What to do if Mother Bird Abandons Babies? A Comprehensive Guide
Discover the critical steps to take if you find seemingly abandoned baby birds. Immediately assess the situation, and only intervene if absolutely necessary, contacting a licensed wildlife rehabilitator is often the best course of action.
Understanding Bird Abandonment
Finding a nest of seemingly abandoned baby birds can be distressing, but before intervening, it’s crucial to understand what constitutes true abandonment. Mother birds often leave the nest for short periods to forage for food, and the babies might appear unattended. Premature intervention can actually be harmful.
Recognizing Signs of Abandonment
Distinguishing between normal bird behavior and actual abandonment is key. Look for these indicators:
- Prolonged Absence: A mother bird not returning to the nest for several hours, especially during daylight. The length of time depends on the species, time of day, and weather, but multiple hours of no parental visits is suspicious.
- Visible Injury or Death of the Parent: If you find the mother bird dead or injured near the nest, the babies are likely abandoned.
- Neglect: The baby birds appear weak, cold, or consistently chirp loudly for extended periods without being fed.
- Nest Damage: Severe damage to the nest may prevent the mother from returning.
Assessing the Situation: First Steps
Before taking any action, carefully assess the situation.
- Observe from a Distance: Watch the nest from a safe distance (at least 50 feet) for at least an hour to see if the mother returns. Avoid getting too close, as your presence may deter her.
- Check for Injuries: Visually inspect the baby birds for any obvious injuries.
- Temperature Check: Gently feel the babies. If they feel cold to the touch, they are likely in distress.
- Identify the Species (if possible): Knowing the species can help you understand their feeding habits and needs.
The Decision to Intervene: When and How
The decision to intervene should be made carefully and only when absolutely necessary.
- If the babies are healthy, warm, and the mother returns, leave them alone.
- If the babies are injured, cold, or the mother doesn’t return after a reasonable time (several hours), intervention is likely required.
If intervention is necessary:
- Contact a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator: This is the most important step. They have the expertise and resources to properly care for the birds. Search online for licensed rehabilitators in your area.
- Keep the Birds Warm: While waiting for the rehabilitator, gently warm the birds. You can use a heating pad set on low under a box lined with soft cloth. Avoid direct contact with the heating pad.
- Do NOT Feed the Birds: Feeding baby birds the wrong food can be harmful. Wait for the rehabilitator’s instructions.
Building a Temporary Nest (If Necessary)
If the original nest is destroyed or inaccessible, you may need to create a temporary one:
- Use a small container (like a basket or plastic bowl).
- Line it with soft, clean materials like paper towels or cloth. Avoid using materials like cotton balls, which can entangle the birds.
- Place the temporary nest in a safe, sheltered location near the original nest site.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming Abandonment Too Quickly: Observe carefully before intervening.
- Handling the Birds Excessively: Minimize handling to reduce stress.
- Feeding the Birds Improperly: Incorrect food can cause serious health problems.
- Keeping the Birds as Pets: It is illegal and harmful to keep wild birds as pets. Their needs are very specific.
- Releasing the Birds Without Proper Care: Birds raised in captivity need specific training to survive in the wild.
The Role of Wildlife Rehabilitators
Wildlife rehabilitators are trained professionals who specialize in caring for injured, orphaned, and abandoned wild animals. They have the knowledge and resources to provide the necessary medical care, nutrition, and housing to help the birds recover and, ideally, be released back into the wild. Their expertise is invaluable in these situations.
| Role | Description |
|---|---|
| ————————– | ———————————————————————————————————- |
| Medical Care | Treating injuries, illnesses, and parasites. |
| Nutrition | Providing appropriate food and supplements for each species. |
| Housing | Creating a safe and stimulating environment that mimics their natural habitat. |
| Rehabilitation Training | Teaching the birds essential survival skills, such as foraging and avoiding predators. |
| Release | Determining when the birds are ready for release and selecting a suitable release location. |
Conclusion
Discovering what to do if mother bird abandons babies? necessitates cautious observation and informed action. Always prioritize the bird’s well-being by seeking expert help from a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Remember, well-intentioned but misguided efforts can be detrimental.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does it mean if I find a baby bird on the ground?
Finding a baby bird on the ground doesn’t necessarily mean it’s abandoned. Fledglings (young birds that have recently left the nest) often spend several days on the ground learning to fly. The parents continue to feed and care for them during this time. If the bird is feathered and hopping around, it’s likely a fledgling and should be left alone unless it is in immediate danger. If it’s a younger bird with minimal feathers, a fallen nestling, try to find its nest and gently place it back. If that’s not possible, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
Is it true that mother birds won’t take back their babies if humans touch them?
This is a myth. Birds have a poor sense of smell and will not abandon their babies simply because a human has touched them. However, it’s still best to minimize handling to avoid stressing the bird. After gently putting a bird back in the nest wash your hands thoroughly.
What if I can’t find a wildlife rehabilitator in my area?
If you can’t find a local wildlife rehabilitator immediately, contact your local animal shelter, humane society, or veterinarian. They may be able to provide temporary care or connect you with a rehabilitator in a neighboring area. While searching, keep the bird warm and secure, but do not attempt to feed it until you receive instructions from a professional.
What kind of food can I give a baby bird if a rehabilitator isn’t immediately available?
Do NOT give baby birds bread, milk, or worms. These are not suitable food items and can cause serious health problems. It is best to wait for instructions from a wildlife rehabilitator, but if absolutely necessary and as a temporary measure, you can offer a small amount of moistened high-quality dry cat or dog food. However, this is not a long-term solution.
How do I keep a baby bird warm?
A simple way to keep a baby bird warm is to place it in a small box lined with soft cloth or paper towels. Place a heating pad set on low under one side of the box, allowing the bird to move away from the heat if it gets too warm. You can also use a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel. Monitor the bird closely to ensure it doesn’t overheat.
Can I raise a baby bird on my own and then release it?
Raising a baby bird and releasing it back into the wild requires specialized knowledge and skills. It is illegal in many areas to possess wild animals without a permit. It is highly recommended to leave it to the professionals. Birds raised by humans often lack essential survival skills and may not be able to thrive in the wild.
How long can a baby bird survive without food?
The amount of time a baby bird can survive without food depends on its age, species, and the ambient temperature. Very young, featherless birds can only survive for a few hours without food, while older, feathered birds may be able to survive for a day or two. If you suspect a bird is abandoned, it’s important to act quickly.
What should I do if the mother bird is still around but seems to be ignoring her babies?
Sometimes, mother birds may appear to be ignoring their babies, but they are actually just being cautious due to your presence. Observe from a distance, and make sure you aren’t disturbing the nest. If you are certain the mother bird is truly neglecting her young, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
Is it possible to tell the age of a baby bird?
Yes, you can estimate the age of a baby bird based on its appearance. Very young birds are typically featherless with their eyes closed. As they grow, they develop feathers, their eyes open, and they become more active. There are online guides which can help you identify the species and approximate age. However, a wildlife rehabilitator can provide a more accurate assessment.
What are the legal implications of caring for a wild bird?
In many countries, including the US and UK, it is illegal to possess or care for wild birds without the proper permits. These laws are in place to protect wildlife populations and ensure that birds receive proper care. Always contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator to ensure you are acting within the law.
Can I move a bird’s nest to a safer location?
It is generally not recommended to move a bird’s nest, as the parents may not be able to find it in the new location. However, if the nest is in immediate danger (e.g., a tree is being cut down), you can try to move it a short distance to a safer spot. Keep it as close to the original location as possible.
What to do if mother bird abandons babies? and I’m unsure what species it is.
If you are unsure of the species of the baby bird, take detailed photographs of it and its nest (if possible). Include close-ups of its feathers, beak, and feet. Send these photos to a wildlife rehabilitator or bird expert for identification. Knowing the species is crucial for providing appropriate care. This is especially important when considering what to do if mother bird abandons babies?