injured barn swallow

[trixiwick]

Went into the goat barn last night to find that the sticky fly traps hanging from the rafters had caught their first-ever non-insect prey: a young barn swallow. Poor thing was stuck fast, and I'm pretty sure had a broken wing from trying to get free.

We unstuck him and took him inside, where I lathered him up with soap and warm water to get as much of the sticky stuff out of his feathers as I could. Dried him off and put him down outside near a sheltered spot. I don't think he has a prayer of survival, since he can't fly. Is there any other way I could have helped him? I know they eat insects on the wing, so I can't imagine I could have offered him any food he would have accepted.

[A'sta at Hofstead]

Sad but true, he's a goner. I know insect eating birds like the suet with seed.

[Danaus29]

If it was just fledging the parents would still be feeding it. If it happens again you could try feeding it canned cat food and splinting the wing. In order to feed a young bird you have to open their mouth and shove the food down their throat, but be very gentle while you do it.

[starjj]

If the wing is broken what are you going to do? Don't leave it to starve to death or get eaten by a cat. I know it sounds cruel but if you don't know of a rehab center for birds you are just making it suffer more leaving it alive.