Rehabber update

17 years ago

Well, I spoke with the rehabber last night. Little "Lucky" is thriving, but unfortunately, the rehabber thinks that he may be blind. Has anyone ever heard of a blind blue bird? It obviously wouldn't make it in the wild - he would only crash into things and wouldn't be able to hunt. I don't think that an individual could "adopt" it and keep in in their homes, although of course that is racing through my mind. The vet is away until Monday to confirm ... we will find out what he recommends on Monday. Gary and I talked about it and it makes sense that he's blind. He really didn't move much at all when you walked up to him. I'm so sad. He's a cute, fat little guy and his parents and sibs are still in the backyard eating tons of mealworms and checking out their clean box.

If we were allowed to keep it inside in a cage, I would think he'd be tortured listening to all the other birds (especially his parents!) outside.

Will keep you posted.

Patty

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Comments (7)

anita55
17 years ago
Hi Patty, wow, that's too bad. I wonder if it's an illness that's reversible or permanent. PLease let us know what the vet thinks. Obviously if he is blind he can't go free. Do you think there may be some kind of sanctuary he can go to? I was thinking of Green Chimneys in Brewster. They have all sorts of animals there; maybe if there is no hope of the bird being released to the wild you can ask if they could care for him, or maybe they know a place for handicapped birds. Good luck.
dzyg
17 years ago
Oh how sad. I hope they can find a place for it to go.

Donna
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Any way he can be put back in the box? If not the box how bout a high tree branch? How old are the babies? Maybe he is a few days younger than his siblings and just isn't ready quite yet. When he does try to fly what happens? Can he not flap the wing at all as if it is broken? Or is this some type of birth defect where somthing is missing? If you can get a close enough look or catch the bird and inspect it that would help you know that everthing is normal. One of my fledglings was handicap this year. He only had 1 functional leg. He is a good flyer, just has a hard time landing and holding on to things. I hope he gets stronger and makes it :) Keep us updated with your baby.
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nybluebird
Original Author
17 years ago
I thought of Green Chimneys. The rehab lady is in Brewster so I'm sure she knows all about it! Thanks for the tip. There's also a place in Ossining - Tea Town? but I think they only keep raptors.
anita55
17 years ago
There is also a place called Popcorn Park Zoo in south Jersey. They have all kinds of disabled animals. I think they have some birds. You could ask if they would accept a Bluebird. Here is a link for them:

http://www.ahscares.org/page2.asp?page=popcornpark&style=2
anita55
17 years ago
Patty, could you give us an update on what is happening with the Bluebird you brought to the rehabber? Thinking of you today.
nybluebird
Original Author
17 years ago
Hi everyone - I don't have good news about the poor little BB. The vet examined him and he was in fact blind and they made the decision that there would be no quality of life for him :( The good news is that mom and pop have built a new nest in the box and I think there are a few eggs in there (I'm always afriad to look - don't want to upset them). They have one baby from the last nesting and she is doing great!!

It was a wonderful and sad experience at the same time. I was hesitant to post the results of the story but Anita said that you all would be interested.

Again, thanks for all the guidance and support!

Patty
lisa11310
17 years ago
Patty, I think we all knew that may be the outcome....we all hoped for better. We said our prayers.We are BlueBirders and we know there will be heartache in what we do at times. You are to be commended for your efforts, you did everything you could. The rewards of even just one more Blue in the sky out weigh the sadness of the ones that dont make it. Thanks for caring! WISHING YOU MORE BLUES IN YOU FUTURE!

Rehabber update

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