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Ed Nied Jr. | profile | all galleries >> Bluebird Nestling Dilemma tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Bluebird Nestling Dilemma

Because of a fecal sac problem (severe diarrhea) and a reluctance on our part to open the nest box near fledging date, this poor bird really suffered. Its own waste built up around its feet and was unable to climb to the entrance hole to fledge properly. The build-up was literally like cement and could only be removed by soaking in warm water and carefully rubbing it away.
This poor bird had a build-up of its own waste on its feet...
This poor bird had a build-up of its own waste on its feet...
...and obviously was not able to climb out of the nestbox.
...and obviously was not able to climb out of the nestbox.
My good friend and monitoring partner, Al LaRose...
My good friend and monitoring partner, Al LaRose...
...would soak the bird's feet in warm water...
...would soak the bird's feet in warm water...
...and I would gently rub away the caked material.
...and I would gently rub away the caked material.
It was somewhat of a slow process to avoid further injury...
It was somewhat of a slow process to avoid further injury...
...but we were able to clean and free its feet.
...but we were able to clean and free its feet.
The right foot was encased in the closed position and doubt this foot will be normal.
The right foot was encased in the closed position and doubt this foot will be normal.
Both feet showed some movement and hopefully will strengthen.
Both feet showed some movement and hopefully will strengthen.