Expert: Roger Lederer - 6/28/2010

Question
My husband just found a Robin (about 10" in length, so definitely the mother or father bird) in our backyard, running around but not able to fly. The wings are not stretched from the body but are very close to the body, they don't "seem" broken. However, when we put the bird down, the bird hops around and flails it's wings a little but ultimately can't fly. It seems very alert and very healthy, nice and fat. I am not sure if the baby birds will be okay, I know there is a nest in our neighbour's tree. Also what can we do to help Mama bird? Right now we have her on a nice towel, with a little bowl of water, some bird seed and some blueberries, she is safe in our cat carrier, away from anything that can get her. Do you have any recommendations as to what we can do.. how long do you think before she will be healed enough to fly again? Should we just keep trying a couple of times a day to see if she can fly yet? Thanks so much from a real animal lover. :)

Answer
I really can't tell you what to do as I don't know exactly what is wrong. It could be a young bird that hasn't learned to fly yet. Best thing to do is find a wildlife rehab center for help or take it to a vet. Robins will not eat seeds.
If you can't go to a rehab center or a vet, then release the bird. It has a better chance making it in the wild than in captivity unless the caretaker has experience. Thanks for your concern.