House Sparrow nestling experience (1 Viewer)

[seafolly]

Early this afternoon I found a baby house sparrow being batted around by one of the neighbourhood cats in my garden. Unlike the previous babies, this one was unharmed to my eye (short of being terrified) and I scooped him/her up and took it in. After doing some comparison shots it seems it's about 10 days old. My biggest concern was feeding it as it's older than what I'm used to, but as the hours progressed it eventually opened its beak for me. :t:

I'm currently following the diet provided by www.starlingtalk.com as they use starlings and sparrows interchangeably but I'd like to double check that. Has anyone raised sparrows before? Are they much different from starlings? This little one seems a little more observant than the starling I raised and doesn't miss a thing. I can't help noticing the droppings are much smaller too!

I'm not handling it at all (granted I did have to pick it up a few times to move it to a cage) and have it near a window where there's no draft so that it might be able to listen to the outdoor sounds. In other words, I believe this wild bird needs to return to the wild at some point but the problem will be finding a rehabber with a vacancy. After my starling experience last summer I quickly realized I was its only hope, and finally found someone after two weeks of phoning what felt like the entire province! By that time the bird was flying (originally about 5 days old) but it ended happily...she wilded him out with a flock.

Anyway, any input is much appreciated, though this year I'm not completely freaking out as I've done the songbird thing before and succeeded. Right now the little one is sound asleep in its "nest" though I'm scared to think when wake-up time is! I think the starling started talking to me around 5 am!

Photo: http://i41.tinypic.com/2liybuh.jpg

 

[ChrisKten]

Click the link in my signature for detailed information on rearing Birds, the site is easy to navigate. Also you might find further help here.

BTW, was there no way to return it to the nest?

 

[seafolly]

Thank you.

No, unfortunately not. I found a baby sparrow in the same spot the day before only days younger than this one (he was so wounded he lived only another ten minutes). I tend to find dead mice there. It's in an open garden and though we have several nests in the surrounding area, it's impossible to tell which babies are which since the nests are under the eavestroughs of houses. It seems to be where the cats bring their prey so I suspect this one fell/was kicked out and was then picked up by a cat. But the long and short of it was no, there was nowhere to return it to I'm afraid.

 

[ChrisKten]

Thank you.

You're welcome, thank you for caring about wildlife.|=)|

Thank you.
No, unfortunately not. I found a baby sparrow in the same spot the day before only days younger than this one (he was so wounded he lived only another ten minutes). I tend to find dead mice there. It's in an open garden and though we have several nests in the surrounding area, it's impossible to tell which babies are which since the nests are under the eavestroughs of houses. It seems to be where the cats bring their prey so I suspect this one fell/was kicked out and was then picked up by a cat. But the long and short of it was no, there was nowhere to return it to I'm afraid.

Then you are doing everything you can. Please let us know how the little fella gets on, just update this thread, or start a new one.

Best of luck.|=)|

 

[seafolly]

Thank you! We'll need it!

I forgot how terribly maddening this part of the process was. When I had the starling nestling last year I must have spoken to over thirty people within wildlife centers and rehabilitators and most of them said because he's a starling, he'd probably/definitely be euthanized. Legally they don't have to care. Fortunately time and patience paid off and I did find a licensed rehabber just in time when he started to fly, and she managed to incorporate him into a flock that eventually left her yard completely.

Now, I'm being told that I'm breaking laws and all that jazz but last time I checked, the House Sparrow is NOT protected by either the Migratory Birds Conservation Act or the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. Instead of trying to help, I'm simply being given a slap on the wrist by the SPCA and humane societies and am being told to hand him over for euthanasia.

I'm just...so upset by their attitude. They don't believe he can be wilded out, but if that's the case, then why did my starling (who I attained completely bald!) manage just fine? This, by the way, came on when I was calling trying to get names of wildlife rehabilitators. The lists on the web are out of date - I get the "I haven't done that in years..." or "Sure, but not for a sparrow."

:C In one email I was given directions to the OSPCA to have him euthanized. I fought for the starling for two weeks. I've only had this sparrow for three days and he's certainly got a better shot than that starling ever did. I may not be licensed but do have a head on my shoulders that can clearly see this baby is still very much wild with a healthy fear of humans. If they think I'm going to give up on him after only three days they have another thing coming.

/rant

 

[ChrisKten]

Thank you! We'll need it!

I forgot how terribly maddening this part of the process was. When I had the starling nestling last year I must have spoken to over thirty people within wildlife centers and rehabilitators and most of them said because he's a starling, he'd probably/definitely be euthanized. Legally they don't have to care. Fortunately time and patience paid off and I did find a licensed rehabber just in time when he started to fly, and she managed to incorporate him into a flock that eventually left her yard completely.

Now, I'm being told that I'm breaking laws and all that jazz but last time I checked, the House Sparrow is NOT protected by either the Migratory Birds Conservation Act or the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. Instead of trying to help, I'm simply being given a slap on the wrist by the SPCA and humane societies and am being told to hand him over for euthanasia.

I'm just...so upset by their attitude. They don't believe he can be wilded out, but if that's the case, then why did my starling (who I attained completely bald!) manage just fine? This, by the way, came on when I was calling trying to get names of wildlife rehabilitators. The lists on the web are out of date - I get the "I haven't done that in years..." or "Sure, but not for a sparrow."

:C In one email I was given directions to the OSPCA to have him euthanized. I fought for the starling for two weeks. I've only had this sparrow for three days and he's certainly got a better shot than that starling ever did. I may not be licensed but do have a head on my shoulders that can clearly see this baby is still very much wild with a healthy fear of humans. If they think I'm going to give up on him after only three days they have another thing coming.

/rant

Isn't it strange how so called Animal Welfare organisations only "care" about certain Birds/Mammals. I accept that their resources are finite, but killing something because it's not "pretty" or "protected" doesn't sit well with me.

I've had similar reactions with Pigeons, because in the UK they are "flying rats". They've successfully adapted to Man's wasteful ways and learned how to survive when the odds were stacked against them. Fortunately, I've found a number of Vets that are willing to treat any sick Bird, including Pigeons.

When you eventually release the youngster back into the wild, you will have a mixture of feelings, pride, joy, relief, and maybe a touch of sadness. I wonder what the people in the organisations you mention feel after killing a perfectly healthy bird for no good reason.

 

[seafolly]

I completely agree. And the weird thing is I think the House Sparrow is quite pretty! Their song is nice too. My biggest issue is this bird is not wounded or ill. He's quite the opposite and today managed to fly a foot off the ground and clung to the tree bark looking quite pleased with himself. Euthanasia seems to be for their convenience as not enough people out there have the time or knowledge to care for nestlings.

I just spoke with a rehabber (5 hours away unfortunately) who was all too familiar with my situation with the SPCA and other centers. It truly is amazing seeing the contrast between the two groups of people that supposedly care for animals, as the only support I've ever received for doing this same thing last summer was through the rehabilitators. They don't seem to be afraid to speak against the SPCA either. No, you don't leave it with the cat. You don't let it starve to death. Nestlings need feeding every hour if not more (depending on their age) so to wait for a phone call from an establishment from theirs before feeding? Use the internet with reliable sources! Good old fashioned research is what saved my starling as I didn't have the faintest idea how to care for a bird. I guess it's too much to ask of some people.

I was torn to pieces when my Mallard was released as he never wanted to leave the farm I took him to. Wild flocks came in and he'd socialize with them but he never felt the need to leave with them. But I had incubated his egg for two weeks with just a lamp and a thermometer so I was more than attached. The loss of the starling was bittersweet as although it was extremely time consuming, he was in excellent hands and in the end, flew free. I can only hope this sparrow will have the same ending.

Pigeons are viewed the same way over here, but the starling and the house sparrow are grouped with it as flying rats. I cannot imagine euthanizing a healthy animal. It's just not something I could ever do. I'm so, so glad you've found veterinarians that care enough for even the "pests."

 

[seafolly]

Flight...sort of!

 

[ChrisKten]

Flight...sort of!

lol, yes, I can imagine the "sort of" part of it.

BTW, concerning Vets, I thought you might be interested in this:

RCVS Oath

This oath is sworn by vets, as they join the profession:

I PROMISE above all that I will pursue the work of my profession with uprightness of conduct and that my constant endeavour will be to ensure the welfare of the animals committed to my care.

This means that, in any apparent conflict of interest, in situations involving animals, the vet should decide in favour of the animal.

So, assuming that Vets in other Countries swear a similar oath, there should be no such thing as a "pest" species.

 

[fugl]

I'm getting a little off the point here, I know, but I'm starting to develop a real hatred for the word "euthanasia" It used to mean "mercy killing"--killing to spare unnecessary suffering on the part of the terminally ill or injured. Now it's become just a euphemism for "convenience" killing--killing something because it's too much trouble to keep alive or (in the case of non-natives like Starlings & House Sparrows in North America) because it's a second-class citizen.

 

[seafolly]

Oh sorry guys, I should have specified that "Flight...sort of!" is a link to a photo!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/15438028@N05/3665639199/ <- More obvious, lol. This was yesterday, flying a little for the first time.

Today she's (?) realllyyy flying! 30 feet before an awkward landing. It's so incredible.

Ah yes, vets in Canada do swear a similar oath. I suppose they could twist it saying it's better for the bird who may not survive for long, not knowing where/what to eat, what's danger, etc. By no means am I supporting it (obviously) but I just wonder if it's open to interpretation. After working in a vet clinic for 8 years I've never seen an animal euthanized that shouldn't have been euthanized. I think it's up to the vet really.

 

[ChrisKten]

I'm getting a little off the point here, I know, but I'm starting to develop a real hatred for the word "euthanasia" It used to mean "mercy killing"--killing to spare unnecessary suffering on the part of the terminally ill or injured Now it's become just a euphemism for "convenience" killing--killing something because it's too much trouble to keep alive or (in the case of non-natives like Starlings & House Sparrows in North America) because it's a second-class citizen.

I totally agree. As I said in an earlier post, I just can't understand how they do it.

 

[ChrisKten]

Oh sorry guys, I should have specified that "Flight...sort of!" is a link to a photo!

It was probably my fault for not seeing it was a link (old eyes |=)|)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/15438028@N05/3665639199/ <- More obvious, lol. This was yesterday, flying a little for the first time.

Today she's (?) realllyyy flying! 30 feet before an awkward landing. It's so incredible.

Ah yes, vets in Canada do swear a similar oath. I suppose they could twist it saying it's better for the bird who may not survive for long, not knowing where/what to eat, what's danger, etc. By no means am I supporting it (obviously) but I just wonder if it's open to interpretation. After working in a vet clinic for 8 years I've never seen an animal euthanized that shouldn't have been euthanized. I think it's up to the vet really.

I've now seen the photo, it's a lovely picture of a cute little bird. It sounds like she's developing as she should. I actually had an image in my head of you running around your garden flapping your arms, shouting "Like this, like this".|=)|

 

[seafolly]

:-O

No she's a natural. Too much of a natural, actually. Her second flight took her to the top of an old maple tree which is just the beginning of a ~1700 word story (I do love to write) so for those interested in our latest adventure/nightmare you can view it here: http://docs.google.com/View?id=dfwmq9pd_0gfxh5zfq

 

[ChrisKten]

:-O

No she's a natural. Too much of a natural, actually. Her second flight took her to the top of an old maple tree which is just the beginning of a ~1700 word story (I do love to write) so for those interested in our latest adventure/nightmare you can view it here: http://docs.google.com/View?id=dfwmq9pd_0gfxh5zfq

Well, that did turn into a bit of an adventure didn't it. She was extremely lucky to survive all the wind and rain. Actually that's not true, she would probably have survived the storm. But she may not have survived the night alone after the storm.

So, although she's not aware of it, you've saved her again.

BTW, I know nothing about writing but I read all of your account. I usually skim through text and get the gist, but I read all of yours. I guess that's a sort of compliment on your writing.|=)|

 

[seafolly]

The tree was pretty well sheltered, but yes, I was very worried about the drop in temperature and her being wet. We had two hail storms today so if the night didn't kill her, surely today would have finished her off? I shudder to think.

She's now sleeping on a perch rather than in her "nest" with her head under her wing. It's rather adorable, I must admit.

Thank you so much!
Honestly, that makes my day. I pulled it from my journal so apologies for any dramatic flair!

 

[seafolly]

Okay this kid wants to be free. As I type she's been sitting on a window sill (I have really high ceilings) flying back and forth, cheeping nonstop since 6 am. It's almost 1 pm. She's adorable, but I think she and I can both agree her time to be free is quickly approaching.

However, I have a dilemma. I've never seen a House Sparrow on this property. She's now 18 days old. I haven't seen her feed herself yet which worries me. I've cracked the shells for her and she hasn't touched them and will only feed from me. Am I right in thinking she has a bit more learning to do before being set loose?

 

[seafolly]

Slightly updated photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/15438028@N05/3685080649/ (15 days)

 

[ChrisKten]

Slightly updated photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/15438028@N05/3685080649/ (15 days)

Lovely picture, I see you've even painted a little tree on the wall for her.|=)|

 

[seafolly]

Haha thank you! This was the first (and last) time she flew free in my room.

She looks like an adult now with the exception of a little yellow on the corners of her beak. Unlike the starling I don't have a support group of people a phone call away to tell me what to do so releasing is going to be really stressful. No rehabber thinks I should move her (to transfer her to their care) for fear of stressing her but are extremely vague with all my questions. She's 20 days old now...can I assume she'll figure out feeding? She now eats from her bowl but ignores the seeds which to me seems like a huge problem but...