House Martin

[Pauliner123]

Hi guys

I have recently hand-reared a House Martin from a very young age. He has recently just started to fly but is not ready to make it to Africa this year. Does anyone know of any establishment where he could be overwintered with others of his own kind preferably in the South East.
Cheers
Pauline

[Jason Green]

Welcome to WAB, Pauline!

I haven't heard of a location were birds can overwinter in the south-east of the UK, I take it you mean in an artificial environment?

That's some achievement by the way, hand-rearing a bird like that! Well done.

Someone else will post soon to assist.

A member on here called Owlmomma should help you.

[Pauliner123]

Hi Jason

Thanks for your prompt reply. If necessary I will keep him over the Winter. Wish I knew how to post a photo as he was only about 2 days old when the postman brought him to me with no feathers and his eyes still shut. He only weighed 12 grms! - and for the first 4 days I fed him every hour day and night. I was like a zombie!!! He has become very precious.

Cheers

Pauline

[Jason Green]

That's fine.

Over the course of the year, in the wild he'd move onto a diet consisting of just airbourne insects, plus he'll need to learn to fly - as he gets older he'll spend most of his time on the wing.

Other WAB'ers may suggest releasing him for these purposes, hoping he's strong enough to survive.

House Martins will be returning to Africa to winter between now and October, he may be strong enough.

I'm sure other WAB'ers will respond soon and advise you on whether it would be best to release him, or keep him until they return. I don't have that much experience in them.

[Tracey.A]

Originally Posted by Pauliner123

Hi Jason

Thanks for your prompt reply. If necessary I will keep him over the Winter. Wish I knew how to post a photo as he was only about 2 days old when the postman brought him to me with no feathers and his eyes still shut. He only weighed 12 grms! - and for the first 4 days I fed him every hour day and night. I was like a zombie!!! He has become very precious.

Cheers

Pauline

Hi Pauline,

I'm not surprised he's precious, you've been his mum! Well done by the way for all your hard work in keeping this wee chap fit and well. You could phone the RSPCA and ask their advice.

Tracey