I found a baby bird that can't fly. How can I help it survive?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
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 well because he ate and even made poo. I checked him well and he doesn’t show any wounds. Sometimes he jumps trying to fly, but nothing more. Should I take him out and see if he can fly with my help?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on May 21st, 2018
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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
-
Published on May 5th, 2018
As baby birds age, they will begin to explore more and more, even before they can fly. This is very normal behavior, and just letting the baby explore (safely) is best to help them stretch their legs and wings. If the mother bird has been taking care of the baby, they will usually just start feeding the baby again wherever they are. If the mother refuses to do so, gently putting the baby back in its nest and then leaving it alone for the mother to care for it is best.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
sir ... please reply it fast.. a random bird last month gave egg to my home now the child bird are grown now ...but today the child bird got out of the nest ...but she is not capable of fly...time to time she get on land .... his mother is also scar
I found a wild baby bird and I'm not sure if he's alright. I haven't touched him or feed/given water to him. He seems to be shivering and trying to sleep. I am observing him right now, but haven't seen the parents come for him yet. Additionally, i fo
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
This bird landed in my yard and can eat and jump just not fly so how can I help him untill he can fly. His parents are in my yard and have been there for a while so they might stay for a while
Found a baby bird that fell from the nest. Trying to figure out how to care for it.
I found a fully grown bird with no external injury but it cannot fly. What could be the reason?
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 ?
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)
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.
We found a pigeon at our yard yesterday. It couldn’t fly and move properly, we assumed it was injured. Then we kept it in our dog old cage to prevent getting hurt by our dogs. But until now we haven’t checked where is the injuries. My mom said maybe
Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.
