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Patient of the week - Ball the Channel-billed Cuckoo
Ball the Channel-billed Cuckoo Jan 07, 2012
Age: Adult Sex: Female
Found: Being attacked by crows at Meridan Plains about 7.30pm, likely because she was close to their nest.
Transported to: The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital by the concerned resident who rescued and named Ball.
Veterinary Assessment: Dr Amber found some bruising on Ball's legs, but no other wounds or obvious fractures. X-rays revealed quite a surprise - a fully developed egg ready to pop out!
Treatment: Dr Amber administered Ball injectable calcium, pain relief and fluids, and kept her nice and warm in the Birds ICU for observation overnight.
Outcome: Ball was released back to where she was found the following day, with high hopes she will find a safe spot to lay her egg.
AZWH Statistic: The AZWH has treated 17 channel-billed cuckoos over the past 8 years, a small number due largely to the species' migratory patterns over the northern parts of Australia. The species naturally lay their eggs in other birds' nests.