Expert: Roger Lederer - 6/23/2010

Question
So one baby sparrow found itself on the floor of an indoor riding arena, just by the mounting block.  I found him around 8 a.m., very depressing as he wasn't old enough to be out of the nest.  Short, undeveloped feathers, the odd bald patch.  Not wishing to have a horse tread on him.  I picked him up and put him in the galley, where he screamed and tottered around.  Mostly, as one of his legs didn't seem right.  I didn't think he was going to make it.  That was Sunday morning.  I was back on Tuesday morning and morbidly checked to see the dead little body, but no, he was there, so someone was looking after him.  I have seen a starling feeding him regularly.  How unusual is that?  He is a sorry little guy, I am concerned he is not going to make it as his leg doesn't support him in a normal way.  I am hoping being young it will fix itself.  But anyway right now he is being fed.  Any thoughts as to this unusual situation.  I will keep an eye on him as the days go on.  Thanks for your time.  He is on my mind alot!  Audrey

Answer
That is very unusual. You are sure it is a baby sparrow and not a baby starling? The crippled leg is common among young birds shortly out of the nest because they either broke their leg when they jumped from the  nest or they haven't gotten proper nutrition and the leg grew malformed. In either case, it is unlikely that it will heal itself. Nature can be cruel at times.