We had one of those sticky housefly traps hanging, and what seems to be a wild fledgling Boreal Chickadee flew into that trap and got stuck. We freed the bird by first donning gloves then applying some cooking oil to dissolve the glue. Then we removed the oil by using a small amount of dishwashing liquid, then rinsing and drying thoroughly.
In our great care to be as gentle as possible, we probably did not remove all the adhesive. The bird would fly only a few feet at a time before the incident, and he was not good at landing. Now he flies even less, but at least his wings and feet seem to move normally.
Is it best to wait for his feathers to develop and grow more, or is it best to try to clean him a bit better? The mother bird seems very protective now and she may not like it if we capture her baby again to clean him better. We live in a suburban area, so there are predators nearby who will probably take advantage if he cannot fly yet. We are eager for him to return to the wild and thrive. What do you suggest? Thanks in advance for your best advice to help this little bird.
--- Update ---
We watched the bird for hours as he sat on the floor without moving. In the evening we picked him up again to try giving him water and food. There was little movement and he quickly became unresponsive. There's no detectable pulse or breathing now. We hope he'll rest in peace.
In our great care to be as gentle as possible, we probably did not remove all the adhesive. The bird would fly only a few feet at a time before the incident, and he was not good at landing. Now he flies even less, but at least his wings and feet seem to move normally.
Is it best to wait for his feathers to develop and grow more, or is it best to try to clean him a bit better? The mother bird seems very protective now and she may not like it if we capture her baby again to clean him better. We live in a suburban area, so there are predators nearby who will probably take advantage if he cannot fly yet. We are eager for him to return to the wild and thrive. What do you suggest? Thanks in advance for your best advice to help this little bird.
--- Update ---
We watched the bird for hours as he sat on the floor without moving. In the evening we picked him up again to try giving him water and food. There was little movement and he quickly became unresponsive. There's no detectable pulse or breathing now. We hope he'll rest in peace.
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