Rescued young Blackbird help

Bub-les · #1 (**permalink**) 10-07-2008, 07:16 AM

Yesterday evening I managed to rescue a young blackbird from the clutches of a cat. As the bird didn't look too good and was rather wet I thought it best just to keep it quiet and to be honest I thought it would be dead this morning. As I was quite a way from home it had to put up with a drive in the car. At the moment its looking quite perky but I have not examined it as I did not want to stress it too much. It is in a small mammal cage and has access to guinea pig food. I know blackbirds eat it cause my local one comes to pinch it! Not sure if this one has eaten any but it is sat near the food.
Now what do I do next?
If it seems OK should I release it today?
If so will it matter where I release it as we are about 20 miles away from where I rescued it.
Its another damp day here. The feathers look dry and slightly fluffed as if its a fairly recent fledgling.
Barbara

cat72uk · #2 (**permalink**) 10-07-2008, 08:12 AM

i would take it to an animal centre for a cheak up
if its skin got a hole made by a tooth i think that the bacteria in a cats mouth can kill it
a vet told me that when i got a mouse off a cat he said it needs an injection

owlmomma · #3 (**permalink**) 10-07-2008, 08:16 AM

Cat spit is the biggest killer in my experience, I would say take it to a rescue centre if at all possible or your local vet if there is no local rescue center.

Bub-les · #4 (**permalink**) 10-07-2008, 08:26 AM

OK will try that.
Barbara

stephen p · #5 (**permalink**) 10-07-2008, 11:05 AM

Hope everything goes well. I've got a soft spot for Blackbirds.

Keep us upto date with the little blackbird

Bub-les · #6 (**permalink**) 10-07-2008, 12:06 PM

Its going to a local rescue place and will be checked by a vet this afternoon.
I'll attempt to get updates but they can be difficult to get hold of. Took me till 12.30 today!
Barbara