Hi, I'm hoping for some urgent advice please. My cats found a small blue tit, I managed to get to it before they did, but it had two very large ticks... one on its head and on on the neck. My vet has removed the ticks but the poor little bird is so exhausted. I tried putting him on the washing line but he didn't have strength to hang on. I now have him on a wrapped hot water bottle in a quiet room. He has drunk quite a bit of sweeten water bur just no interest in the minced meat, cat meat or earth worms I have tried?
Its like he can't be bothered but if he doesn't eat he'll die and all the trauma will be in vane! Any ideas on how to get something into him?
Thank you in anticipation x
Ticks can carry the borreliosis bacteria which attacks the nervous system, and they are supposedly only attracted into warm blooded creatures, which birds, like mammals (mammals are their normal hosts) are, by disturbing the tick to try and remove it incorrectly.
For future information should you have a tick on you or a dog/cat if you have any.
My guess is the vet will have used something like a tick twister to remove the ticks to unscrew the tick rather than just pull it out. This is because a tick has a serrated mouth that is like talons and locks itself on to the host, and the best and so far only successful way to remove them is to unscrew the tick.
Trying to pull or force the ticks off can make the tick regurgitate its stomach contents, which is where the borreliosis bacteria live.
As a former hill and moorland walker (due to a major road traffic incident and not ticks), I've learned the hard way and as a result I have facial palsy, which I've learned to get on with.
For up-to-date info on ticks and lyme disease, have a look at the Lyme Disease UK website, it is very informative.
https://lymediseaseuk.com/
Hi Helen, I hope the little Blue Tit has survived after all the care and attention that you have given, firstly catching it and getting it to the vet who removed the ticks and then looking after it, keeping it warm and trying to get it to eat. Keep us posted about the outcome.
Very good information Mike and sorry you suffered consequences from the tick bite when hill walking, goes to show what is out there lurking in the natural world and it's got its downside although thankfully the scales are weighed in favour of the benefits of enjoying the great outdoors. What an unlucky encounter you had but battled through such adversity. Having met you we know what a positive person you are despite the challenges that have been thrown at you.
@ Helen .... any update on the Blue Tit ?
Unknown said:
Thanks Hazel.
Three months in hospital plus the physio that followed for the following four years and ongoing plastics consultations I've met some people far worse off than me, many maimed while in their 20's doing their part for our freedom.
If they can do it, and nature can do it, then I've got to give it a go, whatever.
Helen, if you can, please let us know how the blue tit progresses.