Cat got to my Gouldian male

[Sandra]

I somehow forgot to close cage door, I heard scratching on the floor, I ran to it to find my cat got my male Gouldian Finch. I was horrified and still shaking.

I grabbed the bird, saw just a little blood under his wing. He managed to jump on perch and is still on the same spot since. Not moving not peep He hides his beak/head under wing.

I know he's in shock and I dont know further extend of any injury. I've let him alone but I can't stop going there to make sure he is still alive.

[debbie276]

So sorry, hope his injuries are not serious

[Sandra]

Thanks Debbie.

I still can't get over the fact that I forgot to close the cage door. I'm so upset at myself.

He went to eat a little and drank some water but went back to hidding under his back feathers. Hopefully things will be back to normal tomorrow.

[Sally]

So sorry this happened, but be sure and provide him with some sort of heat lamp, even if it is just a desk lamp with a 60w bulb pointed at one end of the cage. Warmth helps with shock more than anything. You might even partially cover the cage for now, giving him a bit of privacy and feeling of security.

[Sandra]

Thank you. Our room is warm, so I will cover half of the cage so he can feel somehow secure.

[Hilary]

Agree with Sally - the extra warmth of a lamp would help (I keep some cheap clamp-on lights from Home Depot just for this purpose). Best of luck with him, and remember that we've all forgotten to close the cage door securely at some point.

[Sally]

Yes, the additional heat from a lamp gives the concentrated warmth that he needs right now, not just the normal heat from the room. Like Hilary, I use those clamp-on reflector lights from Home Depot, so I can aim the light right where I want it at one perch. You will see that an ill or traumatized bird will seek out that warmth, and it can be almost a miracle health aid.

And we have all left doors open, or didn't secure the latch, or forgot to put a water tube back on a cage--the list of mistakes we have all made is endless, don't beat yourself up.

I have cats too, and I'm afraid my birds wouldn't fare so well with my cats.

[cindy]

Sorry to hear about the accident. I agree that adding a heat lamp, it will help with the shock and warm the bird. The bird will recover a bit better with the added direct heat.

[wilkifam]

give it a lamp too. It is amazing how much it helps a sick or injured bird. Regular room heat is not enough.

[kheather]

I would be giving a broad spectrum antibiotic asap! Like baytril..lady gouldian has the generic. The cat oviously punctured the skin and their saliva is very bad for birds and infection...also it is probably a puncture type wound which tend to get infected since they may not drain well...keep him warm..milet next to him! Good luck! I also would cleanse the area with chlorahexadine...availiable at walgreens!! Hope he pulls through.

[30 Seconds to Bob]

I agree with Heather on the broad spectrum antibiotic just to be safe. Other choices would be Ornacyn or Ornacycline. Petsmart, down my way still carries these. I usually mix it up a tiny bit stronger than called for and add some honey to make it taste better. It tastes pretty terrible on it's own. Good luck! Bob

[Zebrafincher]

I hope your bird recovers. Best of luck

[Sandra]

Thanks for everyone's kind words and suggestions!

My cat got my Gouldian injured with her claws. She was 'playing' like the bird was a ball.

Yesterday, my bird could go perch to perch and even on the evenning went to eat and drink. Today I found him at the bottom of the cage. Unable to reach the closest perche. Put some millet on his 'claimed' spot but not eating much and still hidding under his back feathers. He usually chases the female out of his claimed stop and now he just dont care.

I dont really have a warm lamps as all I have are energy efficient lamps.

[birdclaws]

I would go to the store and get a heat lamp if you don't have anything already. Maybe stop and get a bottle of Smart Water as well. I would think when he is ready to eat, he will go for the spray millet first. I hope he pulls through. Keep us updated.

[debbie276]

Sending good vibes your way