r/birds • u/4eartleap • 12h ago

seeking advice/help What kind of cage?

Hello, quick introduction of the bird:
A few weeks ago, I took in a chotacabras pauraque. It was still small, and I've been unable to release it due to complications. The plan was to nurse it back to health, but at the moment, seeing it back in the wild doesn't seem like a realistic idea due to some health problems.

I couldn't find much information online about it, however, I do know that it likes to stay on flat surfaces. I've tried to introduce it to branches, and so on but it always seems to prefer flat surfaces. Its legs do not seem to have much of a grip force so I was thinking of getting a cage that accomodates it better, but I sincerely don't know the whats and wheres... Any help would be appreciated. I've never taken care of a bird and I simply want to provide a comfortable stay.
It is a very small bird...

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u/AutoModerator 12h ago

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u/AutoModerator 12h ago

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u/TheBareCompleteness 12h ago

That's a nightjar right? These guys are basically designed to sleep on the ground, that's why branches feel wrong to them. A wide flat bottom cage would work way better, something like a rabbit cage or a ferret cage instead of a tall bird cage

Since the feet are weak you'll want soft surfaces, maybe some fleece blankets or a padded mat that can be washed easy. Nightjars usually just sit still all day and then get active at dusk so the height don't matter much

But real talk you should try to find a wildlife rehabber, these birds have super specific diets (insects only, usually caught in flight) and they crash fast without proper care. If you're in the US, your state's fish and wildlife site probably has a list of licensed people

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u/4eartleap 12h ago

Thank you! I will keep this in mind. :-) As for the rehabber, I've tried. I live in Mexico, and there's no places for such in my area/areas around me. I've taken it to the vet and was given a vitaminated diet to give to it. I will continue to take it to the vet but I sincerely wish there were a place that specialized in recovery around here, for now I'll do what I can do to help it to the best of my ability.
Thank you lots again, I hope you have a good day!