Expert: Roger Lederer - 7/15/2007

Question
Yesterday my cat attacked a quail and brought it into the house. I didn't expect it to live, however it's survived through the night. He was never bleeding but he has trouble walking (although nothing APPEARS to be broken), and looks as if he has a small hole in his neck. I know nothing of birds or how to help them, and I would call animal control to take him away except my parents are out of town on vacation. I'm sorry if this isn't the right place to ask, I'm just trying to find some way to help this poor guy. If his neck was punctured, shouldn't this bird be bleeding?

Answer
Best thing to do is contact your local wildlife rehab center - animal control may know of one. The skin of birds is very thin and fragile and has few blood vessels so it does not bleed much, but it can lead to serious infection. Please make a call to experienced people in your area as I suggested above. Maybe a local vet can help. I can't give you any more specific advice on the web. Thanks for your concern.