Need help please!

[coolcanoechic]

I just went out and discovered a turkey vulture in my trap. It has been in there for probably a few hours in the sun. I don't believe it's a threat to my girls and I want to release it. It is panting hard and seems too weak to stand up. I opened the trap and tried to get him to fall out, but it is quite large in there. I ran a gentle stream of water in his mouth and moved him to the shade and misted him with some water to cool him off. Do you think it will die? Is it a threat to the chickens? I don't know what to do.
Thanks. I'll post a picture shortly.

 

[Oregon Blues]

It's no threat to your chickens and is quite valuable for the environment.

As to whether or not it will die, it depends upon how long it was in the trap and how badly it is in shock.

 

[coolcanoechic]

Here are some pictures.
It actually seems to be panting less now. I'll try to give him some more water.

 

[Eggsoteric]

Just be careful when you're finally able to release it. In order to escape any potential dangers, vultures will "throw up" on their captors. It's one disgusting, rotten smell that you'll not be able to get out of your clothes.

 

[coolcanoechic]

I just tried to give it more water. It's beak stayed closed and he is not panting anymore. He tried to stand up, so I think with a little rest and a little cooling, it might be ok.

Have you released a vulture before? I'm not sure it will be able to back itself out, but the door is open.

 

[Eggsoteric]

Not from a trap. Learned the hard way when trying to do a good deed in rescuing an injured vulture to take to a wildlife rehabber in our area. Does the back of the trap open up as well? If not, once the bird looks strong enough, you might try throwing a blanket over the trap and trying once again to gently coax him/her out the front. Just make sure it's not your mother-in-law's favorite quilt.

 

[coolcanoechic]

The trap only opens on one end. Now I can see why you would want one that opens on both. It tried to stand, but it's too weak still. I misted him some more with cool water and got a little more in his mouth. I don't know what else to do. Would a fan help to cool him more? My chickens like it.

 

[coolcanoechic]

I got it out of the cage with no barfing incidents. It is resting now. Still not sure if it will be ok though. Just have to wait and see.

 

[devora]

What a beautiful bird. We have a ton of 'em and love watching them cruise. Let's hope it recovers quickly.

 

[coolcanoechic]

I'm sure it is more at ease being out of the cage. I sure hope it recovers.