NEW ARRIVAL: Yesterday we were asked if we could take in and nurse a poorly pukeko, found injured up near Auckland and handed in to Hope Rescue South Auckland He has had vet care, and has one wing bandaged, so we need to change his dressings and he has his medicine to administer as well. Can we help? Of course we can! Having had a few pukekos come through our hands, we are used to their behaviour, their sounds and what they seem to mean, and also have Petrie here, our permanent resident on the farm. I have no problem handling pukekos, tame or wild, and have had a few nips in my time, but do understand them enormously... they dont phase me or frighten me anymore, so I am more than happy to help. This young pukeko (and he looks like a boy to me) has also got some oily residue all over his feathers, so he needs a mild detergent bath... yep, no problem I assured them, I can do that too. So early this morning hubby transported him down after his night shift, and here he is. Hubby has named him Slick, and I have already picked him up out of the transportation cage, and yes he tried to nip me, but I know how to handle them (thanks to Petrie) and he is now settling into his new cage for some R & R. He is probably scared, not sure what is happening to him, so he needs to settle and with each feed I can gain his trust in his time and not force him to come to me etc. I wont bathe him for a couple of days... just let him settle in first, and then I can start handling him more. I have learnt pukekos are very intelligent, and DO build up a bond with people, and have the capacity for facial recognition, and people friendly awareness. It will take time for this young wild bird, but as always.... love is the key, and I know he will come good. He needs to see the vet again in two weeks, and I will have to buy in more fresh mussels to help with his nutrition and diet etc. So meet Slick another rescue in need of help.. and I will update on his progress and recovery. Once better we can release him, as it is illegal to cage these birds.... and then he is free to come or stay. Until then he needs lots of support, understanding and medical care. ;)
Posted on: Sat, 10 Jan 2015 20:24:54 +0000
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