How to Care for a Baby Bird
Introduction
Baby birds are fragile creatures that require specialized care to survive. If you find a baby bird that has fallen from its nest or is otherwise in distress, it is important to know how to provide the proper care until it can be reunited with its parents or taken to a wildlife rehabilitator. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to care for a baby bird, including feeding, housing, and medical care.
Assessing the Situation
Before you begin caring for a baby bird, it is important to assess the situation and determine if the bird is truly in need of help. If the bird is fully feathered and able to fly, it may not need assistance. However, if the bird is young, injured, or unable to fly, it will require care.
Determining the Age of the Bird
The age of the baby bird will determine the type of care it requires.
- Nestlings: Nestlings are baby birds that are still in the nest and are not yet able to fly. They have no feathers and are completely dependent on their parents for food and care.
- Fledglings: Fledglings are baby birds that have left the nest but are not yet able to fly well. They have some feathers but may still need help finding food and shelter.
- Juveniles: Juveniles are young birds that are able to fly but are still not fully independent. They may still need some help finding food and avoiding predators.
Feeding the Baby Bird
The type of food you give the baby bird will depend on its age and species.
- Nestlings: Nestlings need to be fed a soft, mushy food that is easy to digest. This can be made by mixing a commercial baby bird formula with water or by mashing up hard-boiled eggs or cooked chicken.
- Fledglings: Fledglings can be fed a variety of foods, including insects, worms, fruits, and vegetables. You can purchase live insects at pet stores or collect them yourself.
- Juveniles: Juveniles can be fed a diet similar to adult birds, which includes seeds, fruits, vegetables, and insects.
It is important to feed the baby bird frequently, every 15-30 minutes for nestlings and every 2-3 hours for fledglings and juveniles. You can use a syringe or a dropper to feed the bird.
Housing the Baby Bird
The baby bird will need a warm, safe place to live. You can create a nest for the bird using a small box or basket lined with soft material, such as a towel or fleece. Place the nest in a quiet, warm place away from drafts.
Medical Care
If the baby bird is injured or sick, it will need to be taken to a veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator for medical care. Signs of illness or injury include:
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Discharge from the eyes or nose
- Difficulty breathing
- Broken bones
- Wounds
Releasing the Baby Bird
Once the baby bird is old enough and healthy, it will need to be released back into the wild. The best time to release the bird is in the spring or summer when there is plenty of food available.
To release the bird, find a safe location away from predators and human activity. Place the bird on a branch or in a bush and watch it for a few minutes to make sure it is able to fly and find food.
Conclusion
Caring for a baby bird can be a rewarding experience, but it is important to remember that these animals are wild creatures and should be released back into the wild as soon as possible. By following the tips in this article, you can provide the baby bird with the care it needs to survive and thrive.
Additional Tips
- Handle the baby bird as little as possible.
- Keep the baby bird warm and comfortable.
- Do not give the baby bird water.
- Do not try to feed the baby bird milk.
- If you are unable to care for the baby bird, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.