Juvenile Herring Gull

[rook]

Hi,

I wonder if somebody has got some experience with fledgling and/or juvenile Herring Gulls. Today morning I have been called to a trapped Herring Gull, which I have been told was stuck there for at least four days, most likely without water or food as the parents would have had problems to get there easily. The bird was very lethargic and weak, therefore I couldn't release the bird straight back onto the roof to join its family flock, as I normally would have done. I have rehydrated the bird, have done the usual first aid things and started with assisted feeding this evening, as the bird is refusing to eat. The gull is now starting to get back to normal and seems to be on the way of recovery, I hope.

Will the parents accept their chick back at all? If so, is there a maximum time span one could wait until the bird gets released back to join its parents / flock, like there is for example for crows? Do other gulls would "adopt" juveniles, or in other words, do gulls tolerate orphan juvenile gulls joining their offspring, as in my opinion my gull is not completely weaned and would have normally followed their parents round for another couple of weeks? All the questions above are aiming for a quick release possibly over the weekend.

Many thanks for your advice!

Kind regards,

Stephan.

[PigeonQueen]

Hello there is a lady In Anglesey in North Wales who might beable to advise you. I believe she has some experience in rescuing seagulls. Please call 01248 440689. I hope she is still contactable on this number.

Also Riverside Animal Centre might beable to offer some advice, They are based in Surrey, phone 0208 647 6230 ask for jaqui, Tania or Elaine.

[rook]

Originally Posted by PigeonQueen

Hello there is a lady In Anglesey in North Wales who might beable to advise you. I believe she has some experience in rescuing seagulls. Please call 01248 440689. I hope she is still contactable on this number.

Also Riverside Animal Centre might beable to offer some advice, They are based in Surrey, phone 0208 647 6230 ask for jaqui, Tania or Elaine.

Thank you very much!

[Quazar]

If you dont have any luck with that number, you could give The Scottish seabird centre a call.
I know they're nowhere near you but sure they could give you any advice needed - 01620 890 202

[rook]

Originally Posted by Quazar

If you dont have any luck with that number, you could give The Scottish seabird centre a call.
I know they're nowhere near you but sure they could give you any advice needed - 01620 890 202

Thank you very much for your help again. I tried today to reunite this beautiful gull chick with its parents, but failed, as the parents weren't interested anymore. It seems, that the time of separation was probably longer than only 24 hours. Anyway, the gull is now together with other orphans at a local rescue centre to be released when old enough. It was worth trying though.

[Teresa]

Great to hear that the chick is safe and will be released when ready! Great job!