Just A Sparrow
Posted by Joy St. Landau on June 21, 2006
Q: My daughter found a baby sparrow in the barn where she works- only about a week old. The nest was too high and the barn cats were very interested so she brought it home and has been caring for it for 6 days now. It has gotten its feathers and eats well but only uses one leg. It keeps the other one tucked up. Is there anything we can do? My daughter says she'll keep him if he can't be released but I don't see how it can survive on one leg!
State: Maryland
A: Joy, There's no easy answer here I'm afraid. Occassionally you do hear of one-legged birds, but I imagine they don't last long in the wild because cats and other predators will recognize the disability and see it as an easy mark.
My advice is always to err on the side of nature when questions arise on whether or not to keep or release an animal. If they have a chance let them have it. Try as we might, we'll never be able to duplicate in capativity the wild where it's destined to be. I hope this helps.
Jim Berry ( June 21, 2006)