How to Bathe a Baby Robin

Robins are protected under Federal Law and cannot be held by anyone other than licensed rehabilitators.

Keeping a robin, or any songbird is illegal. Baby birds must be brought to a wildlife rehabilitation center or a veterinarian. If the robin must be bathed, this can be done with great care. Baby birds quickly chill if their down or feathers are dirty or wet.

Things You'll Need

• Small Towel or paper towels

Instructions

1. Watch for signs of stress or chill in the chick. Trembling, poor coordination and somnolence are signs of distress that can rapidly lead to the robin's death. Unlike many mammals, birds go into shock and die very rapidly. Keep the bird warm before, during and after bathing.

2. Using a small towel dampened with warm water gently spot clean the bird. Wipe the towel in the direction of the feathers or down. Do not use soap.

3. Keep water away from the bird's face, as it may drown from even trickles of water. Never dunk or set the baby bird in water. Wrap the robin in a dry towel or paper towel and place it near a heat source. Change the towel as it gets damp. Do not leave the bird unattended until it is completely dry.

4. Seriously soiled baby robins, or any wild bird, must be brought to a vet or wildlife center.

Tips & Warnings

• Birds do not respond to handling as pet animals do and are far more sensitive to cold, damp, dehydration, injury and starvation than cats or dogs. If the baby robin is not eating within a few hours of rescue it is in serious distress.

• Handling baby birds must only be attempted in extreme circumstances involving the life or death of the bird. Keep any found bird warm and quiet and immediately find a vet or wildlife rehabilitation center.

References

• "Protection of Migratory and Insectivorous Game Birds"
• "The Complete Textbook of Veterinary Nursing"; Victoria Aspinall; 2006