Fledgling Indian Roller

[Jo McGowan]

Hi. This is my first posting on here, so a hello to all first!

This morning I was given a young Indian Roller that was " abandoned". Due to large language barriers I could not ascertain where exactly it was picked up.
It is in good condition, has a fair amount of adult feathers, is chirping and is looking well, however it cannot fly as yet and was going to be a meal for the stable cat if left to nature.

So bird is currently safely in a cage and eating lean beef mince quite happily. Is there anything else I could feed this bird to keep it well and healthy and growing until it can be released? Any recommendations would be great and very welcome.

Thanks :)

[khalifa]

Hi Jo,
Any photo for the bird. just curious to take look and also maybe to judge if he can pick any insect.
Also, the forum looks quite. Keep feeding the bird same way as it works !

[Jo McGowan]

Just added two pictures. (Hope that attachment worked.) Wings are feathered but bird still bare under feathers, on back and on belly. Maybe that will give a better idea on the age. Anyhow the mince is going down well for the moment :)

[Sandman]

Hi Jo and welcome to us!
I'm no expert on feeding youngsters, Dave Clark in Al Ain is the main man there, but he is on leave.
He reared Hoopoes last year, so might have some clues.
I will copy him in on this link.

[MarkS]

Sounds like you're doing just fine, Jo.

Only just this morning I was watching an adult with a mouse - didn't know they were on a Roller's menu, but I think your ward is a bit young for them anyway (think you're probably more than relieved about that!). Rollers take lizards and insects, too, so I would have thought mealworms would be a good alternative.

Could be a case for Dr Reza. Can you copy him too, Tommy.

[Jo McGowan]

Thanks to everyone for the help. I grew up in Botswana, in a serious birding family, and we always had an injured or young raptor of sorts somewhere in the house being fed fillet! (it was cheap and available then!), so this at least is a little bird on a smaller diet.

I am actually heading back to Africa in a week and a half, so if anyone can recommend a person who might be interested in looking after and later releasing this little chap, please let me know.

[daveclark]

Hi Jo - looks like you are doing a great job - I am in the USA for another 3 weeks so I can't take it from you -- I transferred my hoopoes to someone at the Al Ain zoo when they were full grown. Maybe Dr. Reza will have some ideas -- are you in Dubai? I fed the hoopoes whatever meat I had in the freezer - chicken cut in wormlike strips worked well -- no one has mealworms except the zoo and they dont have enough for themselves - If I can think of someone who is there in the summer and can help you out I will respond -- good for you and good luck - dave

[ahmed al ali]

poor rolly,

you are doing well jo ... thanks for your efforts...
i will try to make some calls..

[Jo McGowan]

For anyone who may be interested... I managed to locate a supply of meal worms and bought some for the roller, as it wasn't wanting the mince as enthusiastically this morning. Far preferred that offering...it's a guzzle guts when it comes to worms. I now have total respect for parent birds...they don't have a supply shop around the corner!!

[Lucie]

Hi Jo,
could help if you want for the time being, have some years experience with being bird mum :o)), but am leaving 20 to europe, after i can try to find suitable place for release, where he can come for some food, seems like this one need less then 2 weeks and then he might be able to feed on his own. They usually need feeding every 2 hours when they are young. If you need, my phone is 0509106595 and am on Sheikh Zayed rd opposite Emirates towers. Cheers Lucie

[Lucie]

and forgot few ideas, dont know how is it here with insects in pet stores, but crickets and locusts is good option esp for big birdies like tis one :o), and f you can cook and egg and try to get some in him as the worms are quite low on the minerals and vit, i usually mix it with a bit of carrot as well. and great job on saving him!

[Jo McGowan]

Hi Lucie,

Thanks for your kind offer. Bird is happy and doing very well for the moment and I am happy to look after it until I go (around the same time as you are off). I have made a plan for once I have gone from Dubai, and bird will be going to a friend of mine who also has experience with being a surrogate mum and will release it where it was found once it can feed and fly on it's own. So I think bird's all sorted for now. Thanks for your offer though.

[MarkS]

Great news, Jo. We love happy endings.:D

A good job well done.

[Mike Barth]

And will probably be one of the most approachable Rollers in the UAE ! Could be employed as a model for us Photographers ! :-)

[Jo McGowan]

Mike - I think you may be right about the model bit! This chap has grown and is looking so much better than a few days back. Today it made my day...took it outside for a while to hop around and get some fresh air and some sun. It stretched up, arched it's neck and let out a good adult sounding "chuuuuck, chuck, chuck, chuck", opened up the wings and went hopping across the ground after a butterfly.

I was delighted :D

[Mike Barth]

Jo

You are obviously doing a great job, very rewarding !

[khalifa]

Amazing Jo!
loved the photos it shows how active he is now.

[Yousef]

Great job Joe taking care of this cute little fella...

& welcome aboard :)

[MarkS]

Mike - I think you may be right about the model bit!

Too true - underneath its skimpy outerwear, it's a scrawny little thing, just like a true catwalk model! I think a few more days of your care will put that right, though Jo.

(I can't see Naomi settling for mealworms & grasshoppers, though!!)

[Mathilda]

Superb how your care works. Wanna see, when you learn him to fly - running through the floors with spread arms and on it the little treasure :-)))

Mathilda

[Lucie]

Great to see the little bird, wonderful job am sure the first flying attempts will be a lot of fun :o). Cheers to Jo !!!

[Jo McGowan]

An update on the roller chick in pictures. Packing up the camera gear for travelling and bird is moving house tomorrow- to a good growing home, so thought I'd add a progress report before I leave. I shall ask the new carer to take some pictures when he is released. Thanks to everyone for all the tips and support for this little chap. I think he is definitely on a path of success. Today the roller enjoyed a good sand bath and caught it's own wildlife!

[Lucie]

Looks fantastic Jo, enjoy your holiday !