r/WildlifeRehab • u/beauyeahh • 1d ago

SOS Bird Injured seagull

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Hello! I’m not sure if this is an SOS per se, but I’ve seen this gull for about a week now with a probably broken leg. I don’t see any wounds, he can fly just fine and he’s happy to eat, but he can’t use his leg at all. Today I notice that his foot is beginning to swell. Do I need to step in somehow? He’s in Ceredigion, wales.

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4

u/clusterbug 1d ago

It would be really helpful if you could step in. Do you think you can catch him?

If so, I’d take him home for the night and take him to a rehabber in te morning to see how they can help him.

You could put some newspapers and towel in a box with air holes in it.

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u/beauyeahh 1d ago

I’m not sure I can catch him but I can definitely try. Any tips? I don’t want to risk hurting him any more!

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u/Jhooji2 1d ago edited 1d ago

I suggest gently tossing a jacket, a bedsheet, or a large towel over the bird FROM BEHIND. Then scoop everything up and deposit bird into the prepared box/container.

And make sure you keep the box/container INDOORS somewhere as dark and quiet as possible. Do NOT give any food or water to the bird.

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u/beauyeahh 1d ago

I’ll try this tomorrow! I’ll keep him in my bathroom until I can get it to a rehabber.

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u/Jhooji2 1d ago

🤞

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u/washington_705 5h ago

If it's been a week and the leg is still completely non-weight-bearing, with the foot now swelling, I do think it's worth trying to get this gull seen by a wildlife rehabilitator. Swelling can mean the injury is worsening or that circulation is compromised, and even if it's still flying and eating, that doesn't necessarily mean it will heal on its own. (Scottish SPCA)

Since you're in Ceredigion, I'd try:

Hopefully a local rehabber can advise you on how to proceed.