Written by: Izzy Swift, PHSS Intern
On June 3rd, Fish Crow 21-1105 was found with its nestmate and brought into Pelican Harbor Seabird Station. Fish Crows are one of two species of crows that are found in Miami-Dade County, the other being the American Crow. One of the main differences between the Fish and American Crow is their size and habitat: Fish Crows are smaller than American Crows and can be found along coasts and waterways while American Crows are found in fields, woodlands or forests. Once in our care, Fish Crow 1105 was given a full intake exam, given a dewormer to treat any parasites it might have, subcutaneous fluids to aid in rehydrating the nestling, and sprayed with an anti-mite, anti-lice spray to help treat the feather mites it came in with.
The first few days Fish Crow 1105 was in our care, it wasn’t very active and wasn’t eating on its own. To give the crow a better shot at surviving, we placed it in an oxygen chamber to help it breathe easier and also tube fed it a liquid diet called Omnivore-Care (O-Care). To see if there were any parasites responsible for 1105’s inactivity, we did a crop swab. To perform a crop swab, we take a sterile cotton swab and swab the inside of the bird’s crop or mouth. We then analyze the sample under a microscope to see if any parasites like trichmanosis are present. 1105’s crop swab was negative, which indicates it does not have any crop parasites and this was not the reason for its inactivity. After a few days, 1105 appeared to feel much better and began to eat a solid diet of fish, fruits and veggies, and other nutrients for a complete diet which we tong feed to nestlings until they are old enough to eat independently. We also noticed that 1105 wasn’t using its left leg and its left foot was curled and not fully extending. Due to this discovery, we decided to put a shoe on its left foot to force the bird to keep its foot in a natural position. Shoes are used to give the leg extra support so 1105 can put weight on the leg and start to strengthen the muscles again to prevent atrophy or the degradation of the muscle from disuse. We also gave 1105 some pain medication to help it stand on its leg and make it more comfortable in our care as its leg healed.
The next step for 1105 was to get radiographs (x-rays) taken of its leg to see exactly what was causing the crow pain and preventing it from using its left leg. The images taken showed that 1105 had a fracture in its left leg, specifically in the tibiotarsus. The fracture appeared to be old since it had already started to heal in the image. To help it heal the rest of the way, we began to give 1105 a calcium supplement that will aid in the healing of the fracture. After the radiographs, it was unclear whether the old fracture would affect the use of 1105’s left foot, but everyone was hoping with the proper care 1105 would be able to use its foot again and eventually be released back into the wild. As an extra precaution, we also performed a fecal test on 1105 to make sure it did not have any parasites affecting its recovery but did not see any under the microscope.
For the weeks 1105 has been in our care, its weight has continued to fluctuate and we have tried different bandage types to help it regain use of its left foot and begin perching on branches. We switched from the shoe, which keeps the foot in a flat position on the ground, to a ball bandage that gives the foot more curvature, almost as if the left foot is constantly in a gripping position. We still did not witness 1105 perching normally, but after a week with the ball bandage on, 1105 was able to grip with its left foot which is a drastic improvement from when it first came into Pelican Harbor.
As 1105 continues to improve, we will continue to keep it in an inside enclosure so we can easily keep an eye on the Fish Crow and administer its needed medications. While inside, it will have the company of two other Fish Crows sharing its enclosure and have constant stimulation with a variety of toys, fresh greenery, and diets. We will also begin physical therapy exercises with its left foot to give 1105 a greater chance to regain full function of its foot which is required if it is to be released back into the wild. Hopefully, in the next few months, 1105 will be back in the wild and find protection and company in a new flock.
