What to do for a baby bird alone in its nest if parents are gone?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Female | unspayed | 0 lbs
Hello, We had a nest that a sparrow had built right outside our window and today we woke up to find only one hatchling (3 days old) out of four. It seems that the parents don’t come back and we have no idea if we should leave her in the nest and wait for a parent or if they won’t come back as the other 3 are gone. Could you please advise if we should intervene as we don’t have a wildlife habitator in our country?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on March 27th, 2018
You can hand raise baby birds if needed. It’s best to do as much reading as you can about the specific type of bird and what they eat. The parents will usually come back unless they have been injured. If you do end up taking the baby, she will likely be dehydrated so prepare a lightly sugared water to slowly syringe feed her. You will also need to keep her warm. Use either a red heat lamp or hot water bottle. Make sure it does not get too hot as a hatchling cannot move away from it if she gets too hot. You will need to hand feed her insects. Pick small worms like meal worms until she is bigger. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on December 22nd, 2017
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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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