Did you shoot it mate? Im afraid i would have done. cant bear to see animal in that condition.
Many years ago, when i was fishing mad i was sat under a long sandy cliff and happened to take a walk and saw this poor juvenile sand martin with its head full of ticks. huge "blue" things they were. I tried to grab it but it was too fast for me. I tried a few times, but wasnt quite quick enough. thinking back now i wonder would it have been better for me to have dug it out and killed it?? its enough to make your skin crawl.