Finding an abandoned baby bird might be frightening and exciting at the same time. However, care needs to be taken when dealing with any found wildlife to ensure the well-being of both the bird and yourself. Before caring for a homeless baby bird, know the risks and guidelines for proper safety.
Instructions
1. Make sure the bird is abandoned. Sometimes a parent will return for a baby bird that seems abandoned. To ensure that a baby bird is, in fact, homeless, observe the baby bird for 20 to 30 minutes before attempting to retrieve it.
2. Determine if the bird is injured. Any injured wildlife may pose a threat to you, despite your efforts to assist it. If you believe the bird is injured, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitation expert or local animal control officer before you pick it up.
3. Determine what kind of baby bird you have rescued. Most birds are legally protected and cannot be kept and cared for, including "pigeons, ducklings, quail, shorebirds, hawks and owls," according to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. However, if you have found a house sparrow or starling, you can nurse the bird until it is strong enough to fly away.
4. Make a warm, padded container and put the baby bird in it. Baby birds with no feathers need to be kept in a warm, quiet place. The padding will provide support for the bird's growing body.
"Warm chilled nestlings in your hands, then put them in the tissue-nest container and put it on a heating pad (low setting) or hot water bottle or under a light," the Smithsonian website states. "Never put them in direct sunlight --- they may overheat."
Baby birds with feathers do not need additional padding or warmth and should be kept in spacious cages with perches, which will encourage them to learn to fly.
5. Feed the baby bird. Baby birds without feathers should be fed every 30 to 60 minutes during daylight hours. The diet should consist of dry bits of cat or dog food moistened with hot water. "Put food in the back of the nestling's mouth when it gapes," the Smithsonian Web site states. "Give each bird a few pieces per feeding."
The Smithsonian website also states baby birds with feathers can be fed an array of foods, including "Dog or cat kibble soaked in hot water; chopped, canned dog food; lean raw beef; and soft fruits such as grapes, plumped raisins, or canned peaches." These older birds should be fed by hand approximately every hour. After the bird regains its strength, it can begin feeding from a dish in its cage.
6. Set the bird free. Once you believe the bird is healthy enough to fly away, start to let it outside. The bird might not fly away at first, as it might have become accustomed to you. However, it is important that the bird be returned to its natural habitat. Be persistent in taking the bird outdoors, and, eventually, it will fly away. In the meantime, continue to care for it so it remains healthy.
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