Blackbird rescued from a cat

[piegui]

I rescued a young blackbird from a cat one week ago. The cat had plucked all its tail feathers and many of its wing feathers but the bird is not hurt, except for a little cut under its right eye. The cut initially swell and a pussy substance has seeped out of the eye, completely closing it. I have kept the eye moist with a sterile saline solution for contact lenses and the swelling has gone. But the eye is still closed. Is there anything else I must do? Otherwise the bird is feeding well (mealworm, bread soaked in water, fruit) and runs around the room when given the chance (about 1 hour a day). It does not sing at all, though. Maybe the shock from being half-plucked... I would welcome advice on how to care for it.
Thanks
Pierre

[owlmomma]

I would say that it needs anti biotics as it sounds as if the eye is infected from the cat spit. Take it to your local vet, they will know what to do.

I would also suggest adding some go cat, soaked in boiling water then left to cool to the diet. Break off little pieces and feed with tweezers. This will give the nutrition a boost. Also add wax worms and earth worms to the diet.

[Picidae]

Cat injury invariable causes infections which can be lethal even a week after the attack. I'd advise you to get the youngster to a Vet or Rehab (that has qualified vets attending) ASAP. It will need rehabilitating either way back into the wild and if a recently fledged bird, will especially need expert care if it is going to make it once released.

Even if the infection should prove unlethal, it could still loose it's eye at this stage even with antibiotics so please don't take any chances. You've done a good job so far but now it needs more specialised care.