My baby bird fell from nest, mom abandoned. What should I feed it?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Ive found a baby bird what seems to be weeks old that has falled from its nest i used gloves to return it to its home but the mom has abandoned it, what should i feed it while he learns to fly(aka soon)
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on May 1st, 2017
The easies solution is either Recovery from Royal canin or a/d from hills, both are wet foods designed for cats and dogs but are suitable for baby birds as well, you can draw them into a syringe and feed this bird (many times a day!)
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on June 6th, 2019
Since this is not a mammal can not digest milk products (lactulose) and that could feed abnormal bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. A dog food would be better than cat food. Dog kibble can be moistened to make soft, and thus fed out in small clumps. High sugar foods also not good (i.e. dextrose, mango). Will have to fed very often, maybe every 2-3 hours, round the clock, initially. Heat support is needed as baby birds can not control their body temperature. Good luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Health & Wellbeing
Hello, I've got a baby bird and its eyes still arnt open it looks like it has fallen from its nest, I can't find it nest to put it back either... I've made a nest of my own to put it in but should I feed it ? Or will it just die the next morning ?
You can definitely try to feed it, you will need to buy wet canned cat food such as Recovery or A/D (from your local vet) as well as a syringe, you will need to feed it every couple hours during the day (no need to feed during the night).
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Pls look at previous Question on my profile for more info.4-6 days old.Fallen nestling rescue. Gave it mango 1st: pooped instantly. Then gave it boiled and mashed rice and yolk; it was fine but then poop turned yellow. Vet told us to give it dextrose
Since this is not a mammal can not digest milk products (lactulose) and that could feed abnormal bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. A dog food would be better than cat food. Dog kibble can be moistened to make soft, and thus fed out in small clumps. High sugar foods also not good (i.e. dextrose, mango). Will have to fed very often, maybe every 2-3 hours, round the clock, initially. Heat support is needed as baby birds can not control their body temperature. Good luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Good day doc, i located a baby nestling that seemed abandoned and i brought it home, im not sure what type it is but i have a pic and would like any advice if possible of what to feed it etc. please and thanks.
Bring the nestling back to where you found it, as the parents will keep feeding it on the ground. If you cannot do this then take him to your closest wildlife rehabilitation place. You can search for one in your browser. It is very difficult to raise wild chicks.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Food & Nutrition
I found this little bird on the street that was about to be run over. I was able to catch him on time and now I don't know what to do. My professor (ornithologist) advised me to try to give him some baby food with a syringe. I would say that it went
Hello, the little bird likely fell out of his nest. If it hasn't been too long, you can take it back to where you got him to see if his nest and mother is still there, which would be best case scenario. Otherwise, it may take him some time to learn to fly on his own and you'll have to wait until his flight feathers grow fully. In the interim, you may continue to feed him baby food, or you may start to offer seeds, fruits, and veggies. Hope this helps and best of luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
I found these two baby hoopoe near a road ready to be eaten by a dog. Luckily they were not injured and so I took them home with me . The mother bird was nowhere to be found and things like wildlife rehabilator are not here in our country. If left t
Their diet in the wild is mostly insects and berries, so purchasing some live crickets from a local pet store, or some berries from your store and offering them may help get them used to what they would forage for in the wild as they get weaned off the kitten food (and can be fun to teach baby birds how to catch food with live insects.) If there isn't a wildlife rehab nearby (India does have several), you can also see if there is a vet or group in your area that does wildlife rescue that may be better equipped for caring for the birds and releasing them back into the wild once they are old enough.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Hey! So, this morning we found three nestlings birds (they can't open their eyes yet) that had fallen with their nest then we put them in a box with their nest close where we found them. It's been hours and still no sign of their parents. They seem h
Hello. Depending on what species the birds are, it may be hours before the parents return. The best thing to do if you do not see any activity around the nest is to call a wildlife rehabilitator. Here in the US, there are many bird loving people that have the time & experience to raise baby birds. It is a huge commitment. If nothing like this is available in your area, then you may need to raise the birds. They need to be fed every 2 hours from dawn to dusk. I use a mash of pate type dog food & chick starter. Use a small wooden dowel or stick, & gently tap the side of the beak. That usually stimulates the bird to open up. Then you place about a small pea sized piece of food down the throat. The babies must be kept warm with either a heating pad or a brooder lamp. There are also many videos available to help. Go to YouTube & type in caring for orphaned baby birds. Good luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My baby sparrow is not eating egg yolk or cat,dog food. She is eating rice instead of them. She is looking too weak too. What should i give her to eat? Should i worry?
Baby birds can be very challenging to rehab without specific training. If you have an opportunity to take it to a wildlife rehab facility or expert, do so. If not, you can try worms as they will have more protein than rice and it might perk up with this diet. Good luck!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
I came across a juvenile bird who is having trouble with one of his legs and it doesn’t fly however it seems to be just now getting its bigger feather in. The bird is is a olive green color on the back and is yellow under the belly and chest. It’s
It looks like it may indeed be of the Warbler species. These birds typically eat insects, so small crickets or mealworms would be recommended. Ideally, you should contact a local wildlife rehabilitator for assistance. A rehabber will have the knowledge and experience to give the bird the best chance at eventual release.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
PLEASE HELP! I found my two baby budgies severely attacked by another bird. I have separated that bird into a smaller cage. The greener baby has its beak loose on one side. I have absolutely no vets near me and I can not travel because of this whole
Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do at home if the baby is severely injured or you don't have food for it. Trying to see if a local pet store or big box store that carries pet supplies is open may help you find syringes and baby bird food you need, otherwise. In a pinch, adult bird food can be ground down into a mash and then mixed with water and given via a syringe until you can get actual baby bird food. Keeping the babies warm and keeping any wounds clean and dry can help, however if there are severe wounds or the injuries are bad enough the babies can't function properly, seeking out the care of a vet in person ASAP is best (Many are open still for medical emergencies such as this).
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
I got a egg..it hatched yesterday..its a baby bird..what should i feed him/her..she is getting cold..please help me
If this is a wild bird the best option would be to get it to a wildlife rehabilitator asap. If a pet species you need to know what species in order to feed approriately. You need a hand rearing formula suited to that species. Keep in a "nest" with supplemental heat and humidity as it cannot regulate body temperature yet. Relative humidity greater than 50% is required initially. Hatchlings (no feathers) should be maintained at 95° - 97°F (35° - 36°C). An incubator is usually recommended for hatchlings.
The yolk sac should provide nutrition the first 12 or so hours but but it will then need to be fed every 2 hours around the clock
Here is some basic info https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/hand-feeding-baby-birds
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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