I received the following question from a reader, but have little expertise in the area of bird rehabilitation. I’m hoping that some of you might be able to answer this question:

I was wondering about the little house wren I rescued from my cats this morning. He wasn’t hurt, I heard his parents raising hell before any damage was done, but now, 7 hours later, I’m trying to feed him and the area just behind his head, above his neck, is all puffed up and I’m wondering what that signifies. It wasn’t like that when I first got him. I fed him a fly and an ant, but am having trouble finding anything else. Do they drink water? Can you be of any assistance. I’m not hearing the parents this evening. He can fly a little and I’ve had him out practicing, but I don’t want to let him go until he has his strength back. I’d really like to know about the puffiness, though.

Anyone?