How to Feed Baby Grackle Birds
Grackles are some of the most common birds in North America, so it's not uncommon to find an orphaned baby grackle. If you find a baby grackle, first know that it is illegal to keep them. Your first action must be to locate a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. While waiting for them to help, though, it may be necessary for you to provide temporary care. Before attempting to feed the bird, make sure that it is truly abandoned and then keep it warm and quiet.
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Things You'll Need
- Small container
- Heating pad
- Dry dog or cat food
- Warm water
- Plastic spoon with an intact handle
Instructions
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Place the bird into a small container so that it doesn't fall during feeding and so that it can try to maintain its body heat. Keeping the baby warm and comfortable is essential.
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Put the container (with the bird in it) onto the heating pad, and set the pad to the lowest setting.
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Soak dry dog or cat food in water, mashing it using a spoon. Dog and cat foods are high in protein, and they're also easy to handle. If possible, use a high-quality food.
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Offer the softened food on the end of a plastic spoon. Be careful not to give portions that are very large.
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Repeat the process as often as every 15 minutes during daylight hours. In the wild, grackles do not feed their young after dark.
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Tips & Warnings
If you're concerned the bird is dehydrated, offer small pieces of fruit such as grapes or watermelon.
Don't allow small children or pets near the bird. Stress can mean death for the young animal.
Do not attempt to give the baby bird water. Birds can aspirate and drown easily, so the water found in the moistened food will suffice as a liquid source.
Caring for wild baby birds is extremely difficult, and it's possible the baby grackle will die despite your best efforts. It is imperative to get the bird to an expert quickly so that it doesn't die.
