Why did my rescued wild bird die after vet treatment, what happened?

Sorry for your loss. Taking the deceased bird back to the veterinarian to perform a necropsy with the goal to determine a cause. Somethings are contagious to other birds, including bacterial and viral problems. Birds will often pick on the sick/injured to get them to leave the flock, for protection. Monitor the health of others. Also, providing antibiotics through the water gives you no control over quantity ingested. A specific oral dose is best. Good luck with the other birds.

Sorry about your bird. First thoughts are a respiratory infection, causing the wings to held outwards, then respiratory collapse. Respiratory problems can be caused by inhaled toxins, infections (bacterial, viral, fungal), metabolic disorder (liver, renal), and others. A veterinarian might be able to provide a necropsy for more answers. Good luck.

He may be stressed or injured. Without an exam, it is difficult to determine. Monitor it as best as you can. If he falls out of the tree, place him in a soft, padded box or cage until he recovers. You can also contact a local veterinarian and ask if they know of or work with a wildlife specialist that could examine, treat and eventually release the bird.

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.

Your best bet, with any found wild bird, is to try and find a wildlife refuge or veterinary clinic that can take him in. They are better equipped to help treat and rehabilitate sick birds and get them back into the wild safely. Until you can find a place that will take him in, keeping him in a warm hospital cage that is separate from other pets and birds (to prevent the spread of anything) and with access to food and water can help.

If you've found a wild bird, the best option is to try and find a wildlife rehab near you that can take the bird in, treat it, and safely release it. If she is becoming listless or unmoving, and isn't wanting to eat or drink, I would be concerned that her condition is worsening and veterinary care should be sought (even if it isn't an avian specialist.)

I'm so sorry for your loss! Rescue work can always be heartbreaking. I worry that since the mother abandoned the kittens, she may have known they were sickly. They could have had a congenital issue or mom could've been infected with a disease that severely affected the kittens. You could take the kitten to have post-mortem performed if you would like a final diagnosis, but unfortunately, this is something that happens and we don't always get closure.