Found a sick bird throwing up and can't fly? What should I do to help?

If you've found a wild bird, the best course of action is to try and find a wildlife rehab near you that can take the bird in, especially if it is ill. Seeing if there are any vets that see wild animals near you is also a good idea. Since the bird is showing signs of illness, making sure to keep it separated from any other birds in a hospital cage, and washing hands and clothing coming into contact with it is best to prevent the spread of any illness. You can try to offer a mashed up baby bird food diet, however if it is unable to keep any food down, there could be an issue with the crop (infection, illness, obstruction) or GI tract that needs to be seen by a vet in person.

Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do other than try to keep the bird calm and quiet. I would avoid handling it as birds can pass illnesses to people and other pets. Trying to find a wildlife rehab that can take it ASAP is best!

I am sorry to hear about your situation. It sounds like she defintely needs medical attention. I would see if your parents can drive her to a rehab center or some rehab volunteers will pick animals up so perhaps you can find someone to do this. You can look at https://www.nwrawildlife.org/page/Find_A_Rehabilitator and https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-find-wildlife-rehabilitator to try to find a rehabilitator near you. Until then I would keep the bird in a quiet dark place and handle it as little as possible.

It would be hard to tell if it is OK or not without an exam in person. It could be the bird is just stressed out from the day's activity, however, with wild animals it is best to try and find a vet that will see them, or a local wildlife rehab in your area that will take the bird in, examine it, treat it, and re-release it in the wild.

I'm sorry to hear that. Ideally, google wildlife rehabilitation in your area. Realistically, it doesn't sound like this bird is going to survive. For that reason, I would recommend that you contact a vet ASAP, and explain the situation. The vet can humanely euthanize the pigeon if he/she is concerned that the pigeon won't survive or be able to survive in the wild if it does recover.

Thanks for reaching out about Fandogh and including images. Anti-emetic (anti-vomiting) medications can be given by injection, so might reduce/stop regurgitation, that can then allow oral medications to be given. Subcutaneous fluids might have to be given to maintain hydration. Were follow up radiographs taken after the initial ones? A gastrointestinal foreign body must still be considered. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Zap and including a picture. Regurgitation is common with birds who have ingested something toxic or causing a partial or complete obstruction. Metablic diseases such as renal or hepatic diseases can also cause regurgitation. Crop infections (bacterial, yeast or fungal) can make them nauseous. These small birds can not go too long without digesting food. Unfortunately there is little that can be done at home,, so finding a veterinarian with avian experience. By the map, you're not too far from Tacoma, but might have to travel to Seattle for a veterinarian. Good luck.