Raising an orphaned baby bird is extremely challenging but can be done with proper care and planning. Baby birds rely completely on their parents for food, warmth, protection and proper development in their first few weeks of life. Removing a baby bird from its nest should only be done as a last resort if the parents are gone or the nest has been damaged beyond repair. Even experienced wildlife rehabilitators have difficulty keeping orphaned baby birds alive. However, if you find yourself in the position of trying to care for a baby bird without its mother, here are some key things you need to know.
Assess the baby bird’s age and condition
The first step is determining if the baby bird is a nestling or fledgling. Nestlings are very young, have little to no feathers, and require round-the-clock care. Fledglings are older, are fully feathered, and can survive outside the nest for periods of time while their parents continue to feed them.
Gently pick up the baby bird and assess its condition. Are there any visible injuries or issues like matted feathers or a soiled cloaca? Check that the baby is alert and responsive when handled. A baby that is weak, lethargic or unresponsive may already be too ill to save. If possible, get advice from a wildlife rehabilitator or vet before attempting to care for the baby.
Prepare a suitable housing environment
Baby birds need an enclosed, warm, secure housing environment that substitutes for the nest. Options include wildlife cages, hanging bird cages, plastic bins or cardboard boxes. Line the bottom with soft cloth for bedding material. House only one baby bird per enclosure to prevent disease transmission.
Position the enclosure in a quiet, low traffic area away from children and pets. Nestlings should be kept indoors while fledglings can be kept indoors or outdoors. Ensure the area is free of drafts but provides good ventilation. Maintain the temperature between 85-90°F for naked nestlings. As they grow feathers, decrease to around 75°F. Monitor temperature with a thermometer and adjust heat sources as needed.
Hydration and feeding
All baby birds need adequate hydration and species-specific diets. Nestlings should be fed every 15-20 minutes from dawn to dusk. Fledglings eat less frequently but still require multiple feedings daily. It takes skill and patience to successfully hand feed baby birds.
Use an eyedropper, syringe (without the needle) or spoon to give nestlings lukewarm water multiple times per day. Avoid getting liquid in the trachea. As they grow, gradually introduce formula specific to the bird species. For example, songbird nestlings require insect-based diets high in protein. Consult a wildlife rehabilitator on the best formula and technique for the species.
As fledglings mature, you can provide live insects, chopped hard boiled eggs and fruit. Seeds and adult bird foods can cause intestinal blockages in young fledglings. Always research and replicate the natural diet of the species when caring for orphans. Underfeeding or overfeeding can both be fatal.
Proper hydration, nutrition and stimulation
In additional to food and water, baby birds need proper stimulation to develop normally. Nestling birds naturally gape when hungry, allowing the parents to easily feed them. Recreate this by gently tapping the beak or softly stroking the throat to encourage gaping and feeding. Keep nestlings on a warm towel in your lap while feeding.
Young birds learn to preen and stretch properly in the nest when they press against their parents and siblings. Nestlings hand raised in isolation can fail to develop these natural behaviors. Provide stimulation by gently preening feathers with your fingers or a soft toothbrush. Also be sure bedding is tight in the enclosure so nestlings can push against the sides.
As fledglings grow, house them with other birds of the same species if possible. This allows them to learn survival skills from each other. Supervise closely to prevent injury. Interact with fledglings daily but avoid “taming” them to the point they become dependent on humans for food. The goal is raising them to survive independently in the wild.
Monitor growth and development
Weigh nestlings at least once daily with a gram scale, recording weights to track growth. Normal weight gain varies by species but is often 1-3 grams per day. Sudden weight loss or failure to gain weight over several days may signal a problem requiring veterinary attention.
Also watch for proper feather growth coming in evenly over the body. Feathers provide insulation so nestlings will need higher temperatures until fully feathered. Eyes should open within 5-8 days and the baby should become increasingly active and alert. Report any developmental issues to a wildlife rehabilitator.
Provide health care and security
Baby birds are highly susceptible to parasites, predators and environmental hazards. Keep housing indoors away from other animals. Clean the enclosure and bedding daily using gentle disinfectants like diluted vinegar. Look for mites or lice on the skin and feathers which requires treatment.
Avoid overhandling baby birds but monitor closely for injury and illness. Signs of sickness include discharge from the eyes/nose, wheezing, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. These require an experienced rehabilitator’s care. Never administer medication without guidance. Also monitor the enclosure temperature and keep babies away from drafts, direct sunlight, toxic fumes and cigarette smoke.
Transitioning to independence
As fledglings grow, they need room to move around and practice flying. Set up a larger enclosure or move outdoors into a mesh cage or aviary. Provide leafy branches for hopping/climbing and perches of varying heights for flapping and flying between.
Continue providing food and water while encouraging foraging behaviors and self-feeding. Set out dishes of food and water for young birds to discover. This helps them transition to independence as their parents naturally would. Leave natural foods they would recognize such as berries or bugs.
Supervise outdoor time for predator protection but allow young birds to acclimate to the elements. When possible, relocate cages into trees or bushes. Eventually fledglings should spend minimal time in enclosures and have ample room to fly and build physical strength. Only release once fully independent, healthy and able to feed/fend for itself.
Find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator
Locate a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or avian specialist in your area by searching online directories. Connect with them as early in the process as possible for proper care advice and/or transferring the baby into their expert care. Hand raising any baby bird is extremely challenging and the overall success rate is very low. However, rehabilitators have the best training and resources to give orphaned fledglings their very best chance at survival.
Conclusion
Caring for baby birds is demanding but sometimes necessary when mothers are gone. With emergency care, proper housing, frequent feedings, health monitoring and rehabilitator guidance, orphaned nestlings and fledglings can be raised to survive on their own. Be prepared for high mortality rates due to the sensitive nature of young avians. However, with diligence and compassion, you may be able to help give a baby bird its best shot at growing up to take flight and live free.