Look:
This was taken first thing yesterday morning...It was a very warm day, too, which was a bonus since they need to stay warm, so I was thrilled that it was in the mid-70s. I checked on him again at noon when I had to go to work, and he was still moving around and very much alive.
So, something happened between noon and 3:30 when I got home. I think perhaps the mama and papa bird knew that junior was not going to make it so they stopped feeding him. Nature sucks sometimes. Animals can seem so callous, but that's the whole survival of the fittest thing. Can be quite cruel.
Oh, man. I am sad. I'm really bummed out. I think I should have gone with my gut feeling about this and kept him inside for a week or so. I wish I hadn't listened to that wildlife rehabilitation lady. Ugh.
Anyway, I will be performing a bird burial today in my back yard.
Oh I'm so sorry. I once rescued a baby bird that was hopping around my yard from my two big doggies. I put a bird cage outside and kept it fed and watered and let it out of the cage during the day and back at night and covered the cage and the birdy died a week later. I guess nature just has it's way of taking the weak ones.. I was so so sad that I tried so hard and it died anyway. I know your pain. At least you had good intentions. Someone else just had other plans.
ReplyDeleteWish I had found your blog earlier..maybe coulda saved him/her.
ReplyDeleteNext time go to the pet store......buy baby bird formula ( it's in a powder form ) and a special syringe to feed with.
Add warm water to a consistancy that will pass thru the syringe ( not too pastie & not too watery ) and always remember to put the syringe inside the side of the birds beak/mouth. Never put the syringe directly in as they get the food in their lungs that way.
Watch the craw as it fills up. It's in the front of the neck. Do not overfill.
Wipe the dear birds face with a warm cloth after feeding and also wipe it's butt.
Doesn't need a heating pad. Just paper towels.
All this info is being provided by someone that sucessfully raised one this size in case there is a next time. LOL
Repeat every few hours until bedtime.
Somehow they manage to live thru the night, just like they do when the mom quits bringing food after dark.
It's work, work and more work.
Are you ready for this job??
Yes, rest in peace little birdie.
Glad I found your best friend's blog and thru hers, yours. You too are such fun.
Best buds are the BEST!