URGENT - magpie

[freswood]

I really need help with this urgently

This morning there was a magpie with its leg caught in one of the components of the power line pole. We called the fire brigade and they rescued the bird. We took it to an avian vet who discovered that it is lame in one leg. It seems perfectly healthy otherwise, however she believes there could be some nerve damage. We left the magpie there for observation, but need to pick it up within 24 hours.

The vet didn't seem to think it would survive in the wild. There is no way we're euthanasing the magpie because it is perfectly healthy otherwise. It was the most beautiful, gentle thing. And nerves can regenerate - we rescued a possum that couldn't use its hind legs, however it was fine in a few days. And our late pet rabbit was lame for 6 weeks but completely recovered.

I just need some help with caring for the bird. I don't have a wildlife license, however I'm not wanting to surrender the bird to a wildlife carer because they are often too willing to put creatures down. If anybody has any contacts who have had experience with magpies, I would love to give them a call. I'm in Melbourne. Thanks for your help - I'm really upset about this at the moment.

[Berserka]

Rest assured, a magpie with the use of only 1 leg will survive in the wild.
Where I live for 10 years was a female magpie with only the use of 1 leg and every year she raised a clutch of chicks & brought them round to us to feed - they loved small amounts of bread.
Isn't there also a Birdworld or similar name in Melbourne? I'm sure they take in rescued birds.
Otherwise I do know an experienced wildlife person in Brisbane (doesn't do wildlife anymore but did in the past).

[freswood]

karen said:

Rest assured, a magpie with the use of only 1 leg will survive in the wild.
Where I live for 10 years was a female magpie with only the use of 1 leg and every year she raised a clutch of chicks & brought them round to us to feed - they loved small amounts of bread.
Isn't there also a Birdworld or similar name in Melbourne? I'm sure they take in rescued birds.
Otherwise I do know an experienced wildlife person in Brisbane (doesn't do wildlife anymore but did in the past).

I'm so glad that they can survive with only one leg. Thanks so much for the contact - I'll email her straight away.

[Berserka]

Keep us updated won't you?

[Scully]

and lots of luck

[freswood]

I'm so upset right now - the vet said they won't hand the magpie back to us because nobody in my family has a wildlife license. They're looking to either put the bird down, or give it to a carer with the intention of keeping it permanently in captivity. I just don't think either of those are the right course of action. If there's a possibility that it can survive out in the wild, then damnit we should give it a shot. The only problem seems to be the leg - it doesn't appear to be in pain, and there is no sign of illness.

It's so sad that the magpie will never see its family again. I just imagine how I'd feel if I was in that situation, and it compounds my grief. We're going to ring the vet tomorrow to find out exactly what they're doing with the magpie.

[Berserka]

Can you get a temporary licence?
When I have gotten injured lorikeets from the wild the EPA issued me with a temporary licence to last either until the bird was able to be released (or not) or died.
First thing I'd suggest calling your VIC EPA and asking about a temporary wildlife licence.

[silvercloud]

Some carers may want to euthanize but a lot won't. If it goes to a carer there's every chance it will be released when the leg comes good, they're pretty hardy souls. Maggies and most other wild birds won't show any sign of pain as it's a sign for predators to attack them. Fingers crossed on being able to get a temporary licence.