How to Care for a Baby Bird

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By Karen Bridgers
User-Submitted Article

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The belief that baby birds that are touched by human hands will be rejected by their parents is a myth.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Soft Facial Tissues
Paper Bags
Extension Ladders
Paper bags

Step 1

Determine whether a featherless baby bird has fallen out of its nest.
Step 2

Put the bird back in the nest if you can reach it.
Step 3

Carefully place the bird in a box or paper bag lined with soft tissues if you cannot put the bird back into the nest or if you do not know where the nest is.
Step 4

Poke holes into the box lid or bag to admit air.
Step 5

Keep the box or bag in a moderately warm place.
Step 6

Contact a licensed rehabilitator to care for the bird.
Step 7

Contact the local Audubon Society, Humane Society or a local veterinarian for advice if you do not have a wildlife rehabilitation organization in your area.

Tips & Warnings

Young birds that are partially feathered, are out of their nest and are able to hop should be left alone unless obviously injured. Parent birds will be nearby to feed and watch over them.
Never offer food or water to a baby bird without professional advice.
It is against federal law to keep a wild bird in your possession without a license.

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Comments

billiedkidd said

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on 8/1/2009 if you can give them a sheltered place like a backyard to come back to for food and water. Let them test the waters a bit before just 'turning them loose'. You would't let your kid drive to Argentina the day they get their license so look at this in much the same way.
Now, please spread the word because I can't tell you how many times I have had to post something like this and still hear 'mealworms are great...bread is fine'...it's making me crazy.

billiedkidd said

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on 8/1/2009 It also contains 'animal digest' which helps mimic the stomache digestion they would get from the regurgitation of their parents. When it is mushy but not too watery cut it in small pieces or mash and feed it to them with a spoon or butter knife. (dull is key here people) Baby birds will get all the water they need from this recipe so don't give them water separately you can choke them and cause water inhalation. Also, use common sense, don't make the water too hot or too cold. Lukewarm, pretend you're feeding a baby because you are. You need to feed them about every 2 hours day and night.
As they get older you can go to the feed store and ask for a small amount of 'chick starter' and water it in the same manner as the dog food and start adding this to their meal. You will have to teach them to eat like their parents would but you should have little problems releasing them into the...

billiedkidd said

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on 8/1/2009 Ok, so my comments posted a gillion times. Sorry all!

billiedkidd said

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on 8/1/2009 Crushed worms and bread soaked with milk are two of the worst suggestions I have heard of for baby birds. **(I am only referring to songbirds or hopping birds right now, NOT RAPTORS...eagles, owls, etc. ALWAYS call the authorities. You will be fined HUGELY if you mess with them.)** I am a Registered Veterinary Technician and have helped raise quite a few babies. First things first, try to find someone to help you. Most Veterinary offices don't have the time or the gumption to do this for you. I hate to have to say this but I've watched Vets take in babies and then as soon as the people leave they kill them out of 'mercy' saying that it would have happened soon anyway. Try to find a Wildlife rehab person in your area. If you can't then you should try this recipe.
Soak dry dog food (the cheapest you can find has a higher corn, wheat and grain ratio so it is better for the birds). It...