Baby Bird - What Can I Do?

[Barmaid]

We have blackbirds nesting in the jasmine above the door. About 11am, i saw something fall from the nest. It was a baby. Quite large, with some feathers but largely pink. Gently returned it to the nest. 10 mins later out it comes again. Again, gently returned. At some point, god knows when it must have hit the floor again.

I've put it in a small container. Given it some sugar water. Tried to give it a worm, but it wont swallow. It seems to be gasping - whether for water or food, I dont know. If I hold it in my hand it perks up a bit.

What to do? Do I leave it and let nature take its course? Mum has obviously shoved it out for a reason. Or do I try and save the poor wee thing?

[Sqad]

\\\\\What to do? Do I leave it and let nature take its course?\\\

I would say that the above would make sense.

[Barmaid]

Is perhaps the kindest thing to help it on its way? I cant sit and watch it die.

[Tilly2]

How are you going to do that, barmaid?

[Sqad]

Just take it down to the bottom of the garden, put it in the hedgerow and get on with your chores.

[DrFilth]

think you need to mash the worm or other insect up in water and feed from an eye dropper

[starone]

Poor little thing. Nothing you can do though. If you leave it outside a cat will have it. Not only pushed out by the mother bird - a cuckoo will push out any other birds that are sharing the nest. One way or another it will die eventually.

[Frank97]

I would dispatch it quickly in this instance, the parents have ejected it for a reason, possibly ill health, so a quick death would seem the kindest thing to do!

[Tilly2]

I agree with sqad. Unless you can actually kill it yourself, put it somewhere secluded and leave it.

[DrFilth]

try google for local bird sanctuary they may help

[Tilly2]

I know this doesn't help but I would be in the same dilemma. I would desperately want to save it. The squashed up worm idea sounds like a good one.

[Barmaid]

I would pull its neck Tilly. Quick.

Dr Filth I hadnt thought of mashing up the worms. I've been giving it sugar water from an eye dropper little and often. It just shat in my hand!

I think I shall do the decent thing. (That'll be the second bird this week gone it its death at my hands, I suppose I am called Mrs Death for a reason!).

[DrFilth]

think mummy bird mashes the worm up before it gives baby bird the food

[DrFilth]

> . It just shat in my hand! <

not everyone who s**** on you is an enemy, buy a euro lotto ticket tonight

[Barmaid]

I called the RSPB. Their view was kindest thing was to dispatch it to the big nest in the sky.

Have done so. RIP little bird

Feel a bit sick now. It's a long time since I had to physically dispatch an animal. Normally I pay the vet for that.

[DrFilth]

bang goes my film idea

we have had the bird man of birdman of alcatraz and my idea was the birdmaid of answerbank

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birdman_of_Alcatraz_%28film%29

[Barmaid]

lol Dr Filth. I've got 2 chickens, does that count?!

[Tilly2]

Well done, BM.

[Brinjal]

Keeping them warm is the biggest challenge with baby birds. The best thing is to send it on its way.

[Barmaid]

It's done, Brinjal. He/she has been quickly and painlessly sent on their way.

[Barmaid]

(Had to have a stiff drink first, mind!)