EDITED TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON 2-7-2010 (Eilid)
This thread currently includes information to help identify: Avian Botulism
Trichomoniasis
Hi everyone
At the end of my update regarding a collared dove that I found in my garden yesterday, I mentioned there was further information I wished to discuss with the RSPB before starting this thread.
I hope it may be of interest to others on this site who are, like me, keen to learn. As I'm not an expert I have checked my facts before writing, but I do encourage anyone seeking more detailed information on this subject, to visit the RSPB website or to contact a local animal hospital.
The dove in my garden was suffering from and subsequently died from severe starvation. In this case the most likely cause was that the dove had been inadvertently shut in a shed, garage or greenhouse, for some time and was therefore unable to find food.
Starvation can, though, be an indication of trichomoniasis, a condition caused by a parasite. This disease tends to become more widely spread over the summer months.
A great deal of very useful information is available on the RSPB site and this forum, regarding identification of fledglings and young birds and what to do if we feel concerned about them.
The RSPB site also contains guidance on what to do should we feel concerned about a sick or injured adult animal.
However because the focus for most of us at this time of year is so much on young birds, I feel there is a risk that sick birds could be overlooked, with potentially serious consequences for the local bird population, in the case of trichomoniasis,not to mention suffering for the bird.
In most cases non-intervention is usually the wisest approach, but there is also a case for wise intervention. In my experience adult birds that can be picked up (stunned birds being an exception) are generally already very sick and unlikely to survive, but on occasion, expert care can save the animals life.
Birds with trichomoniasis are best settled in a box away from other birds to limit the spread of the parasite, or in severe cases it may be more compassionate to ask a local vet to end the animals suffering.
By feeding the birds in my garden I am already intervening. It is my personal opinion that because of this I am also likely to attract sick animals looking for a safe place, near to food and water. This, I feel, brings with it a duty of care for those animals who may need help. My approach is to get expert advice so that I can act in the best interests of the animal.
Having re-read this I am concerned that it may come across as a lecture from a new member which is not my intention at all. My visit to the wildlife rescue centre simply reminded me that we can sometimes wait too long to help an animal, affecting it chances of survival.
Eilid
"out beyond ideas of right doing and wrong doing there is a field. I will meet you there" Rumi
Good morning Trochilus
Thank you so much for your advice, feedback, additional information and clarification.
Hopefully the thread will grow as other forum members add to it and so become a useful resource.
Since writing the original post, I have volunteered to help out at the animal rescue centre that helped the dove. I hope eventually to become a foster carer for recovering animals but have a lot to learn before then.
I will add to this post as I learn and look forward to hearing from others of their experiences of working with sick and injured animals.
Eilid/Jaimie x
Great post Eilid...and I agree with everything you have said,such a sad shame your dove was too poorly to save.xx
It is very humbling to help where we can eh and I am sure you will be wonderfull at it too.x
THANKYOU FOR READING
SUE and LUCKY..just call me Mrs Early Bird.....x
Our house operate's soley for our animals and birds......Love me love my animals........
Good morning Sue
So humbling !
I feel very lucky to have such a good rescue centre nearby (though wish there was no need for them). The owner is an amazing woman who has dedicated her life and home to helping wildlife. Extraordinary! Thank goodness there are people like her around.
Eilid xXx.
Eilid said: Good morning Trochilus Thank you so much for your advice, feedback, additional information and clarification. Hopefully the thread will grow as other forum members add to it and so become a useful resource. Since writing the original post, I have volunteered to help out at the animal rescue centre that helped the dove. I hope eventually to become a foster carer for recovering animals but have a lot to learn before then. I will add to this post as I learn and look forward to hearing from others of their experiences of working with sick and injured animals. Eilid/Jaimie x
That's so cool. I hope you enjoy it - you'll learn loads I'm sure. I tried to do this for my local rescue centre but couldn't figure out a way to manage the transport (I don't have a car) :(
My blog: http://mazzaswildside.blogspot.co.uk/
My Flickr page: https://www.flickr.com/photos/124028194@N04/
Hi Aiki
I've been thinking of getting rid of my car but this centre is in the middle of nowhere. My first role will be to collect injured animals from the local vets, so the car is staying. Hopefully the benefit to wildlife will partially offset the damage to the environment from the car.
I think my heart is going to be broken frequently but hopefully I can do some good and it will make me a more informed animal and wildlife lover
Eilid x
Well done for volunteering! We spent a year of Saturdays at the local wildlife hospital and ended up cold, tired, sun-scorched and often heart-broken but rewarded, fulfilled, and with a reputation as the place to send waifs, strays and unreleasables. Most wildlife hospitals can use all the volunteers they can get, especially at this time of year. I'm sure you'll be much appreciated, and have a great time!
A closed mouth gathers no foot.
Well done Jaimie. I hope it all works out for you. You deserve it, and the animals deserve you!
Cheers, Linda.
See my photos on Flickr
Good morning Maisie and Sparrow
Thank you for your lovely posts. I've worked out some ways I think I can contribute now, that can develop as my energy returns.
I'll start a new tearoom thread to let you know how it all goes
Jaimie x
This is an excellent thread and it shows what we all have to look out for in the disease department.
I still remember having a Male chaffinch with a lot of lumps and warty looking bumps on one of his legs.
He was quite a little fighter, and he had given himself the name of 'Ganny Leg'. I could see he would stand on the rail of the fence with the affected leg under his body. He was scruffy and unkept, but eating well. He had no other signs of anything going on I could see.
I often wondered what he was suffering from in the disease department, and I wonder if anyone could give me an idea what it was on here
Again this happened in 2003 odd and sadly I do not have a picture of the bird at all.
Regards
Kathy and Dave
This is a super informative thread and i am sure will be a great help to all members.
An optimist sees the beauty of the complete rose.A pessimist sees only the thorn .