Furr & Feather Wildlife Rescue & Protection. Newark, Nottinghamshire.

02/05/2024

Just a reminder, other than the odd few babies here and there at times i feel i can, i am still CLOSED to all except for swifts, house martins and swallows this year. (And that is simply because there's very very very few able to care for swifts in this area and up to this point i have 100% success with them. a bit of a boast, yes. Im allowed to as they really arent the easiest and very much "specialist birds"!) 99% with house martins, have not had any swallows as of yet)
Please respect this and try other rehabbers for any other birds before contacting me. Ill be the last resort only..

And please consider the vet for any severely injured animals. Sometimes letting them go like this is the kindest thing when they are in bits.

Further down the page you can see posts where
others are tagged.

Ill be getting the other post about this tagged round top of the page tomorrow - i cant do this on my phone.

13/04/2024

URGENT!!!!
It has been bought to my attention this morning that there are yet again kids going round with catapults shooting birds at BALDERTON LAKE, like before along with around the pond and along THE SUSTRANS CYCLE TRACK.

Where i lived before, i focused alot of keeping an eye along the track but since moving and where i walk the dogs I'll be keeping more focus on the lake now.

PLEASE keep your eyes and ears open. If you see anyone doing this please get video/photos IF IT IS SAFE TO DO SO (Epecially if you can get clear face shots and its clear what they are doing) and most importantly CALL THE POLICE ON 999. This is a wildlife crime and the emergency number should be used IF THE CRIME IS IN PROGRESS.

I am not the law. There is nothing i can do. Its no good reporting to me. It must be the police and the more its reported the more likely they will be caught! So this is so important

24/03/2024

Please sign and share

https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/please-help-to-stop-your-lowfield-lane-wildlife-being-lost?source=facebook-share-button&fbclid=IwAR2GG8nAyIPac5Vv1q5IrYjFQ2PnHx2BjxBCS_GEA9RMLEyM0v8j80rb-1k

This development will cause a substantial loss of biodiversity and greenspace with barn owls and other fantastic wildlife so close to our local community. The access proposals will only lead to greater congestion and danger for us all. It is owned by the local council and is a fantastic opportunity....

18/03/2024

While I'm closed to birds and other animals, (except swifts, house martins and swallows) i am still doing bits behind the scenes.

Today i have taken around 8 big clumps of frog spawn from a puddle that dries up way before they've finished, and moved to a different area so they have chance at survival.
I am permitted to do this - moving to a specific body of water.

Whereas normally in the wild, only 1 in 50 eggs will make it to a frog, at least these guys will have a better chance now as if left where they were, their chance of survival is 0%.

Will be keeping an eye out for more in that area,. Hopefully this year the other body of water doesn't dry up. Usually it does and i rescue hundreds, if not thousands of tadpoles. Last year however, with help from like minded people, we were able to keep the water topped up as it didn't get close to drying up till later than usual and they were so close.
I am on standby just incase!

Thanks very much for your help today, Matthew @ Nature Needs Us (cant tag!)

Had someone there filming us today, i wonder if i will end up on the local spotted page? Will be glad for a video though as i never got any photos :)

27/01/2024

As most may have seen with my previous post, i very unexpectedly lost my beloved dad on 12th december. This has been devastating for me and a complete life changing event. My life feels like its crumbled. I visited my dad every single morning with my dog Bran, so i feel totally lost with the collapse of routine.

I've made no secret either that last year i was struggling quite a bit with the animals and found it very stressful, mainly due to my (severe) mental health issues, and physical health (many problems) .
As well as all of this, I have taken on my dads two dogs. Bess (6 year old mix) and Bella (12 year old rottweiler) which have joined us and our 2 dogs. Bess has had no training at all really and needs a lot of time spent with her. And I am also training my border collie, Bran, as my assistance dog. (Although we haven't been able to do any training for a while which we must get back to ASAP as he's picking up alot of Bess' bad habits! I am looking for help with Bess)

It is for all those reasons, that i have decided not to open AT ALL this year, except for SWIFTS, SWALLOWS AND HOUSE MARTINS (this is simply because other than Wild Things Rescue, i am unaware of anyone else that specialises in these birds and i adore them, they need all the help they can get and of course only have a select period of time over here and its not all season)

It's just too much for me at the moment and i need to focus my time and energy on these dogs. And ME too.
In doing that, there is no way I can give my full 100% to wildlife, that they need and deserve on an individual basis.

I can't stop people turning up at my doorstep without contacting me first and I cant turn animals away so there may be a couple of babies come in. So please don't see me with birds and assume I am open because i am NOT.

I just PLEASE ask you try and find someone else before turning up here. If it comes to it I will only be take baby birds that are uninjured (or just surface wounds)
*** I will NOT be take any animal with injuries or broken bones!!! *** I ask you please contact another rescue, or take them to an avian/wildlife friendly vet. It really wont take much to tip me over the edge right now so please, please respect this.

🌈 ANY AND ALL swifts, swallows and house martins that are on the ground must be picked up. The parents of these birds will not feed them on the ground, and they (adults included especially in swifts) cannot take off from ground. PLEASE NEVER chuck them into the air or launch them out of a window. This is outdated and very very dangerous advice.
If they're grounded, they most likely need help and some care. This is common in hot weather. Again, all grounded birds regardless of age within these species if on the ground, need help. House martins can often get up compared to swifts but if they're not flying away from you, something is wrong.

🌈 any squabs (baby pigeons) on the ground must be picked up as parents will not feed on the ground whilst this young.

🌈 ANY bird with none, or minimal feathers on the ground must also be picked up and if cannot be returned to an obviously active nest, will need help/care with a rehabber. (Please look up what a nestling looks like compared to a fledgling. If you need help with this please message me)

It is an old wives tale that birds will abandon their young if you touch them, so please don't worry about this. Equally, don't touch them if not necessary though. Nature really does know best.

❗❗❗❗VERY IMPORTANT
*** ANY bird that has been in contact with cat saliva MUST have antibiotics to stand any chance of survival. Alot of wounds are microscopic and cannot be seen anyway. But even without wounds the bird will clean itself and ingest the saliva and get sepsis and die within 72 hours, sometimes quicker.the quicker you act , the higher chance of survival so if you find a catted bird (or small mammal) please contact a rehabber immediately and tell them its been chatted

❤there are several other rescues! Not just me❤
(Please always check they are open and have space before travelling)
💥 Wild Things Rescue
💥 Nosnibor Animal Rescue
💥 Moon and Stars wildlife rescue
💥 Bedlam Farm Wildlife Rescue
💥 Mansfield Wildlife Rescue UK
💥 Brinsley Animal Rescue
💥 Charlie's Place Animal Sanctuary
💥 Linjoy Wildlife Sanctuary and Rescue - Midlands
💥 Sarah's Pigeon and Bird Rescue in/around Grantham

You can also put in your location here to search for other rescues.
https://directory.helpwildlife.co.uk/

See, there's a lot more than just me!

Sorry for any inconvenience and please respect my circumstances by finding another rescue and not turning up at my door (unless with a migratory bird mentioned)

Any seriously injured animal (wings/limbs hanging off, huge messy gashes etc) should always be taken to a vet.

If you find an injured animal, please pick up immediately (don't leave it to go ask for help or to find a box etc) please never put food or water in to their mouths as this can cause death if the animal is in shock, or if you don't know what you're doing. If a starving animal or one in shock is forced food this can kill them, especially if they are starving as its vital they are rehydrated for several hours/days before they can safely eat. If a bird eats whilst their core temperature is low this can also kill them.
All you need to do is bring them safely indoors (in a bathroom or spare room if you have other pets) and place them into a box, pet carrier etc (whatever you use, make sure its well ventilated!) Lined with a towel or paper towel along with a warm (not hot!) Heat source (animals can die of shock and the coldness it brings them. Keeping them warm is vital) which they have space to move away from if they become too warm (vital they have space to move away from this) and it also must not be too warm as they need to be warmed up gradually. Birds body temperature is higher than ours, so to be safe, go with a warmth that's comfortable for you.
Remember 3 things with them -
WARMTH
QUIET
DARK
and then contact a rescue/rehabber.

I should still be available via the page and my profile for any advice should you need to message me about anything, and ill still be posting information that's relevant at certain times of the year (ways to help animals in excessive heat, drought etc)

Remember grey squirrels, muntjac deer and Egyptian geese are on the Alien invasive species list. If you find one needing help that isn't injured (like a young baby for example that should still be with its parents), please seek out a rescue/rehabber otherwise its likely they'll be just put to sleep. Obviously if they are seriously injured the vets is the best place.

And please look up fledlings! Fledgling birds in general do not need to be oicked up and interfered with. Leave them where they are, their parents will be close by. Only help when there's a predator close by or if there is something wrong. No all species of birds stay with their young all the time, like pigeons for example. They only visit them a couple of times a day.

Take care.

23/12/2023

Wishing you all a merry christmas!
Unfortunately my beloved and adored dad passed away unexpectedly on 12th december so it'll never be the same with me. It wasn't after my mum in 2017, now even worse :(

Unsure the future of the rescue but things are gonna be quiet for a while.
Funeral details attached for anyone who knew him that would like to come, in case you haven't seen posts on my personal page.
He was a huge supporter of my little rescue and will always be missed so much. I did so much for my dad, he was my world and i am completely broken and lost.

23/12/2023

Still have so much more than ill ever use.
Other rescues welcome to some will just need collecting from Newark. You can take as many as you like. A rescue I was giving a bulk to have also been given some so don't know what to do with all these!
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=7021980204516403&id=100001134783770

02/10/2023

PLEASE READ.
After 4 (5?) Years of so much joy, feeling of belonging and happiness, but also thousands of pounds, blood, sweat, tears, frustration, heartbreak, anger and pain i have finally come to a decision and believe me, its a VERY hard one to break.

At first i thought of closing completely. But!!! I CANT.
SO there will be some changes.

NO MORE BIRDS, HOGS, RODENTS ETC THIS YEAR. NOTHING.

As of next year -
Spring/summer - i will only be taking BABY song birds in SMALL QUANTITIES.
Summer/autumn - i will ONLY be taking swifts/housemartins/swallows.

No mammals.
I do specialise in corvids but again, dont have space since closing my corvid aviary but will be able to take babies on occasion.

Strictly NO PIGEONS!!!! Wood, feral or dove. Pigeons have to be one of my favourite birds BUT they are VERY DUSTY. i am not well, my lungs are F*C*K*D and i have to think about my health. I already have my own pet pigeons and that aviary is FULL. I also don't have space for these.

Should you find a pigeon with canker and cannot get to another rehabber, please contact me and i will give you a tablet to treat this, without taking them in. Sometimes they just need treatment and a few days safe to recover. Obviously if the bird has it severely they do need more help.

I ask that you please respect this. Always try and find another rescue/rehabber and remember i do this from my own money, my own time, and i am completely burnt out. I desperately need a rest, and to take things much slower as my physical health is also getting worse.

Local rescues are
Nosnibor Animal Rescue
Wild Things Rescue
Moon and Stars wildlife rescue
Wildline Wildlife Sanctuary
Mansfield Wildlife Rescue. Registered Charity: 1186301
Bedlam Farm Wildlife Rescue

There are others, but also taking a break.

You can also check for others on www.help wildlife.co.uk by putting your postcode into the directory search.

Of course this is very hard, so please always check with them before taking any animal.

05/09/2023

Good luck sweetheart ❤

25/08/2023

My flock!

The extravagant fantail is Frankie, most of you know him and his wife.. One of the speckled ones on the right ledge/perch is his wife Lilli who came to me as a rescue, found wrapped in twining and unable to fly. She bonded with Frankie so she stayed. then there's 3 other (not so extravagant) fantails which are their kids. (Shadow, Angel and Ash)
Also a rescue called Baby as mentioned in previous post who i raised from a chick after he was found grounded in town, hes the darker one walking about on the bottom at the start of vid. Look at the difference in him now compared to my previous post of a scared tiny little baby fluff! and the white one is called Vanilla who is another rescue (and none flyer)

They're looking a bit out of sorts here as was taken as they'd just moved in here from being indoors. Since then, they are making the most of their ledges/perches. Have more to add yet and toys.

It is Ash, Shadow and Angels first time outdoors (had to move out not just to benefit them, but to relieve our chests! Lol)
Hoping to extend the aviary at some point to make the flight bigger but right now this is the best I can do.

(I am still closed by the way. May take the odd pigeon this year as canker sets in possibly but taking it easy)

25/08/2023

Update on these two.
The crow went to a friend who runs a large rescue. It seems he's suffered some sort of brain injury and is reluctant to fly. But he has made a friend there in another crow and he's happy :)

The little pigeon, i called him Baby and i kept him! He's such a sweetheart. All grown up now. Ill upload a video shortly of him amongst my other flock.

16/07/2023

CLOSED

Sorry guys I have to step back.
I'm COMPLETELY burnt out.
I hate to do this :'(
This year I have been suffering the most severe fatigue and other problems with my mental health (not many know this but I am registered disabled due to several different illness')
I was hospitalized a few months ago with chest pains and low blood sugar. Originally I saw this as a wake up call but I ignored it and still carried on.... I am completely burnt out and I worry where it will end.
I need some time to recover.
People who dont do this won't understand.. I have been through so much in life. Recurrent miscarriage (13) and losing my mum and a whole load more heart ache to name a bit, and as amazing and rewarding as rehabbing is, its also one of the hardest things I've ever done.
I dont look after myself at all. The kids and the animals come first. I can't tell you when the last time was that I brushed my hair, that I brushed my teeth other than just a few random times I've been in the bathroom. I barely eat. The only time I do is when my husband cooks a meal at night. I've had to stop one of my medication's as was adding to the hypos simply because I don't eat properly.
Not only do I do the rescue/rehab, but I also visit my disabled dad daily every morning, have 2 kids (17 and 8), my own pets (6 cats, 3 gerbils, 2 rats, an axolotl, 7 pet pigeons, tarantula's, 2 snakes (used to be ALOT more but I actually rehomed them so could focus more on rescue/because they wasn't getting my 100% and ive only recently realized this and I feel awful for it) a conure as well as raising lepidoptera to fund the rescue)

It's just all got too much.
So I am closed atleast for the rest of this year.
Maybe I'll be back next year, I'm just not sure yet.

29/06/2023

CLOSED FOR NOW!
We are full to the brim!
Hopefully will have cage space in a week or so.

Any animals needing help please contact
Mansfield wildlife rescue
Wild things wildlife rescue
Bedlam farm wildlife rescue

You can also put your postcode into www.helpwildlife.co.uk for local rescues.

Please always contact rescue/rehabber before a vet (unless with severe injury and the animal is suffering terribly)

HelpWildlife.co.uk is a charity-run site aiming to provide advice to members of the public who find wildlife casualties, help casualty finders to locate a wildlife rescue in their area, and provide advice on humane, holistic methods of wildlife management. The site first began in 2005 in response

08/06/2023

Little juvie starling came in day before yesterday.
He had hit a window and was a little worse for wear.
A bit of rest and lots of yummy food and his finders collected him from me today to release back to his family.
And here he is very eager to go! 💜

08/06/2023

Today's 2 intakes 💜

(I'm still actually not taking anything as I help my dad move but I can't say no, and the lady who found the crow doesnt drive so I had to !)

25/05/2023

Sorry!
As of today 25/5 I'm having to close.
Got loads of family stuff going on, visiting a friend next week for a week aswell as bad health and will finally be getting my dad moved into a bungalow soon!!
So can't manage babies aswell.
Friends are taking what I have currently.

I'll still be available for message support but if you find an animal needing help you can contact thw following -

Wild Things Rescue
Mansfield Wildlife Rescue UK
Bedlam Farm Wildlife Rescue

(More in comments as can't tag everyone here)

Please take babies there rather than the vets otherwise they'll just contact me lol.

Obviously anyone *seriously* injured does need to go to the vets.

I dont know how long this is for, hopefully only just a couple of weeks but have to play it by ear.

24/05/2023

Off he goes!
Stay away from cats old boy! Keep safe 💜

(Excuse being a bit tatty, he's absolutely HATED being in captivity. Wood pigeons really show the WILD of being a wild bird. Being such a common site you'd think they'd be a bit more chill, but they're such stressy birds, one of the most stressy ones IMO and can easily die of shock when receiving care especially when poorly. Sensitive souls bless them.
This is why they're not usually a candidate for keeping disabled ones in captivity. Some adjust, majority dont unfortunately. It all depends on the bird in question especially their age. An older adult is much less likely to settle than one kept from being a youngster.
Even in a huuuge avairy it can stress them so much.
You'd need something like a massive field surrounded by 30foot plus walls/fences and a safe top so no predators to get in to stand a chance with the oldies.
Fortunately I have now found a place that can offer such a thing should any NRs come in (but I'm still not taking any badly damaged ones in. You know me I like to give everything a chance but with severe injuries and how woodies are, in most cases of severe wing injuries, its often the vest thing to end their suffering. But of course needs to be judged on a case by case basis so please do still contact me with photos if you do find one.

(Oh my god seeing myself on vid I can see I've put so much weight on!! I really dont know how when I dont eat a lot! Damn hormonal conditions!!! Hopefully can lose a bit over summer!)

23/05/2023

23/05/2023

18/05/2023

The baby woodies 💙

18/05/2023

Unexpected intake this evening. Driven over by a lovely lady from Mapperly, Nottingham.
A baby collared dove who has fallen from her nest and seemingly landed on her head, or scraped it on the way down bless her.
(I say "her", I dont know. I just call doves her because they are just so small and dainty and sweet.)
One of my fave babies 💜
With me for a couple of days then she (and the woodies) are going to a friend to finish growing then rehab/release as I dont have avairy space till I can get the corvids over to Mansfield (still looking for someone to take them. Can anyone help?)

18/05/2023

If you have a spare few £s, please consider donating to Wild Things Rescue . they are really struggling financially.

I always recommend these guys for any animal I'm contacted about that I'm unsure about/not experienced with etc (such as a leveret yesterday, bunnies, all birds of prey and others needing more critical care then I can offer) , they do such an amazing job! And if not for donations, would not exist. They really do help them SO much.
Things are super quiet with me this year. The calm before the storm maybe? I dont know lol. But if anyone was thinking of sending me a donation anytime too, please send to these guys instead.

13/05/2023

Miss House Sparrow returning back to the wild after finishing her antibiotics.
Unfortunately was unable to return her to where she was found so released her where there's lots more house sparrows - but she flew off in the other direction 😂😂 she'll be ok once she gets her barings.
Keep safe little one and away from cats!
She was eager to go, so not the best vid!

10/05/2023

Dunnock and house sparrow.

Dunnock - Fly free fella, so sorry I couldn't save you :'( he took one hell of a bash from flying into glass, too much head trauma.
This is so easily avoided by getting some anti collision stickers. Cheap on amazon all different designs some really pretty and could save so many lives.

Sparrow - she's doing really well after her meds. She is HATING being in captivity though. Really unhappy. But she is being released back home tomorrow so will be much happier. One of the luckier cat victims.

Remember ALL cat casualties MUST have a course of antibiotics even if there are no wounds!! Cat saliva contains pasturella which is toxic and if on birds feathers and then injested when they preen, turns to septicemia then kills them. This can also pass bird to bird so is also a risk for their partner aswell as their babies and other birds they come in contact with. A catted bird can kill more than just them.

I am aware that some vets have been telling people to release catted birds if they seem ok, even those with small puncture wounds. PLEASE PLEASE never do this and contact me or another rehabber asap. The sooner they start antibiotics the higher the chance of saving them. Never wait! Cannot stress that enough. An hour is a long time for a bird and it doesnt take long for infection to take hold.
I am not slating vets, I never would, it's just that they aren't avian specialists is all.
I repeat, ANY and ALL birds that have been in contact with a cat/in mouth/even just licked must be rescued and given medication.

This is why I cringe when I see cats "playing" with birds and being "friends". Its so so unsafe. I assume not ALL cats carry pasturella but it's not worth the risk waiting to find out cause then its too late. Once infection takes hold saving them is VERY hard, near impossible. And it can take hold fast.

Some people dont really believe in what I do I've been made aware of recently. That won't stop me. It is up to us to care for the world around us and everything in it. Based on that once the bird isn't wild it will suffer. This is not the case when they are rehabbed correctly, even those that have been raised from tiny babies (raptors can be a bit different in some cases) can be successfully rehabilitated and return to the wild with the same chances of if they had not been raised captive.

The Dunnock from yesterday. "Birdy".
I am AMAZED hes still alive tbh after how he looked yesterday. REALLY bad. Looks a totally different bird today!
Much more alert today, but still a little lethargic/sleepy so still concussed I think.
Not out of the woods yet, nowhere near as they can go over so so fast witbout warning but the fact he made it overnight is a good sign.
Hoping he goes from strength to strength and makes a full recovery over the next few days and can be released. (It would be great if you could do this Maggie, or I can, where he was found)
His beak seems to have straightened itself up somewhat and he's been eating too!

Little fact - Dunnocks are also known as Hedge Sparrows, although not related to sparrows at all!
Such tiny fragile little things.

Pleased to report the catted female house sparrow is also doing brilliantly and much more confident about her.
The blind in one eye blackbird is also perfect and still asks me for food sometimes! Dragging out his babyhood although hes got full tail feathers now and fully fledged. I don't mind hand feeding him the occasional bit of food though as he will have to stay captive (hoping a rehabber friend can take him) if he was a releasable there would be no chance at this age!

I've also seen on facebook this morning on a bird group, a man found a baby swift! So please keep your eyes open for any babies that may have fallen from the nest as they're helpless, House martins too (I raised a whole nest of these last year and they were amazing) if you do see adults too, ALWAYS pick them up right away as they cannot take off from ground. I dont like to boast but swifts are a specialist species and I've had quite a few - every single one of which have been returned to the wild. 100% success rate :) long may that continue. Love em!

09/05/2023

The Dunnock from yesterday. "Birdy".
I am AMAZED hes still alive tbh after how he looked yesterday. REALLY bad. Looks a totally different bird today!
Much more alert today, but still a little lethargic/sleepy so still concussed I think.
Not out of the woods yet, nowhere near as they can go over so so fast witbout warning but the fact he made it overnight is a good sign.
Hoping he goes from strength to strength and makes a full recovery over the next few days and can be released. (It would be great if you could do this Maggie, or I can, where he was found)
His beak seems to have straightened itself up somewhat and he's been eating too!

Little fact - Dunnocks are also known as Hedge Sparrows, although not related to sparrows at all!
Such tiny fragile little things.

Pleased to report the catted female house sparrow is also doing brilliantly and much more confident about her.
The blind in one eye blackbird is also perfect and still asks me for food sometimes! Dragging out his babyhood although hes got full tail feathers now and fully fledged. I don't mind hand feeding him the occasional bit of food though as he will have to stay captive (hoping a rehabber friend can take him) if he was a releasable there would be no chance at this age!

I've also seen on facebook this morning on a bird group, a man found a baby swift! So please keep your eyes open for any babies that may have fallen from the nest as they're helpless, House martins too (I raised a whole nest of these last year and they were amazing) if you do see adults too, ALWAYS pick them up right away as they cannot take off from ground. I dont like to boast but swifts are a specialist species and I've had quite a few - every single one of which have been returned to the wild. 100% success rate :) long may that continue. Love em!

08/05/2023

This little guy came in today. Most likely he had flown into glass and was found shivering in a garden.
I'll be honest when I saw him I thought there is absolutely no chance of saving this fella, really was in a bad way.
When I last checked, he looked a little brighter. I haven't messed him about. Dark, quiet and warmth is the best thing for them when this happens as well as for the shock.

Fingers crossed he makes it through the night and we can have a proper look at that beak in the morning.
I've seen birds with beaks MUCH worse than this surviving in the wild and eating fine so hopefully he will adjust and manage to eat ok. We'll see how he goes.

You can buy anti collision stickers of all different designs to stick on your windows to prevent this happening.

07/05/2023

More in! Tiny baby house sparrows (I think). There was one that has hatched today, and an egg. Got by a cat, unfortunately another egg wasnt so lucky and the elder baby has wounds :(

I got the incubator set up to hatch then it arrived punctured! This isn't good, in a developing emryo this means bacteria and very little chance of survival.
I then gently hatched the egg myself to reveal a tiny wiggly baby! What a relief. I would never usually do this but the fact it was punctured and with a sibling it would be only a day or two off hatching anyway.

Both babies now in the incubator and going to a more experienced rehabber tomorrow. I know I could do this myself if better equipped (I still have stuff in boxes from moving!) And if I had smaller insects (I definitely could not formula feed this small!) I need to have more confidence in myself. But I am extremely tired and back is playing up so bad plus the above, AND need antibiotics that I can't dose this small. They stand a better chance with Liz.