Mothering...
While on my way home from my walk this morning, I found a baby bird on the sidewalk. I was grossed out at first (cuz it's almost completely bald), thinking it was dead. Then when I bent over to take a closer look, it took a breath. O_O What other choice did I have other than to help it, right? I AM a vet tech after all... So I scooped the featherless creature up and took it home. So now what am I supposed to do? Most baby birds don't survive without their parents to feed them the right food. Not to mention, they aren't likely to eat anything people try to feed them. I was pretty sure this little guy would die, but I put him in a box with hot water bottles and towels anyway. After calling the Toronto Wildlife Center and getting no help whatsoever and not even getting to leave a message, I decided to just go for lunch and think about my options. Maybe it would die while I was out. That would be the easiest for everyone, wouldn't it? But if it didn't, would I call in a favour from Mandy? Have her meet me at MJAC and we'd euthanize it together? Or hold out until tomorrow when vet clinics would be open and go have it put down? Or, just try to raise it? After dropping by Global and talking to Melissa, we've decided to try to raise it between the two of us. Mashed up worms, here we come!
First thing I did when I got home was open the box to check on the bird. He's alive and has his beak GAPING for food! SO CUTE! So, I ran out to the vegetable garden and dug up a few worms and mashed them up. He made the tiniest, most adorable little chirps! Turns out feeding a tiny bird off a plastic knife is no small feat. You've got to move fast and get that sucker in there before the bird closes up and falls over again, leaving you to wait until it's gather enough strength to pop up for more food.
Anyways, the little thing is resting quietly in his box. I think it's time to change his hot water bottles again!
First thing I did when I got home was open the box to check on the bird. He's alive and has his beak GAPING for food! SO CUTE! So, I ran out to the vegetable garden and dug up a few worms and mashed them up. He made the tiniest, most adorable little chirps! Turns out feeding a tiny bird off a plastic knife is no small feat. You've got to move fast and get that sucker in there before the bird closes up and falls over again, leaving you to wait until it's gather enough strength to pop up for more food.
Anyways, the little thing is resting quietly in his box. I think it's time to change his hot water bottles again!