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Misty
Lv 7
Misty asked in PetsBirds · 8 years ago

How to care for a baby bird that I found?

It looks like it was too young to leave the nest as it can't fly yet. I think that it might be a very young sparrow. Does anyone know how I could care for it; or even if it is possible?

6 Answers

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  • Anonymous
    8 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    I am copying this straight from my local wildlife center rehabilitation center's page.

    Gently remove the animal from the ground using a towel or cloth and place it inside a small covered box with air holes. Bring the box inside and place it in a dark, quiet location secure from pets and children.

    If the bird has hit a window, allow 2 hours for the bird to regain its senses. After that time, return to the yard with the box. From a squatting position, remove the lid and gently touch the back of the bird’s tail to encourage it to fly away. If the bird does not fly, simply hops from the box, or has any type of injury, the bird will need further evaluation and care.

    You may offer a shallow dish of water (a small jar lid works well).

    Do not attempt to feed it, as wildlife requires specialized foods.

    Keep the bird in a dark, quiet location away from pets and children until the animal can be transported.

    If You Think You Have Found An Orphaned Baby Bird

    A bird that is not well feathered (hatchling or nestling), or not strong enough to stand, should be placed back into the nest. Birds do not have a keen sense of smell and will not reject the baby if you touch it. Watch from a safe distance for 3 hours to make sure the mother returns to the nest. If you cannot reach the nest, make a substitute nest from a small wicker basket, a strawberry container, or a hanging basket. Line with pine needles or leaves. Place the basket as close to the original nest as possible. Watch for 3 hours to ensure that the mother returns to feed both nests.

    Wrens NestFledglings songbirds are well feathered, hopping strongly, and will not stay in a nest if returned. Fledglings can be on the ground for several days before strengthening their flying skills and require a different approach in reuniting them with their parents. Place the fledgling on a nearby branch off the ground or back in the vicinity where it was originally found and leave the area. Listen for the sounds of an adult calling to its baby or carrying food around. Watch to ensure the parents find the baby bird.

    If the location is unsafe, try to stay within 30 feet when selecting another location. Carry the baby to a few locations and let it call out for its parents. A distress call is the fastest way to find a parent. Other non-parent adults of the same species may also respond to the distress call, so it will be important to watch for the parents who are the only birds that will feed the baby. If dogs or cats are in the yard, bring them inside, or turn on the sprinkler so they cannot go after the bird. If the parents are not seen returning to the baby after 3 hours, only then consider the baby orphaned.

    If You Have Found An Injured Baby Bird

    If the baby bird is obviously injured, cold, or has been caught by a cat or dog, then the baby cannot be returned to its family and needs to be taken to a wildlife rehabilitator.

    Please DO NOT attempt to give a wild baby bird anything to eat or drink without first speaking to a rehabilitator. Baby birds aspirate very easily on drops of water. They also require special feedings every 30 minutes; so getting them to a rehabilitator quickly helps in their survival.

    Place the baby bird in a covered box with air holes and line with cloth. Keep it warm using a hot water bottle or place the box on top of a heating pad set on low. Bring the bird to Carolina Wildlife Care or a federally permitted rehabilitator for immediate care.

  • 8 years ago

    Hand rearing baby birds is very difficult and the survival rate is very poor despite how well you care for them. Baby birds that are found on the ground often have parents looking out for them near by. before rescuing observe the site for serveral hours from a distance make sure the parents are definatly not coming back as their chances in the wild are much higher. For now you can feed a mix of chick crumb watered down to a dough and fed every 2 hours 3-4 balls at a time. The birds best chances are to take him to a wildlife sanctuary as they can easily become imprinted and if this happens they may never be able to survive in the wild.

    Source(s): student veterinary nurse
  • 8 years ago

    put it in a shoebox. Be sure to cushion the box with rags and stuff. Find worms, mash em up, and try to feed the bird. You could use a pipette to feed it, to mimic the beak of the mom. Let it grow old then fly away.

  • 8 years ago

    It's possible to care for it, but if there's a bird rescue group in your area, they can do it for you, or can serve as a resource if you want to try to save it yourself.

    Try doing a search on the terms "bird rescue" and "your town" (or a large nearby city/town if you're in a small one).

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  • Anonymous
    8 years ago

    Keep it very warm and feed it wild bird feed which can be found at most stores. Make it a habitat and insulate it very well.

  • 8 years ago

    keep it very warm, give it bird food treat it as if it's your pet keep it very happy and don't shout at it- and yes it is possible

    Source(s): i had a baby bird that i found
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