Black Faced Monarch - injured. Advice please

[joiner]

Hi guys,
A gorgeous Monarch hit our window this morning (catching bugs I guess) and fell to the ground stunned. I found him and kept him in a quiet spot until he perked up, then took out to release him. but he's obviously not better: he flew into the side of the neighbours house, then landed on the fence and stayed until I grabbed him again. I fear he may have a fractured wing or something that isn't letting him fly properly.

Has anyone any experience with feeding these in captivity? I'll get him to an avarian vet Tuesday, but would like to keep him healthy meanwhile. I've been out catching flies and moths to put in with him, and have water available. but I'd welcome any tips.
Cheers
Joiner

[avinet]

Oct 27, 2013 11:29:41 GMT 10 joiner said:

Hi guys,
A gorgeous Monarch hit our window this morning (catching bugs I guess) and fell to the ground stunned. I found him and kept him in a quiet spot until he perked up, then took out to release him. but he's obviously not better: he flew into the side of the neighbours house, then landed on the fence and stayed until I grabbed him again. I fear he may have a fractured wing or something that isn't letting him fly properly.

Has anyone any experience with feeding these in captivity? I'll get him to an avarian vet Tuesday, but would like to keep him healthy meanwhile. I've been out catching flies and moths to put in with him, and have water available. but I'd welcome any tips.
Cheers
Joiner

All I can suggest is what you are doing - as far as I know they only eat insects, flies etc.  Chances are he is just concussed and in the morning he will be OK - if he flew next door then it is likely he does not have a broken wing.  Usually a broken wing means no flight at all is possible.  If he has a few flies, moths etc and water then hopefully he will have gotten over his headache and be OK.  Just keep him quiet, in semi darkness, and warm and my experience of similar birds is after 24 hours, and a good nights sleep they are recovered.  Give him a test flight in a laundry perhaps so that if his flying is Ok you can just open the door and let him fly off - but make sure all windows and mirrors are covered before test flying.

A pretty little bird, hopefully he is going to be OK

cheers,

Mike
.

[joiner]

Hi Mike,
thanks. Yes he is a beautiful looking bird and remarkably calm around humans. He looks to be pretty chipper now so I'll do as you suggest and give him a test flight tomorrow: I'll let you know how ot goes!
Cheers
Joiner