I have an injured corvid in a cat box in my back garden. Stratters - are you there?

[NormaStanleyFletcher]

14 year old brought it home. They found it in a sports field, long way from trees. It was in a tractor tyre and really wet. It can't fly any distance. Looks quite young (but not a chick).

It was brought to me because I am a soft touch the other parents wouldn't have it (I don't think they were actually asked) and 'their dogs would kill it'.

[NormaStanleyFletcher]

No?

Nobody an expert in crows/rooks/whatever?

This is mumsnet for gawds sake.

I expected 20 posts within miliseconds, mostly from corvid experts, the rest telling me off for something.

[Ifpigscouldfly]

Ok I know a bit about birds. Can we get a pic ? It might have been waiting for it's parents to feed it :( does it seem injured ?

[Ifpigscouldfly]

They eat fruit, worms, insects and scraps. Offer it something ? Bread or worms if you have some.

[kinkytoes]

Call a local wildlife rescue centre for advice?

[EBearhug]

I had a baby crow in the garden a few years back. I made sure the ground-level bird bath was kept topped up, so it could get water. I left out cat food and raw egg. It got a bit cheeky after a week or so - I was sat in the garden reading, and it came up and nipped my toe, because I was eating a bag of cherries myself, and not sharing them!


How injured is it? Have you a cage or something in case it recovers and starts moving round a lot? I'd put it in a cage with a towel over, and put some water there for it.

I think young crows tend to spend quite a lot of time on the ground, and their parents come and feed them there till they've managed to fly a bit. could be wrong about that, though.

[SecretNutellaFix]

Can you contact your local wildlife officer?

[NormaStanleyFletcher]

The kids tried to call the RSPCA, but they are closed until 11 tomorrow. I have given it dog food and bread (and other random stuff added by DD (7 yo)

I have moved it to a larger box (a cardboard moving box with mesh over the top).

It likes the dog food.

It does seem injured.

If it had been me I would have left it in case it parents were coming as the default (though it seems that it was soaking wet and didn't look in a good way), but I was faced with a fait accompli.

Here's your crow...

[Ifpigscouldfly]

Itry a vet ?

[SunflowerStalks]

Just keep offering grubs and cat food. Chances are that if it is injured it will die overnight. If it survives, just keep going as you are, gradually increasing its space.

Dont forget water - a syringe and holding the sides of the beak with thumb and forefinger helps.

[NormaStanleyFletcher]

I guess I could go to our local vet (who charge 40 quid before they have done anything)

I will call the rspca in the morning for advice. It seems to be doing OK so far. I am forgiving the kids for bringing it here, as in the state it is in it would not have lasted long with all the local cats and dogs.

Tempted to put in in with the rabbits tomorrow.

[SunflowerStalks]

Grubs dipped in water first slide down easier. Tweasers are useful for feeding!

[NormaStanleyFletcher]

It is feeding itself from the dog food. Not sure about getting water into it. I have put a pot of water in with it. Do I need to be more proactive?

[MrsSnail]

If it will open its beak you could squirt small amounts in with a syringe ( or anything that squirts water gently, bath toys will do at a push)

[NormaStanleyFletcher]

I have medicine syringes (you know the ones that come with calpol etc., )

Will give it a go after walking the dog

[NormaStanleyFletcher]

I. Have watered the bird.

[springbabydays]

Your rabbits probably won't appreciate the company of a corvid!

If it's injured your best bet is to take it to a rescue centre. They are used to dealing with cases like this.

[Ifpigscouldfly]

Aww. It's going to be a pet now you know that right ? They are very very intelligent birds. On a level with some primates.

[Ifpigscouldfly]

Vet might treat an injured wild animal ? Hopefully ?

[springbabydays]

Yes, vets have a duty to treat wildlife and will claim costs back off RSPCA.

How is it this morning?

[NormaStanleyFletcher]

It is alert and well. Will call vets/rspca a little later.

I would love him as a pet, but if he is able to be releasedthat would obviously be best.

[Stratter5]

Hello, I foster wildlife, specifically birds, for my local sanctuary, and my vets.

Pleae take it to a vet asap, they will treat for free. Please don't squirt anything down it's throat, it is v easy to drown a bird that way, unless you know what you are doing.

Vets will treat wildlife for free, although having cared for an injured bird that subsequently became flightless, I would recommend any bird with a broken wing be PTS.

[NormaStanleyFletcher]

Vet is closed.

[NormaStanleyFletcher]

Rspca just has a recorded message.

Will try other vets.

[Ifpigscouldfly]

Might end up an outdoor pet type thing. Best of both. Hope you find a vet that's open x

[NormaStanleyFletcher]

No wildlife rehab centre listed for oxon.

I am going to have to call tiggywinkles I think.

Lovely to see you strattrs. Thank you for advice.