Fledge That Can't Fly

We hosted six or seven pair of PMs this year, and all but one of the fledges are flying. Our concern is for one of the fledges that has fallen out of the box three times since coming out of the nest. We have put the chick back in a nest all three times. But it appears not to be able to fly like the other fledges. It just sits on the porch and watches. We can't tell if it's still being fed by the adults.

What's the humane thing to do? Can we keep it alive when the other PMs depart for Brazil in the next few days, or should we destroy it and end its frustration and possible suffering?

Tough Call!

Gene Wilson
Shawnee, KS :?:

[Lou King]

Gene. Do you note any injuries? Does it seem to be overweight? Most fledges at the time they fledge are larger than their parents. Normally, the parents withhold food as an inticement to get it to fly, but it's still possibly overweight. The best thing would be to get it to a rehabber. It is also possible it will finally decide it's time to go, and take off, without any further harm being done. Keep us informed. CUL Lou

[Larry Bukantis]

I wouldn't pull the bird yet. Take the bird in your hand and feel around its sternum. Does it feel boney?? Put it back in the house and watch it. Are parents still feeding it?? After 30 minutes and no parents I would say he has been left behind. If he is being fed or visited by the parents I'd keep doing what your doing. Parents usually keep food from the babies to try and entice them to leave and follow them, this one may just take alittle more time. After they Fledge the babies are forced to follow the parents to get fed. Its all part of the learning process. If you 100% confirm he's abandon, then pull him and begin to feed him to build sustain him. I have used Iam's cat food pellets soaked in water. (Vets usually have free sample bags in their offices. I have had never been able to "rehabilitate" a martin back to health but have read several stories of people who have. At this point I'd find a professional, you'd be amazed how good they can be.