Injured seagull, mother of young chick (1 Viewer)

[Sunflower]

Hi, I've had a family of seagulls on my roof the last few weeks. The chick is just over 2 weeks old. The last couple of days, I've noticed the mother has been very quiet and not sitting on the telephone mast pole as I had been doing for a few days prior, staying on the roof instead. I noticed tonight that it's hopping on one leg, but it can still fly. Any advice to help the seagull? I'm giving it food and water.

 

[Kits]

Welcome to BirdForum. I hope you enjoy your visits.

Providing food and water is the best you can do.

 

[Sunflower]

Thanks for your reply, the seagull's leg seems to be healing well. I have another question. The chick is now around 6 weeks old and started trying to flow up to a ledge from my flat roof 3 days ago. I then saw it flying a couple of feet a few times on my flat roof yesterday. Today it's not there but the parents are, so I'm a bit worried something has happened to it. I heard quite a bit of squawking early this morning but didn't investigate as I do hear them sometimes in the morning. I can't imagine it would be able to fly far away after only being able to fly a couple of feet yesterday! Could it be on another roof nearby? Do you think it will come back?

 

[maplekong]

I don't think you can do anything apart from sit and wait... it's nerve wracking, but I imagine it's just tried its wings a little. Keep us posted!

 

[Sunflower]

I don't think you can do anything apart from sit and wait... it's nerve wracking, but I imagine it's just tried its wings a little. Keep us posted!

Thanks maplekong. Do the chicks normally come back after they've flown off for the first time? And do the parents stay a while after the chick has left?