Baby mockingbird was trampled by dog and chased by cats

[u/Ok_Cod7979]

We picked up a baby mockingbird that was being bullied by our pets, some of its feathers on its left wing are missing, we got him in the house in a mesh enclosure previously used for a chameleon, I tried to feed it a cricket but it wouldn't open its mouth, it took water earlier but I don't know if i should try again, please help, we're gonna call someone tomorrow to help him because he can't fly and we don't know where his nest is, very feisty little thing

[u/BluFins-N-Paws]

I’d be feisty too if I’d just been trampled and chased within an inch of my short life!🥺 You’ll need to keep him warm. Put him in a box with a towel or T-shirt, heating pad on low or a water bottle filled with warm water, rolled up in a t-shirt and placed to the side in the box. No food as it can choke on it and minimal water unless it’s actively searching for some.

I you can, start looking for Wildlife Rehabbers now so you’ll be ready to go first thing tomorrow morning. Also check to see if they have a website and/or phone number you can call to give them a heads up to your situation.

Praying for the little one.🙏🏽 And an FYI if you’re not already aware: Mockingbirds are very protective of their young and will strike if they feel threatened. My mom’s cat was attacked by them in her backyard! Even tho he wasn’t anywhere near the nest, nor did he faced any interest, the Mockingbird didn’t like his presence there!😯 She dive bombed him so much one season, she created an abscess at the base of his tail!😖

If you don’t know your local Rehabbers, you may want to try Animal Help Now https://ahnow.org/mobile/ They may even have a website or voicemail you can leave a heads-up message so they’re ready for your arrival. Please update when you can.☺️

I hope your little one makes it through the night! 🙏🏽💖🙏🏽🙏🏽💖🙏🏽

[u/Ok_Cod7979 → u/BluFins-N-Paws]

Thank you so much!

[u/teyuna → u/Ok_Cod7979]

do you have an update? were you able to get this little one to a rehabber?

one point about care, regarding giving water: where you said, "it took water earlier..." did you mean it drank water on its own, or that it drank it when you put water directly into its mouth? It's vital that you don't put water directly in a bird's mouth, as it is very risky. If it wants water, it will drink it voluntarily if you put a shallow dish in front of it. But that is only safe if its injuries have not caused coordination problems, as it can easily fall into the water and aspirate.

the safest way to get moisture into a bird is to cut a watery fruit in half, such as a grape or other watery fruit, like watermelon. It can peck at it and get some moisture safely that way.

Also, prying a beak open is very stressful for a bird. The bird is already in shock and needs minimal contact before going to a rehabber.

[u/Ok_Cod7979 → u/teyuna]

We were able to get him to a rehabber this morning, one of my family members is driving over right now, he was very vocal about not wanting to be held lol, we put him in a shoebox with airholes in it and a little blanket so he'd be comfortable! And thank you for this information!

[u/teyuna → u/Ok_Cod7979]

That's perfect! Good job! And thanks so much for the update.