Gellica & the baby bird
 

Gellica was outside today and she started sniffing around as usual when my husband noticed she was staying in one spot sniffing the ground. So, he went over to her and saw she had found a baby bird, and by the looks of it, it is no more than a day or two old. She was so gentle with it! All she did was sniff him and nudge him. Well, her mothering instincts kicked in and she now thinks she is this little guy's mother!

We looked around, and there is no nest nearby. We think something may have carried it away from the nest and dropped it in in our yard. So, my husband brought it in, did a bit of research online, and fed him every 15 minutes all day long. He made a mixture of catfood, water, and hard-boiled egg. Every time the bird chirped, Gellica would bark and tell Daddy to feed him again. She even laid down beside him once as if he could nurse off of her! I'm posting a few pictures and videos.

Does anyone know what kind of bird this is? We are still amazed that she was so gentle with him. This is the same dog that hates anything in her yard - she chases cats, squirrels, birds, and even butterflies if they are in "her" yard! She must have known it was just a helpless baby.

Here are the video links: (They are dark, but you get the idea)

Wow that is amazing! I hope the little bird makes it!

I have no idea what kind of bird that could be, but I must say Gellica looks like she would make an excellant mom.

WOW! Gellica is such a sweetheart. I'm not sure what kind of bird it is. I think its maybe a week old since it has all its feathers, usually takes a couple days to get feathers.

That is so sweet. We have 2 schnauzers and 2 yorkies. One of my little schnauzers found a hurt bird in our yard and brought inside. I almost died because I have always been afraid of chickens and birds. But, the vet said she had to have been so gentle with that little bird to have not hurt it. She was a female too, and like you said I think their motherly instincts set in and they know when something is in need of help.

That is so adorable. What great motherly instincts she has.

No idea what kind of bird it is since it's still relatively young. Probably 4-5 weeks or so old. They typically don't get feathers until that age. And either fell out a nest somewhere in the vicinty or was trying out it's wings.

Well actually, he does not have his feathers yet. It is very hard to see from those videos because they came out very dark, but the only place he has feathers is on his wings, and a little stripe down the middle of his back. The rest of him is naked and very pink. Even the feathers he does have, are only the baby feathers - they still look wet and he cannot even stand up on his own yet without falling over - so he is very young. He is only about 2" in size! I am happy to report that he made it through his first night, and DH has quite the busy day ahead of him - feeding him every 15 minutes until sunset! Gellica was already right by his side when I left for work this morning.

Gel is so sweet to take care of her little baby bird. I'm sure hubby will get this bird rehabbed, and if he can't, I dont want to be around... LOL

I hope the little baby makes it!

Can you put him back in his nest and just watch to make sure his mother doesn't thow him out? Sometimes other birds will carry off babies. Maybe this is what happend and he fell. Blue Jays are the worst for killing other birds.

What a nurturing family. Fight little birdie, fight!!!!!

I wish I could - but there are no trees nearby, and we cannot find where his nest was. :(

Well, the little birdie made it through a second night! :) DH has now named him Larry (Bird) :rolleyes:. His eyes are just starting to open. He has a couple of new baby feathers starting to come out under his neck. We still are not sure what kind of bird of he is, but we are hoping to care for him until he is ready to fly - however long that may be. :confused: Gellica still sits and watches him all day long. :aimeeyork

Gel is such a good mamma :p On the cruise, I loved hearing all of your stories about her keeping everyone in line and doing the corrections so you don't have to! What a gentle soul she is!

Yes, she really is. ;) She keeps the whole crew in line, and she nearly gave up her own life for her puppies. She's the best momma anyone could ask for, and she really is one of the best things that have ever happened to us. We are so glad we got to rescue her. It is amazing to me that someone else had her for 2 years and just gave her up.

I bet Larry will think Gel is his momma! Way to go Larry the Bird. Send more pics please.

How is little Larry Bird getting along?

I was wondering the same thing. I hope there is a happy ending for Larry.

Sorry, unfortunately Larry only made it about 5 days with us. :( We did everything we could, but he was just so tiny.

I read your thread with such interest, as I have raised baby birds before. I'm so sorry Larry did not make it. Gellica must be so sad now that he's gone. I am so amazed at how she was so gentle with Larry. Maddie or Libby would have killed him on the spot. I wonder what kind of bird he was...it was hard to tell on the videos.

Aww poor Larry :(

aww.
I'm sorry - That is too bad.

Gellica is sooo sweet!! This is too cute.