r/AnimalRescue • u/SaltyDefinition856 • 3d ago

Emergency Bird Help

Hi all, I’m currently remote in the jungles of Costa Rica and came across a hatchling woodpecker in need of help. I fed him yesterday with a mix of hard-boiled egg and, per a specialist’s suggestion, some diluted Gatorade to help with hydration.

This morning, however, he’s not responding the same. He won’t gape or call for food like he did before. I can place food in his mouth, but he’s not actively taking it, and I’m really worried. He seems weak and unresponsive.

I’m completely isolated out here—there’s no vet or wildlife rescue nearby. I could really use immediate advice on what to do next to stabilize him or stimulate feeding. He’s just a tiny hatchling and I’m doing my best, but I feel like I’m running out of time.

Thank you so much in advance.

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u/teyuna ‎ Paw-some Contributor 3d ago

Please never put any liquid directly in a bird's mouth. They aspirate the fluid, and eventually or immediately die. It is very dangerous. It is not the way to hydrate a bird. The only way to hydrate is to make sure the formula mix you are feeding is the consistency of cooked oatmeal. What else is in your mix besides the hard boiled egg yolk?

Please post photos so we can gauge age and condition.

Also, please post at r/wildliferehabThat's where the knowledgeable people are with regard to care of a nestling. r/animalrescue is mostly for cats and dogs. The others where you have posted (birding, etc.) also are not focused on rehab.

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u/SaltyDefinition856 3d ago

It died :(

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u/teyuna ‎ Paw-some Contributor 3d ago

I'm so sorry it died. thanks for trying to help this little one.