How to care for an injured bird?

snips86x

snips86x

snips86x

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Chesterfield
In our back garden, we have a nesting pair of black birds. The female seems to have been attacked, subsequently lost her tail feathers and is unable to fly.

The male is doing a great job of looking after her by bringing her food and we've put out some water, but since she is unable to fly, she cannot get back to her nest.

I'm sure the nest is in the hedge at the end of our garden, but cannot be 100% sure but want to make sure she is going to be safe and warm for the night.

What should (can?) I do? Should I try and locate the nest and put her back or just leave her where she is?
 
stick her in a shoebox, put the shoebox in your garage or somewhere safe and call the RSPCA for advice?? if you put her in the nest it might just fall out whilst trying to fly and get mauled by a cat
 
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Call the RSPB for advice or something similar. She may have broke something so may need a vet like the PDSA or something :) If you really wish, you could give them some meal worms or something like that.
 
Whack it in the oven at 180 for about 25 mins and you have yourself a dinner, my friend.

Don't forget to pluck it, the feathers will set the smoke alarm off, everyone will come rushing and realise you're a monster.
 
Glad to see no, "Don't touch it, human scent." old wives tale. They like to see a love and caring reassurance from your eyes. You will be rewarded no matter the outcome, expect amazingness.
Not sure on the exact best course of action, every case and details are different.
Is there a wildlife sanctury nearby?

Does blackbird roast well? Sorry definately not serious, just to be somewhat inline with general OcUK protocol.
 
if it really definitely cannot fly (be absolutely sure) i would try to keep it somewhere with some meal worms temporarily.
If it has a broken wing and thus wont ever be able to fly it will probably need to be taken to a vet to put down.. i dont think they charge, but may be dependant on the practice as to if they are purely in it for the money.
Often shock kills injured birds and it isnt instant.

do you know if the chicks have fledged?

if it was me i would probably take it into a shed or something in a box for at least the night and see if it makes it too the morning. It wont need food/water for the night and probably wont take any anyway
Just put some kitchen roll or something in the box
be careful when you catch it if you do.. birds are quite fragile and can squiggle a lot. Hold it gently but firm enough so it cannot flap its wings.. a blackbird is probably a two handed job
 
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