How to Feed Baby Birds in the Nest

Make sure the babies are orphaned or abandoned before attempting to help.

It's a heartbreaking sight--baby birds alone in their nest. Before you decide that the birds are orphaned or abandoned and need your help, watch the nest to see if the parents return. If the baby birds have some feathers, they may be fledglings waiting for their parents to return with food. If the parents do not return within a few hours, provide some basic care and feeding of the babies while you contact wildlife professionals for assistance.

Things You'll Need

• Pot or kettle
• Dry kitten or puppy food
• Glass bowl
• Fork
• Cocktail straw

Instructions

1. Boil some water. Pour two parts boiling water over one part dry puppy or kitten chow in a glass bowl. Allow to soak for an hour, then drain the water from it.

2. Mash the soaked kibble with a fork. Pick up a small amount of the kibble with a cocktail straw and place it in a baby bird's mouth. Do not force the bird's beak open.

3. Wipe all food and moisture from the bird's beak between bites with a clean, soft cloth.

4. Feed a few mouthfuls every few hours. Replace the kibble with fresh soaked kibble every 12 hours to keep it fresh.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as you determine the birds are orphaned or abandoned (see Resources).

• Keep the baby birds warm while you prepare food. Cover a heating pad with a towel, set it to the lowest setting, and place the towel around the nest.

• Do not give the baby birds water, milk or wet food, which can get into their lungs and cause asphyxiation.

References

• Marathon Wild Bird Center: Raising Orphaned Baby Birds
• Project Wildlife Animals: Songbirds
• Wild Bird Care Centre: Baby Birds

Resources

• University of Minnesota: How To Locate a Wildlife Rehabilitator