A Complete Guide To Feeding Baby Birds And Caring For Orphaned Hatchlings
Discovering a baby bird that has fallen from its nest can pull at your heartstrings. Your instinct may be to intervene and care for the helpless hatchling. However, feeding baby birds properly requires specific techniques, supplies, and commitment.
This comprehensive guide will provide everything you need to know about resuscitating, feeding, and raising orphaned nestlings.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: For most baby songbirds, feed commercial bird hand-feeding formula every 15-20 minutes from dawn to dusk. Use a small syringe without a needle to slowly release drops along the side of the beak. Keep babies warm in a ventilated box.
Consult a wildlife rehabber.
From emergency care steps, diet, housing, common issues, and how to release fledglings, this complete article will equip you with proper feeding and care know-how so you can successfully help orphaned baby birds thrive.
How to Do Initial Rescue of a Downed Baby Bird
When you come across a downed baby bird, it’s essential to act quickly and provide the necessary care to increase its chances of survival. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do the initial rescue:
Assess Situation and See if Parents Are Nearby
Before intervening, it’s crucial to evaluate the situation and determine if the baby bird truly needs your help. Keep a safe distance and observe for a while. In many cases, the parents are nearby and continue to care for their young, even if they are on the ground.
If you notice adult birds nearby, it’s best to let nature take its course and allow the parents to care for their offspring.
Gently Pick Up Baby With Clean Hands
If you determine that the baby bird is indeed orphaned or injured, it’s time to step in and lend a helping hand. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, or wear disposable gloves to prevent any potential transmission of diseases.
Birds have delicate bones, so it’s crucial to handle them with extreme care. Gently pick up the baby bird, making sure not to squeeze or apply too much pressure.
Check for Injuries and Fly Larvae
Once you have the baby bird in your hands, carefully examine it for any visible injuries. Look for broken wings, bleeding, or signs of trauma. If you notice any fly larvae (maggots) on the bird, it’s essential to remove them immediately. Maggots can cause severe damage to the bird’s skin and tissues.
If you are unsure how to remove them, it’s best to seek assistance from a wildlife rehabilitation center.
Provide Warmth in a Ventilated Container
Baby birds are unable to regulate their body temperature effectively, so it’s crucial to provide them with a warm and comfortable environment. Place the baby bird in a well-ventilated container lined with soft tissues or a clean cloth. Ensure that there are small airholes for proper ventilation.
Place a heating pad set on the lowest setting or a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel next to the bird to provide gentle warmth. However, it’s important not to make the container too hot, as excessive heat can harm the bird.
Remember, rescuing a baby bird should always be done with caution and respect for their natural habitat. If you are unsure about how to proceed or if the bird’s condition worsens, it’s best to contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center for further guidance and assistance.
Diet and Feeding Techniques for Baby Birds
Select a Nutritionally Balanced Hand-Rearing Formula
Feeding baby birds a nutritionally balanced hand-rearing formula is crucial for their healthy growth and development. These formulas are specifically designed to mimic the nutritional content of their natural diet.
It is important to choose a formula that is appropriate for the species of bird you are caring for. You can find a variety of commercial hand-rearing formulas available in pet stores or online. These formulas usually come in powder form and can be mixed with water to create a smooth consistency.
One popular brand of hand-rearing formula is Avian Care. They offer a range of formulas that cater to different bird species, ensuring that your baby bird receives the necessary nutrients for optimal health.
Use a Small Syringe for Droplet Feedings
When feeding baby birds, it is important to use a small syringe to administer the hand-rearing formula. A syringe with a soft rubber tip or a crop needle can be used for droplet feedings. This allows you to control the amount of formula being fed to the bird and ensures that it does not aspirate or choke on the food.
Make sure to clean the syringe thoroughly before each feeding to prevent any bacterial contamination. It is also recommended to warm the formula slightly before feeding to mimic the bird’s natural body temperature.
Feed Every 15-20 Minutes from Dawn to Dusk
Feeding frequency is crucial for the proper growth and development of baby birds. It is recommended to feed them every 15-20 minutes from dawn to dusk, as this replicates the feeding schedule of their wild counterparts.
This may seem like a daunting task, but it is important to remember that baby birds have small stomachs and need frequent, small meals to meet their nutritional needs.
It is important to note that the feeding frequency may vary depending on the age and species of the bird. Consulting with a veterinarian or an experienced avian rehabilitator can help you determine the appropriate feeding schedule for your specific bird.
Gently Open Mouth if Needed to Stimulate Feeding
Sometimes, baby birds may be reluctant to open their mouths for feeding. In such cases, you can gently open their mouths using a small, soft tool like a toothpick or a small spoon. Be very gentle and cautious while doing this to avoid causing any harm or injury to the bird.
Additionally, you can use a method called “beak tapping” to stimulate feeding. This involves gently tapping the side of the bird’s beak with the syringe tip or your finger. This mimics the behavior of their parents nudging their beaks to encourage feeding.
Transition to Self Feeding as they Grow
As baby birds grow, it is essential to gradually transition them to self-feeding. This process usually begins when they start showing interest in pecking at solid food items. Introduce small pieces of soft fruits, vegetables, or insects that are appropriate for their species.
It is important to monitor their progress closely during this transition phase. Gradually decrease the frequency of hand-feeding as they become more proficient at self-feeding. This process may take several weeks, depending on the species and individual bird.
Remember to provide a variety of food items that are nutritionally appropriate for the bird’s species. This will ensure that they receive a well-rounded diet and develop healthy eating habits.
Feeding and caring for baby birds can be a rewarding experience, but it requires time, patience, and knowledge. If you are unsure about the proper care of a baby bird, it is always best to consult with a veterinarian or an experienced avian rehabilitator.
Their expertise can help ensure that the bird receives the best care possible.
Housing and Other Care Tips
Keep Babies in a Warm, Ventilated Shelter
When caring for orphaned baby birds, it is crucial to provide them with a comfortable and safe environment. Create a makeshift shelter using a small box or a cage with a lid. Ensure that the shelter is warm, but not too hot, and properly ventilated.
Baby birds are sensitive to temperature changes, so it is important to maintain a stable and cozy shelter for them.
Line Shelter with Soft Paper Towels
To make the shelter more comfortable, line it with soft paper towels. Avoid using blankets or cloth materials as they can pose a choking hazard to the fragile babies. The paper towels will provide a soft surface for the birds to rest on and will also make cleaning easier.
Replace the paper towels regularly to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.
Be Careful Handling the Fragile Babies
When handling baby birds, it is essential to be gentle and cautious. Their bones are fragile, and excessive force can lead to injuries. Use clean and dry hands while handling them to prevent any potential harm.
It is recommended to wear disposable gloves to minimize the transfer of bacteria or diseases.
Stimulate to Encourage Urinating and Defecating
Baby birds rely on their parents to stimulate them to urinate and defecate. As a caregiver, you will need to mimic this action to ensure their well-being. Gently stroke their vent area with a warm, damp cotton ball or tissue after each feeding.
This stimulation will help them eliminate waste and prevent any discomfort or health issues.
Watch for Signs of Illness Requiring Medical Care
While caring for orphaned baby birds, it is crucial to monitor their health closely. Keep an eye out for any signs of illness, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or unusual behavior. If you notice any concerning symptoms, it is best to seek professional help from a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or a veterinarian.
They will be able to provide the necessary medical care and advice to ensure the bird’s well-being.
Remember, caring for orphaned baby birds requires knowledge, patience, and dedication. It is always recommended to consult with professionals or experienced individuals to ensure the best care for these delicate creatures.
For more information on caring for orphaned birds, you can visit websites like Audubon.org or NWF.org.
Preparing Baby Birds for Release into the Wild
When it comes to rehabilitating and releasing baby birds, there are several important steps to take to ensure their successful transition back into the wild. Here are some key considerations for preparing baby birds for release:
Allow Fledglings to Practice Flying Skills
Before releasing baby birds, it is crucial to allow them to develop their flying skills. Fledglings need time to strengthen their wings and improve their coordination. Create a safe, enclosed space where they can practice flying without the risk of injury.
This can be achieved by setting up a large aviary or providing access to a secure outdoor area. This will give the birds the opportunity to build up their flight muscles and gain confidence in their abilities.
Release Near Where They Were Found Once Self-Feeding
It is generally recommended to release baby birds near the location where they were found, once they are self-feeding. This is because they are familiar with the area and it increases their chances of survival.
Baby birds rely on their parents to teach them important survival skills, such as finding food and shelter. By releasing them in their natural habitat, they have a better chance of thriving and integrating back into the wild.
Select a Safe Location Away from Cats and Roads
When choosing a release site for baby birds, it is crucial to select a safe location away from potential dangers such as cats and busy roads. Cats are natural predators and pose a significant threat to birds. Roads, on the other hand, increase the risk of accidents.
Look for a quiet area with plenty of vegetation and natural food sources to provide the birds with a suitable environment to settle into.
Continue to Provide Supplementary Food at First
After releasing baby birds, it is important to continue providing them with supplementary food for a period of time. This will help ease their transition into finding their own food sources. Offer a variety of suitable foods, such as mealworms, fruit, and seeds, and gradually reduce the frequency of feeding as they become more independent.
Monitoring their progress during this time is essential to ensure they are adapting well to their new environment.
Expect a Lower Survival Rate Than Parent-Raised Fledglings
It is important to be aware that the survival rate of hand-reared baby birds is typically lower than that of parent-raised fledglings. While rehabilitating and releasing baby birds is a noble endeavor, it is important to understand that not all birds will successfully adapt to the wild.
Factors such as their age at the time of rescue, previous experiences, and overall health can influence their chances of survival. Nonetheless, the effort put into rehabilitating these birds greatly increases their chances of survival and allows them to have a second chance at life in the wild.
Conclusion
Caring for rescued orphaned baby birds is extremely rewarding but also a big commitment. With proper supplies, techniques, frequent feedings, and attentive monitoring, you can successfully raise hatchlings through the fledgling stage.
Be prepared to spend many weeks nurturing helpless nestlings into independent juveniles ready for release. If able to fully devote yourself to their wellbeing, you can save young lives and experience the wonder of watching them take their first flights!
