Baby Rook.

[SparklySarah]

We have just rescued a baby rook that had been wandering around the drive for a while looking a bit worn. We were worried that it wasn't going to last. Was wandering whether anyone had any advise on what to do for it. xxx

[bobbarber]

Originally Posted by SparklySarah

We have just rescued a baby rook that had been wandering around the drive for a while looking a bit worn. We were worried that it wasn't going to last. Was wandering whether anyone had any advise on what to do for it. xxx

Hello SparklySarah, when you say rescued, do you mean you have removed it from your drive and intend to try and hand rear it? This can be a very labour intensive job and the success rate can be very low unless you are very experienced. Did you see any adult rooks around that might be the parents? Young birds newly fledged often look a bit tattered and worn. That said, I wish you well in trying to hand rear it. I understand that hard boiled egg chopped into small pieces is O.K. for chicks but I stand to be corrected on this...Bob

[SparklySarah]

Originally Posted by bobbarber

Hello SparklySarah, when you say rescued, do you mean you have removed it from your drive and intend to try and hand rear it? This can be a very labour intensive job and the success rate can be very low unless you are very experienced. Did you see any adult rooks around that might be the parents? Young birds newly fledged often look a bit tattered and worn. That said, I wish you well in trying to hand rear it. I understand that hard boiled egg chopped into small pieces is O.K. for chicks but I stand to be corrected on this...Bob

Thanks for that. We haven't seen any adult rooks at all around it. We raised young before a few times and been quite successful. It's not really a "baby", it's fledged, but can't fly. Were gonna have a think and see what's best for it. xxx

[Fieldfare95]

I wish you the best of luck in hand rearing it, but I really think that you should have left it where it was-the parents where probably on hand.

[owlmomma]

Rooks often leave the nest before they can fly and the parents continue to feed.

However, if you have taken the decision to raise it, you will need a large cage or pen to keep it in temporarily but be aware that it will probably not be ready for release until late summer.

Whilst still gaping, the best food to feed it is Go Cat soaked in boiling water and then left to cool, this will provide all the moisture needed. Do not put water into the beak under any circumstances. Just leave a shallow dish in the pen.

Once the baby is eating alone, you can start introducing other foods such as mild grated cheese, rat pups or pinkie mice, raw minced beef, Bogena insectiverous food etc.

If you want to chat, go to my website and get my number and give me a ring, I will be around all weekend.

If you feel it needs caring for but feel it is too difficult or time consuming, ring your local vets and ask if they know anyone local who takes in wild birds.

He would be welcome here but we are in Norfolk.