Magpie - cannot stand

[nathan]

I picked up a young magpie from in the gutter today. I assume it was hit by a car. It doesn't appear to be physically damaged in any way. There's no evidence of impact trauma, no blood but it can't stand.

It's very alert, it holds its own head up and watches me. It let me handle it without too much fuss. It gave me a firm bite, it didn't seem weak. It's breathing seems normal, not panicked or fading.

I put my finger against its feet (claws?) to see if it could grab them and it did, but not very tightly. I've seen its legs move if it gets a fright but otherwise they just lay there splayed out under the birds body.

I've got it in a box with a sheet, in the dark, next to my hot water machine.

Any advice?

Attachments:

[nathan]

I took it outside this morning and it tried to fly but couldn't. It sat on the ground, laying on its underbody with its wings open and also lying on the ground. The wings aren't damaged, all the feathers are there and they're not broken. It flapped about a bit on the ground, some local magpies came to investigate, they had a sing and a squawk then tried to bite at its wings so I took it inside again.

[avinet]

Sounds like it has injuries - at least a broken leg and possibly internal injuries. It needs to be taken to a vet for examination. Most areas have vets who will look at injured wildlife for free and then pass it on to a wildlife carer to look after it until it is able to be released back to the wild.

Alternatively there is likely a local wildlife care group in your area that could take the bird and organize a vet check. Where do you live?

cheers,

Mike

[nathan]

I'm in Canberra.

My wife dropped the magpie in at the ACT RSPCA Wildlife Rescue centre when they opened this morning. Apparently they were happy to take it and said a vet would look at it soon.

[avinet]

Good outcome - hopefully their vets can fix it up OK

cheers,

Mike