Urgent Need advice on captured bird.

[AlexFromPA]

Hello everyone. My son and neighborhood kids found a bird that couldn't fly. We caught it and put it in a cage with water and bird seed. I think it's a common grackle. Wings do not appear to be broken. Could it be an immature bird in the middle of October? Just looking for advise on how to care for and eventually release it. Thanks.

 

[MommyBird]

this givwes description of male, female and juvi. Does he have a dark brown/grey or a light eye?
http://www.birdzilla.com/birds/Common-Grackle/description.html
also gives ideas of the diet.
Is it possible he just hit a window and needs a little time to unscramble?
If a cat got him, he would need medication against bacteria.

 

[Chantilly Lace]

Maybe you can snap a quick picture so we can see how old it looks. Does it seem injured? Is it favoring one foot or one wing?

 

[AlexFromPA]

Defiantly light eyes. No signs of any wounds. Is very active. The first time I caught it, I tossed it in the air and it flapped its wings and attempted to fly but only went about 20ft. Could have hit a window, how long to recoup from that?

 

[AlexFromPA]

 

[Chantilly Lace]

Awe, what a cutie. Doesn't look extremely young, but hard to tell once they have all of their feathers. Hopefully someone with more knowledge will come on to give some advice. Do you think it has drank any water?

 

[Bailey]

Grackles cannot digest seed. There is an active thread here titled 'Common Grackle as a House Pet' where people discuss what they've fed their captured Grackles. I know mealworms are one thing.

 

[Birdbabe]

He looks angry, thank you for helping him. Does he feel thin? Look in his mouth for any white cottage cheese looking growths, smell his breath, whats it smell like? Are his pupils reactive? Does his crop feel like theres a lump in it? In a pinch, you can give him a little soaked dry dog food, but mealworms are better. Let us know how he is. Can you get him to a wildlife rehab?

 

[roxynoodle]

Yes, they tend towards a carnivore/protein diet.

If he hit a window he may feel better in a few hours or a day or two.

 

[MsCreature]

Use a small light and check his pupils for dilation. If one doesn't react, that would mean a head injury. Try being very gentle and pinching softly on each of his legs to see if they react.

If he hit a window, he may just need a quiet dark place to recoup and get back to himself. Don't overly handle or talk around him, let him be. Place him in a closet or other areas where he can be secluded and put a shallow dish of mealworms in with him.

I'm not sure what area you're in, but most places have a Rehab group that is licensed by Fish and Game to care for birds such as these. :] Try googling for your area, and they can either help you over the phone or come and pick up the little guy to check him out and later release him.

 

[AlexFromPA]

Thanks for everybody's help. We have been feeding him seeds, hope it doesn't hurt him. He has been eating them. He seems to be drinking water, although he has been going to the bathroom in it. When I caught him his claws wrapped around my fingers and he was biting my hands. I will check his pupils and get him proper food. You have to explain crop to me, I hope its not what I think it is Will try to find fish and game in my area(North Philadelphia suburbs). Thanks again.

 

[Ziggymon]

The crop is an organ at the front of the base of the neck, where food first goes when swallowed. It's round and full to the touch when they have eaten.

 

[Bailey]

Pet stores and regular markets sell meal worms so he can eat and recouperate.

Seeds won't hurt him, but they won't help him either since he won't receive any nutrition from them.

 

[Cyreen]

In a pinch, soaked dog kibble works for protein until you can get something adequate. If the bird is in shock at all, a heating pad under the cage is good too.

 

[CheekyBeaks]

I would suggest you contact your local vet and ask if they take in wildlife or know of a local wildlife rehab centre to get checked out by a vet, they can then rehab and release when he is ready.
We have found several wild birds, brush tailed possums, an owl and a koala and over the years and the local vets and animal shelter always take them in, no charge.

 

[MarkInPA]

Will a regular ole' earthworm work for the little guy?

 

[Bailey]

Just one? I'm sure he can eat it, but only one will not be nearly enough.

 

[MarkInPA]

Thanks

I am Alex's neighbor, i will deliver a handful of worms to him tomorrow (got a compost pile full of 'em).
If Alex doesn't eat them all, maybe he'll give some to his new friend.

 

[Peachfaced]

Thanks

I am Alex's neighbor, i will deliver a handful of worms to him tomorrow (got a compost pile full of 'em).
If Alex doesn't eat them all, maybe he'll give some to his new friend.

It may be an acquired taste.

 

[Birdbabe]

Hows the little guy doin today?