Hello

[tuckerdog1]

Hi folks. Not really a bird person, but came here for some help. This bird below got into our back yard today. Almost got caught by our dogs, but my wife saved it. We live in central Texas, and I've never seen a bird like this. Has these huge green feet, and great red eyes. May have had wings clipped, because it can fly, but only a short distance, and not high enough to get over our 5 ft fence. It may be someone's pet, as I was able to twice pick it up. It pecked me once, but for the most part was pretty calm about being held. So I don't think it's wild. We've got it caged for now, suspecting it may belong to somebody. But have no idea what type of bird it is. Can anybody here give us a clue what we have, and is it a bird that would be a pet?

Thanks,
Fred

[bgmacaw]

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAbou...ican_Coot.html
Looks like an American Coot. I see them all of the time at the lakes here in Az. Little under water weedeaters.

[Mud]

That bird you found is an American coot. they are kindof like ducks, they are water birds. i've never known anyone that had one as a pet but you might could keep it there are bunches of those around here in the lakes.

[homebird]

Keeping a wild animal can be against certain laws ?? The bird would be happier back in a suitable environment - nearby? Diet would be an issue.

[Ladychaos]

I would call up your local humane society and ask them to locate a water fowl or wild bird rescue. Wild birds dont make good pets and the original poster already stated her dogs tried to kill it. Wouldn't be a good situation.

[Ladychaos]

sorry forgot to add, you don't want to release it if it cant fly it may be injured, the rescue or humane society could nurse it back to health. If you released it and it is injured a wild animal could easily kill it or someone could hurt it.

[tuckerdog1]

Thanks everyone for the info. I'll get it to the Humane Society tomorrow.

Fred

[Ladychaos]

thank you for taking it in and saving it! I'm sure it appreciates not being dog kibble ;)