Quick Answer
It depends. There are a few factors to consider when deciding whether or not to feed a baby bird in the nest:
– What type of bird is it? Some species do well with supplemental feeding by humans while others do not. Robins and mourning doves tend to tolerate feeding better than finches or hummingbirds.
– How old is the baby bird? If it is newborn, it is best not to interfere. If it is fully feathered and alert, cautiously offering food may help.
– Is the mother still feeding it? If so, additional feeding is usually not needed. Observe first before intervening.
– What food are you offering? Baby birds need a specialized diet. Offering inappropriate foods can do more harm than good.
So in summary, cautiously feeding fledglings that appear undernourished can be beneficial but great care must be taken. Leaving newborns alone is usually best. Consider consulting an avian rehabilitator first.
Should I Feed Baby Birds in the Nest?
Feeding baby birds while they are still in the nest is generally not recommended. Here are some key reasons why:
Parent Birds Know Best
Parent birds instinctively know what and how much food their chicks need. They have specialized crops that produce nutritious crop milk to feed their young. It is very difficult for humans to replicate the ideal diet baby birds need.
Supplementing food can disrupt the natural feeding behaviors. Parent birds may feed less if they see humans providing food. This can cause baby birds to miss out on key nutrients only the parents provide.
Risk of Injury or Infection
Baby birds have very delicate digestive systems. Improper food can cause gastrointestinal problems that can be fatal.
Feeding by hand also runs the risk of injury if the baby bird aspirates fluids or if the crop is damaged by rough handling.
Disease transmission is also a concern if unsanitary feeding practices are used. The baby birds’ immune systems are underdeveloped, so introducing pathogens on contaminated hands or utensils can make the chicks sick.
Causing Premature Fledging
Feeding nestlings close to fledging age may encourage them to leave the nest prematurely. They can attempt to fly before they are physically capable.
Once out of the nest, the parents may have difficulty finding and caring for the chicks. Premature fledglings often do not survive.
Attracting Predators
Human activity around an active nest makes the area more attractive to predators. The sights, sounds and smells can draw the attention of cats, raccoons or other animals that prey on birds.
After feeding, the nest may be conspicuous to predators who can attack while the adult birds are away from the nest. It is best not to draw any unnecessary attention to an active nest site.
When is Feeding Baby Birds Appropriate?
There are a few exceptions where supplementally feeding nestling birds may be appropriate:
Licensed Rehabilitator Guidance
If you find a baby bird that has fallen from the nest or been abandoned, it is best to contact a licensed bird rehabilitator. They have the proper training and resources to examine the bird, accurately determine its age and need for intervention, and provide appropriate supportive care.
Under the direction of a rehabilitator, supplementary feeding may be provided by trained volunteers to help nurture the bird back to health so it can be released.
Fledgling Songbirds
Fledgling songbirds that are almost fully feathered and out of the nest may benefit from small feedings as they learn to become independent. At this stage, the parents are still close by but the feedings help supplement as the young birds practice finding their own food sources.
Appropriate foods can include softened dry dog or cat food, soaked dry cat food pellets, mealworms, crumbled suet, peanut pieces, granola, scrambled eggs or chopped nuts. Only provide small amounts that can be easily eaten in 15 minutes.
Emergency Rescue Cases
If baby altricial birds like robins, blue jays or crows get injured or a nest is destroyed, it may be vital to provide emergency nutrition while a rehabilitator is contacted. In such emergency cases, feeding baby bird formula with an appropriate feeding utensil maybe required for the short term.
What Kind of Food Do I Feed a Baby Bird?
If you have determined supplementary feeding is needed under the guidance of a rehabilitator, the following foods may be appropriate depending on the species:
Insectivores
Chickadees, nuthatches, bluebirds, swallows, wrens
– Mealworms
– Grasshoppers
– Crickets
– Maggots
– Caterpillars
Fruit and Nectar Eaters
Hummingbirds, orioles, finches
– Oranges/citrus
– Apples
– Berries
– Nectar mixes
– Fruit baby food
Seedeaters
Sparrows, doves
– Finely chopped nuts
– Coarsely crushed seeds
– Dry oatmeal
– Wheat germ
– Bran cereal
– Granola
– Finely crushed egg shells
Meat Eaters
Robins, blue jays, magpies, crows
– Live mealworms
– Dry dog food soaked in water
– Raw hamburger, chicken or egg yolk
– Hard boiled eggs
– Canned pet food
– Unsalted nuts
Omnivores
Mockingbirds, thrushes, starlings
– Live mealworms
– Chopped fruit
– Berries
– Hard boiled eggs
– Dry dog food soaked in water
– Granola
– Bran cereal
How Do I Feed a Baby Bird?
If supplementary feeding is medically necessary, follow these guidelines for safety:
– Wash hands thoroughly before and after feeding. Use hand sanitizer if available.
– Use a clean eyedropper, spoon or syringe designed for feeding baby birds. Never use an eyedropper after it has been used for medications.
– Gently open the beak and place drops of fluid or tiny portions of the back of the mouth. Allow the bird to close its beak and swallow between drops/portions.
– Feed only as much as the baby bird will eagerly consume in 5-10 minutes. Stop if it stops begging or accepts more slowly.
– Avoid getting fluids in the nostrils as this can cause aspiration pneumonia. Use an eyedropper carefully from the side of the beak.
– Stimulate defecation by gently stroking around the vent after feeding. This keeps the baby clean.
– Keep the baby on a soft cloth in a shallow bowl or basket so food does not get trapped in the feather quills.
– Once fed, return the baby to its nest quickly so parents can resume care.
– Never attempt to hand feed a bird that is cold, weak or indifferent to feeding. Instead provide warmth and contact a rehabilitator.
What Should I Feed a Fledgling Bird?
Fledgling birds are those that have left the nest but are still dependent on parental care while they learn to fly and feed on their own. During this stage, supplemental feeding can help bridge the nutrition gap while the young birds develop independence.
Here are some appropriate foods for common fledgling species:
Robins, Thrushes and Bluebirds
These birds tend to do well with a varied diet as they transition to independence:
– Mealworms
– Chopped fruit like berries
– Cooked oatmeal
– Hard boiled egg
– Cat or dog food soaked in water
Feed in very small portions 3-4 times per hour being careful not to fill the crop completely.
Finches and Sparrows
Stick to plant-based foods like:
– Finely crushed nuts and seeds
– Dry oatmeal
– Cooked rice
– Wheat germ
– Bread crumbs
– Greens and fruits
Avoid overfeeding and stop when the bird loses interest.
Hummingbirds
Only feed commercial hummingbird nectar. Never try to make homemade nectar. Avoid sucrose/table sugar solutions.
Use a dropper and monitor intake carefully. Fledglings can overfeed leading to complications.
Doves and Pigeons
Provide a seed mix diet along with:
– Whole corn, wheat, milo
– Crushed crackers
– Greens
– Berries
Scatter seeds to encourage foraging skills development. Gradually reduce supplementation as they learn to self feed.
Conclusion
Intervening to feed baby birds still in the nest should only be done in certain situations under guidance to avoid doing more harm than good. However, providing supplemental feedings to fledglings learning independence can give them a needed boost while they transition to adult self-sufficiency. With proper education on safe feeding techniques and suitable food choices, temporary feedings can improve outcomes for young birds. Always contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for advice when needed.
