Emergency Care of Orphan Birds
Care for Orphaned / Abandoned Domestic Baby Birds
Emergency care for wild baby birds:
If it involves a wild bird, it would be recommended to place the orphan bird or injured bird with a qualified wildlife rehabber. The below links will help you find individuals and organizations that take in orphan birds and other wildlife: Wildlife International ... How To Locate a Wildlife Rehabilitator
- Line a clean margarine or similar container with paper towels and place the baby in it. This will provide support for the bird and mimik the comforts and feel of its nest.
- Keep the chick secure and warm in a box / container. UNLESS the chick is fully feathered, the temperature in the box should be between 80 and 90 F. A lamp with a 40 or 60 watt bulb should provide enough heat, but don't put the lamp directly over the bird. Baby chicks should have enough room to "self-regulate" their temperature. They should have enough room to either move away from the heat source or closer -- their own comfort level will dictate that.
- Cover the box to cut down on disturbance to the bird, eliminate drafts, and prevent the bird from getting out of the box.
- Food: Provide emergency food for the baby bird. Soak dry cat food in water until it is completely wet and soft. Break the food into small pieces and place them in the bird's mouth. The wet cat food will provide all the liquid necessary. Nestlings require frequent feedings, as much as every 30 minutes from dawn to dark.
- Water: Do not try to get the baby to drink water.
- Related Resources: What To Do When You Find a Baby Bird ... Baby Starling & Sparrow Care
If you would like to add to or correct any of the above information, or would like to share with the AvianWeb visitors your own experiences, please e-mail the AvianWeb Webmaster.
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