bronze Posted August 2, 2009 Share Posted August 2, 2009 (edited) Today my friend from up the road came round clutching something carefully. Her cat had brought her in a chick and she was asking for my advice. Shes just inherited some chickens and knew a couple had chicks so I had assumed it was one of them to start with. Anyway unwrapped the poor little shivering thing and got it on a wheatgerm bear to warm up. Bathed the cut on its back and finally looked at it properly. It looked a bit like a quail. Something seems odd though. A) where would the cat get a quail from B) if it was that big (still tiny but...) it would surely have some wing feathers. No feathers must be a couple of days old max. Anyway you'll be pleased to hear hes chirped up (literally) and I've had a bit of a google and am thinking he may be a pheasant chick. They're having their kitchen done so I said I would keep him til its done. I haven't told them my suspicions yet. So two things. What do I do? Do we bring up this chick which may be a pheasant (or even partridge) and two what do you guys think Hes very feisty so hard to get a clear pic ps have just spoken to another friend who things first friends chicks are a fair bit older so definitely isn't one of hers and is just something the cat brought in Edited August 16, 2009 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted August 2, 2009 Share Posted August 2, 2009 I can only see the thumbnail but it does look like some sort of game bird. I think you're best to look after it, maybe try bathing the cut as cats have lots of bacteria in their mouths. Keep it warm and in a dark place to reduce stress. If you don't want to keep it, your local vets have to treat wildlife free of charge, but they may decide its cruel to keep it and stress it ... Edit: Just seen Egluntines larger picture and I'm pretty sure its pheasants that have that line down their beaks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teri Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 it does look like a phesant chick. we have a field full of them at the back of my house...not sure what the best solution is tbh if its hand reared it can't be released and i've never heard of anyone keeping them as pets? do you have a local wild life sanctuary that could take it? it may be the best option for it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
likeabalalaika Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 So sweet but I agree with teri, a animal sanctuary or the RSPB might be able to raise it. I imagine it would be quite a difficult job to raise it with a view to release it. I've heard that their feed is higher in protein than regular chick crumbs. Is there a wild bird hospital near you? Good luck You're very kind to care for the little fella. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 Looks like a pheasant to me too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 I found a wild pigeon recently and through this found out that if you call the RSPCA, they will give you a reference number which will allow the vet to claim up to £60 for treatment. It has to be the registered RSPCA vet in your area - but they will tell you that. I seem to think that pheasants can mate with chickens and that someone on here has an offspring. Maybe someone with chicks the same age could offer it foster care? Good luck Tricia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Settie Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 Hi, I would say that is defenetly a pheasant chick because I have seen loads before. Have you got a brooder? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bronze Posted August 3, 2009 Author Share Posted August 3, 2009 (edited) thanks guys Edited August 3, 2009 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bronze Posted August 3, 2009 Author Share Posted August 3, 2009 yes I'm fine for set up having raised quite a few chicks now which is why she brought him to me. I think If I tell dh hes a pheasant he'll say yummy dinner. I can't bring myself to cull him now just for being a pheasant chick so will have to get my thinking cap on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teri Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 best of luck it would be such a shame to cull the little fella, it is adorable (evenfor a partridge) your local rspca may be able to direct you to a rescue centre. there are loads here because of Cannock Chase there's no shortage of injured wildlife to keep everyone busy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bronze Posted August 16, 2009 Author Share Posted August 16, 2009 I honestly thought he was going tomake it. I had him two weeks and he seemed to be doing fine. Chirping loudly and running around manically but just now I went into the utility room to find him looking bad. thought he may have got too hot/dehydrated so took him out and syringed some water into him but he just died in my hands. Very sad as he was a little character but there is a sense o relief as I don't have to worry about his future (did have a wee cry though, hormones will do that to you) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted August 16, 2009 Share Posted August 16, 2009 So sorry, Bronze. I've never successfully reared anything wild either. But you saved him from a cat or similar. He died peacefully. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raina Posted August 16, 2009 Share Posted August 16, 2009 Sorry for your loss Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tara.F Posted August 16, 2009 Share Posted August 16, 2009 awww Bronze....I haven't the words for it, I'm sure you've said them all to yourself anyway. And it's not hormones, it's kindness and empathy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teri Posted August 16, 2009 Share Posted August 16, 2009 sorry you lost the little fella. you did your best. x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted August 16, 2009 Share Posted August 16, 2009 Thats a shame, I am sorry. You gave it a better chance than it would have had elsewhere though x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mocha Posted August 16, 2009 Share Posted August 16, 2009 Sorry to hear about the chick. You gave him the best chance though. Mocha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
