How to Care for a Rejected Baby Bird: A Complete Guide
Caring for a rejected baby bird is a delicate process requiring careful attention to detail. How do you take care of a rejected baby bird? This guide will walk you through providing the necessary warmth, nutrition, and environment to give the best possible chance for survival.
Understanding Baby Bird Rejection
Finding a baby bird on the ground can be distressing, but it’s crucial to determine if it’s truly rejected. Often, fledglings (birds that have left the nest but aren’t fully independent) are mistakenly “rescued” when their parents are nearby and still caring for them. Understanding the reasons for rejection helps determine the best course of action.
Common reasons for rejection include:
- Nest Disturbance: Human interference or predator activity can scare parents away.
- Illness or Deformity: Parents may instinctively reject a chick they perceive as weak.
- Overcrowding: In large broods, weaker chicks may not receive enough food.
- Accidental Fall: Sometimes, chicks simply fall from the nest.
Identifying a Truly Rejected Bird
Before intervening, observe the bird from a distance for at least an hour. Signs of true rejection include:
- No Parental Presence: If the parents don’t return to feed or care for the bird.
- Visible Injuries: Obvious wounds or signs of illness.
- Persistent Begging: The bird constantly calls out but receives no response.
- Being Cold to the Touch: A baby bird should be warm.
Important Note: If you find a healthy, feathered fledgling hopping around on the ground, leave it alone. Its parents are likely nearby and still providing care. Only intervene if the bird is injured or in immediate danger (e.g., in the middle of a road).
Creating a Suitable Environment
The first priority is providing a warm and safe environment.
- Warmth: Baby birds cannot regulate their own body temperature.
- Line a small box (shoebox size is ideal) with soft, clean materials like paper towels or non-looping fabric. Avoid using hay or straw, as these can harbor mold and parasites.
- Provide a heat source:
- Heating Pad: Set on low and placed under half of the box, allowing the bird to move away if it gets too warm.
- Heat Lamp: Use a low-wattage bulb placed at a safe distance to avoid overheating. Monitor the temperature carefully.
- The temperature inside the box should be around 90-95°F (32-35°C) for very young birds and gradually reduced to 80°F (27°C) as they feather out. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
- Safety: Keep the box in a quiet, draft-free location, away from pets and children.
Feeding the Baby Bird
Determining what and how often to feed a baby bird is crucial.
- Identification is Key: Try to identify the species of bird if possible. Different species have different dietary needs. However, if you can’t identify it, start with a general insectivore diet. Contact a local wildlife rehabilitator for assistance with identification if you are unsure.
- Commercial Bird Formula: The best option is a commercially available baby bird formula, available at pet stores or online. These formulas are specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of growing birds.
- Mix the formula according to the package directions. The consistency should be slightly thinner than applesauce.
- Alternative Food Sources (Emergency Only): If you cannot obtain formula immediately, you can use the following temporarily:
- High-Quality Dog or Cat Food: Soak dry food in warm water until soft, then mash into a paste.
- Hard-Boiled Egg Yolk: Offer small pieces of yolk.
- Avoid: Bread, milk, worms from the ground, and raw meat, as these can cause digestive problems or introduce parasites.
- Feeding Frequency:
- Feed very young birds every 15-30 minutes from sunrise to sunset. As they grow, you can gradually increase the intervals to every 1-2 hours.
- Offer food until the bird stops begging or its crop (a pouch at the base of the neck) is full but not over-distended.
- Feeding Technique:
- Use a small syringe (without a needle), a popsicle stick, or tweezers to offer food.
- Gently open the bird’s beak and place the food towards the back of the mouth. Never force feed.
- Clean up any spilled food to prevent bacterial growth.
Hygiene and Health
Maintaining good hygiene is essential to prevent infections.
- Cleanliness: Clean the box daily, replacing soiled bedding with fresh material.
- Hand Washing: Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling the bird.
- Dehydration: Baby birds are prone to dehydration. Offer small amounts of unflavored Pedialyte or water between feedings, especially if the bird appears weak or its droppings are dry.
- Seek Professional Help: If the bird shows signs of illness (lethargy, difficulty breathing, diarrhea), consult a veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator immediately.
Gradual Release
The ultimate goal is to release the bird back into the wild.
- Feather Development: Once the bird is fully feathered and able to perch and hop around, start preparing it for release.
- Flight Practice: Encourage flight by providing a larger enclosure where it can flap its wings and practice flying.
- Soft Release: Gradually introduce the bird to the outdoors by placing its cage outside for increasing periods during the day. This allows it to acclimate to the environment and learn to recognize natural sounds.
- Independent Feeding: Offer natural foods like insects, berries, and seeds. Observe the bird to ensure it is able to find and consume food on its own.
- Release: Choose a safe location near where you found the bird, if possible. Ensure there are trees or shrubs for shelter and a source of water nearby. Leave food and water out for the first few days after release.
Common Mistakes
Avoiding common mistakes significantly increases the bird’s chances of survival.
- Overfeeding: Avoid overfeeding, as this can lead to crop impaction or other digestive problems.
- Improper Food: Feeding the wrong type of food can be detrimental. Stick to commercial formula or emergency alternatives.
- Releasing Too Early: Releasing a bird before it is fully ready can doom it to starvation or predation.
- Human Imprinting: Excessive handling can lead to imprinting, making it difficult for the bird to integrate with its own species.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I can’t identify the baby bird?
The best course of action is to contact a local wildlife rehabilitator. They have the expertise to identify the species and provide appropriate care advice. If you cannot reach a rehabilitator immediately, start with a general insectivore diet (commercial bird formula or the emergency alternatives mentioned above).
How do I know if I’m feeding the baby bird enough?
The bird’s crop (a pouch at the base of the neck) should be full but not over-distended after each feeding. Also, observe the bird’s behavior. If it is still begging for food after a reasonable amount, it may need more. Don’t overfeed, but ensure the crop is adequately filled.
What if the baby bird won’t open its mouth to eat?
Gently tap on the side of the beak or offer a drop of food at the tip of the beak. This may stimulate the bird to open its mouth. If the bird still refuses to eat, seek professional help.
Can I give the baby bird water?
Yes, but only in small amounts. Use a syringe or dropper to offer a drop or two of water at a time. Be careful not to get water into the bird’s nostrils, as this can cause aspiration. Unflavored Pedialyte is a good option for hydration.
How often should I clean the baby bird’s enclosure?
The enclosure should be cleaned daily to prevent the buildup of bacteria and parasites. Replace soiled bedding with fresh material.
What are the signs of a sick baby bird?
Signs of illness include lethargy, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, vomiting, and refusal to eat. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately.
Can I raise a baby bird with other baby birds?
If you are caring for multiple baby birds, it is best to keep them separated to prevent the spread of disease and to ensure that each bird receives adequate attention. However, once they are older and healthier, they can be introduced to each other gradually.
How long does it take for a baby bird to fledge?
The time it takes for a baby bird to fledge varies depending on the species. Generally, smaller songbirds fledge in about 2-3 weeks, while larger birds may take several weeks longer.
Is it legal to care for a rejected baby bird?
Laws regarding the care of wild animals vary by location. In many areas, it is illegal to possess or care for wild birds without a permit. Contact your local wildlife agency for information on regulations in your area.
What is the best way to release a rehabilitated baby bird?
Choose a safe location near where you found the bird, if possible. Ensure there are trees or shrubs for shelter and a source of water nearby. Leave food and water out for the first few days after release. Monitor the bird to ensure it is adapting well to its new environment.
How can I prevent birds from rejecting their babies in the first place?
Avoid disturbing nests, especially during nesting season. Keep pets away from nesting areas. Use bird-friendly netting to protect fruit trees and gardens.
How do you take care of a rejected baby bird after finding it?
After safely securing the bird, How do you take care of a rejected baby bird? Ensure it’s warm, create a nest-like environment, determine if it needs immediate veterinary care, and provide a species-appropriate diet. Reach out to local wildlife rehabilitators as quickly as possible for ongoing guidance.