIM. THEN I WENT BACK ONLINE SEEING WHAT ELSE I COULD DIG UP.

IN THE MEANTIME MY HUSBAND CAME HOME AND SAID WHERE'S THE BIRD? I SAID WHA????? GO LOOK ON THE GROUND HE PROBABLY FELL OFF THE FEEDER. SO HUBBY WENT OUT AND SURE ENOUGH HE WAS ON THE GROUND GATHERING TWIGS AND LEAVES. "HE" IS A "SHE" AND SHE'S CHOSEN OUR LITTLE NOOK TO NEST. SHE'S PREGGERS! I WAS SOOOOOOOOOOOO RELIEVED AND HAPPY!

BUT I'LL SAVE YOUR INFO IN A FILE I'VE STARTED ON THEIR BEHAVIOR. ACTUALLY, SHE'S QUITE NORMAL, PROBABLY WONDERING WHO THIS NUT WAS SINGING TO HER WHILE SHE WAS TRYING TO GET SOME REST.. ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL.

GOD BLESS YOU AND I'M SO GLAD THERE'S A PLACE I CAN GO TO IF SOMETHING ELSE HAPPENS.

JANE

P.S. I'LL MAKE SURE MAMA HAS ALL SHE NEEDS FOR A HAPPY AND HEALTHY PREGNANCY.
Answer
September 30 1:33 PM (19 hours and 53 seconds later)
         
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