injured gull

Question
I found a seagull, outside my house yesterday, which could not walk. I live on the coast of Maine, where they are prevalent. The wings appear evenly seated, and it flaps them well. I tried pinching the toes rather hard, but detected no response. I thought I got a very slight one today. I have placed in on a towel on top of straw, in a box, and have small towel rolls on either side to support it.  However it has not touched the water, or moistened dry cat food, that I placed in the box, in front of it. I am in a remote area, where there are no rehabs. I suapect spinal injury, or perhaps poisoning.  How long should I let this bird remain like this, before considering euthanasia? I don't want the poor creature to suffer.     Thank you!

Answer
This is a tough one Amy. Gulls are pretty tough creatures. Poisoning is usually not an issue unless it ate fish that was poisoned.

Maybe just giving it some rest will help it regain the feeling in its feet. I am not sure cat food is what they will eat, but gulls are scavengers so they eat just about anything. You might want to get some sardines in water for it.

You should keep it warm, but not too warm. Seagulls don't drink water like most animals, they have specialized kidneys that get moisture from food, since they live on salt water.

You might want to call a local vet, but if this bird is trying to walk after about 4 days then there is a good chance it isn't going to.

Be careful, they are mean and will peck you really hard!! We had one here once and I couldn't believe how mean it was.