There’s a myth that touching a baby bird will transfer your human scent to it, causing the mother to reject it, but that’s actually not the case. [2] X Trustworthy Source National Audubon Society Nonprofit environmental organization focused on conservation, citizen science, and public science education Go to source
Use the finger test if you’re unsure. If you can’t decide whether you have a fledgling or a nestling, try letting the bird sit on your finger. If the bird can grip adequately, it’s likely a fledgling. [6] X Research source Many young birds are left alone by parents on purpose in between feeding them. This way they don’t attract attention to them. [7] X Expert Source Jeff JonesBird Specialist Expert Interview. 13 May 2021.
Try listening for the siblings. When the parents return with food, you should be able to find the nest fairly easily by following the sound of the nestlings begging to be fed. To catch a nestling, approach the bird with one hand over the head and back and one hand under the belly and legs. Do not worry that the mother will reject the bird because you have handled her baby. She will readily accept it back into her nest. Warm the nestling by cradling it in your hands until the bird no longer feels cool to your touch. [9] X Research source
Place the nest in a shady spot near where you found the bird. You can nail it to the tree. Set the bird inside, making sure to place its feet under its body. [13] X Research source
Ask for advice on how to keep the baby bird safe and warm.
The bird also may become so accustomed to humans that it may come to harm because it doesn’t know to fly from humans and may come to expect its food from humans at all times. [22] X Research source
Positive identification will be easier if you catch a glimpse of the parents. However, if the parents are still around, you should let them take care of the baby. They have strong instincts to care for their young and are well equipped to do so.
Mix and heat new food for each feeding.
Use a syringe to push the food past the glottis. The glottis goes around the trachea. You’ll see a small hole in the mouth or at the back of the throat where the trachea opens. You do not want to get food or water in the trachea. Therefore, make sure the tip of the syringe moves past the glottis. [30] X Research source
If the bird seems dehydrated when you first take it in, you can use Gatorade or Lactated Ringers Solution. Place a drop on the bird’s beak using your finger so that the bird can suck the liquid in. Signs of dehydration include a dry mouth and reddish skin. Also, the skin on the back of the neck will not spring back immediately when pinched if the bird is dehydrated. [33] X Research source
In fact, it’s almost impossible to raise a single baby without having it imprint on you, especially if it is less than 2 weeks old. [37] X Research source
You will notice the baby become less interested in hand-feeding over time. [39] X Research source
If you keep the bird as it grows into adulthood, you will need to move to an adult diet for the bird, which will be different from its previous diet. [41] X Research source Additionally, once the baby bird is jumping up the side of the box, you can move it to a cage rather than a box. [42] X Research source
