Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My sparrow hit window, injured neck/legs, won't eat. How to help?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Male

Hello. a sparrow hit on our window few days ago. The wings looks fine but the neck and the legs aren't. He can't use the legs to stand or walk, although he can kick my fingers when I hold him, and he can move the fingers as I can see. He doesn't eat. His tail also is weird, twisted to the sides. He never chirp. I see a distortion in his neck, so he likes to sleep with his neck twisted. I have a budgie so I'm afraid of Newcastle disease. we don't have vets or emergency clinic in the city.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on June 20th, 2018

The thump into the window appears to have caused physical injury and possibly neurological damage. This would have to be confirmed by a veterinarian. The bird may recover, but it could take some time and may require extensive supportive care.
Ideally, it should be examined by a wildlife veterinarian or relinquished to an experienced wildlife rehabilitator. If treatment is not possible, humane euthanasia may have to be considered.
Keep it warm and as stress free as possible. Prop the bird up with a towel and wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling. Use a dropper or small syringe to provide water. Offer a fortified seed mix for finches. You can also try a handfeeding formula for extra nutrition.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My swift fell and is injured. How to help it with no vet nearby?

If you cannot get him to a vet or rehabilitator all you can do is keep him warm and comfortable and try to offer him food and water. Give him some peace and quiet and he may come around and gain some strength. It sounds like he is in shock and possible injured. You can only do your best, and often wild birds don't do well when they are injured.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My bird hit window: cracked beak, purple leg, not eating. What to do?

Thanks for reaching out about Jelly and including photos. First observe to see if she can eat and crack hard things like seeds. Structures internal of the beak can be damaged and these will not likely heal well on their own. It the beak is just bruised, it should be fine. The foot appears bruised also, but if fractured, probably will recommend cage rest as most digits are minimally displaced with a fracture and tend to heal fine, as long as not an open wound. If having difficulty perching, removing perches and allow to stand on fluffy towel on bottom of cage, for several days. If not eating, need to see the vet. Good luck

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

What to do if my bird hit a wall, isn't eating, and no vet is near?

Unfortunately, the best course of action when a bird is injured is to seek veterinary care ASAP. Even if you do not have a specific avian vet, it is best to see if there are any vets in your area that could take a look. Internal injuries could be present that could be affecing Indi's ability to eat or perform normal behaviors. Until you can get to the vet, or if you can't get to one, the best course of action is to keep Indi in a calm, quiet and warm hospital cage with low perches and easy access to food and water to minimize any further injury. However, if he doesn't perk back up, he needs to be seen in person by a professional as soon as possible.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My injured bird can't fly, stand, or stay awake. What do I do?

Thanks for reaching out about your rescued bird. By the photos, he appears very depressed and weak. A veterinary clinic or wildlife rehabilitation society should be contacted. Provide heat support in the 80-85 F range, offer water via a small syringe. Only chance is to try and nurse back to health. Good luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

I found an unharmed baby bird. What should I do with the fledgling?

Contact the local veterinary clinic. Ask if the have contact information for a local wildlife rehabilitator. If you can get the bird to a rehabber, it will have an excellent chance at eventual release. House sparrows eat seeds and grains. In the meantime, you can offer a seed mix including millet and sunflower seed. Some moistened dry dog food can also be offered.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

Why is my baby sparrow not chirping after I accidentally overfed it?

It is possible he/she may have aspirated some food into the lungs. This can lead to respiratory infection or even pneumonia. The bird should be examined by a wildlife veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating birds.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My budgie flew into a window. What should I do if he seems injured?

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear that Bobo flew into a window. If you believe that he could be injured in any way, I recommend having him evaluated by your nearest veterinarian. Bird's may hide their clinical signs, so subtle signs such as a wing droop or fluffed feathers may indicate underlying disease/injuries. Your veterinarian may recommend x-rays to evaluate for any orthopedic (boney) injuries, which may require the placement of a splint or bandage. If he continues to act normally (eating, drinking, passing normal feces/urates) and perching normally, he will likely be OK. I hope this is helpful!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share