Quail with injured neck and back won’t eat or drink. Also lethargic.

[birdcult]

My pet bobwhite quail got her head stuck in the wires of our coop, and after being “hospitalized” in a small cage with warmth, food, and water she hasn’t eaten for 4 hours and hardly moves, except for her grand escape from the cage. Luckily she is making nervous calls when I approach, so she is responsive.

We gave her apples, some of her normal feed, and water. We also treated her wound wither Heal XCel an hour and a half after we found her.

The wound doesn’t appear to be too deep, but she is bleeding.

Do we try to hand feed her? Or do we let it be and hope for the best? Donkey the quail was from my first ever hatching of birds and I want to do what it takes to save her.

 

[Nabiki]

I would leave her alone with the food. Unless she's a pet that's very used to being handled, she's more likely to eat when she's alone and feels safe.