From Sheida Soleimani
Two weeks ago, this little red-phase Eastern Screech Owl came into our care after being found sitting quietly on someone's porch. He was unusually calm, which led us to suspect head trauma. For several days, he remained on anti-inflammatory meds, fluids, and oxygen therapy while we monitored his progress.
A few days into his stay, I decided to run a fecal float (gross-sounding, I know!) - a diagnostic test where we mix a small sample of the bird's droppings with a special solution to look for parasite eggs under the microscope. And-a-ha!-he was loaded! Alongside his head injury, he had a heavy coccidia infestation.
Coccidia are microscopic parasites that can cause serious intestinal issues, weakness, and poor appetite. They're especially dangerous for already-compromised patients like this little owl. Since starting anti-parasitic medication, he's been perching on his own, self- feeding, and showing his true gremlin behaviors once more.
Progress takes time-and thorough examinations! Every diagnostic, medication, and test we perform is made possible by your support. Your donations help us purchase the supplies and meds that make recoveries like this possible.
If all continues to go well, this little guy will move into an outdoor flight aviary next week, and hopefully be ready for release soon after-right back to the wild, where he belongs.
That is the face of a Screechie who would prefer you didn't post about his poop to the whole Interwebs.
(But accepts that it's for science)
Yeah, just as it's starting to feel better it learns its business has been shared with the entire world...