Baby Birds: A Helpful Rescue Guide!
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As springtime rolls around across the U.S., the pollen fills the air, flowers start to bloom, and you guessed it- wild babies are born!
For wildlife rehabbers, one of the most common calls we get this time of year is that someone has found a baby bird. Whether the nest fell out of a tree during last nights storm or the neighbor’s cat caught it, we’ve pretty much seen it all.
But, not everyone knows how to go about a situation like this. You really want to help, but you just don’t know what to do.
That’s why I created this rescue guide!
Just follow along by asking yourself the questions on each slide to determine if the baby bird needs help or not.
Although this post refers specifically to birds, some of the same rules can be applied to other wildlife babies… it just depends on the situation.
…One more thought before we get to the guide…
Don’t be a bird-napper by attempting to raise the bird on your own as this is illegal and can do more harm than good; even with the best of intentions!
Here are a few reasons why this is not a good idea:
- Imprinting: Wild animals are very smart and will learn behaviors from their parents- even when the ‘parent’ is a human. When wild birds are imprinted by humans, they can no longer be released back into the wild since they have lost their natural instincts that keep them safe. These instincts include foraging/hunting for food, building a nest, migrating, and defending themselves against predators. Since we cannot place every imprinted animal that comes to the rescue, many have to be humanely euthanized. It’s unfortunate, but that’s the harsh reality of humans illegally housing/ raising wildlife.
- Injuries: If a bird has an injury, it needs to be treated right away in order to give the best chance of healing and eventual release back into the wild. When birds don’t get the treatment they need, bones can heal incorrectly, feathers may be damaged, infections can spread… you get the idea.
- Diseases: Birds may be sick, have infections, or be infested with parasites. Without the proper safety measures, many of these issues can spread to humans or pets. You wouldn’t want to risk getting yourself or your family sick, so it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
- Diet: Wild animals have very specific diets and feeding schedules that their parents work very hard to provide them with. As rehabbers, we work around the clock during peak baby season to make sure all of the specific needs are met for each species- many of which need to eat every 15 minutes from sun up to sun down. It definitely takes a lot of work to feed hundreds of hungry mouths per day!
- Lastly, it’s illegal: According to the National Wildlife Rehabbers Association, “in almost every case, keeping a wild animal is illegal. Native wildlife species are protected by state laws, federal laws, or both. To keep a wild animal in captivity for any length of time, for any reason, requires at least one special permit. Most cities and many counties have local ordinances that prevent individuals from keeping wild animals in captivity.”
While it may be hard to resist the urge to bring a tiny baby bird into your home, I hope you understand the reality of what that means and why it’s best to call a rehabber. They will be able to offer specific instructions based on your situation.
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You can find the original post on my Instagram page, @thewildlifediaryblog. Feel free to like, follow, and share!
Keep scrolling to find out if your baby bird needs help!
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(This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, I receive a commission for my referral- at no extra cost to you.)
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By this point, you may be headed to your local rescue with a young or injured baby bird. Or, maybe it was best to leave the baby alone to allow the parents continue to do their job. (After all, our ultimate goal is to keep wildlife in the WILD where they can live their best life!)
Either way, I hope this post helped you figure out whether or not the bird you found needed rescuing!
If you have questions or want to share an experience of your own, please leave them down below!
Chirp Chirp!
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On Memorial Day kids on my street told me that there is a bird on the grass. didn’t have fetheres and eyes were not opened. I put basket on the tree hoping mother will come to feed him. I sat across the street for hours ans no bird was interested in baby. I took him home ans tased it I hav it for 5 weeks . Bird fly around those drinks watr and feed itself but sometimes wants me to feed him. He is lots of joy but I want him to be free. When it is ok to relive the baby bird like this . It is a baby sparrow. Will he manage on its own.?
Hi there! Thanks for reaching out!
Unfortunately, it looks like the sparrow is now imprinted and likely won’t survive in the wild. Here’s a few main reasons why: first, he will look to humans for food since he was not taught how to properly forage. Second, he also lacks the ability to protect himself from other animals & predators since he wasn’t given the opportunity to learn the proper skills from his mom. I’m sure you had the best intentions by trying to raise him, but at this point, his best chance at survival would be taking him to your local wildlife rehab facility. I’d suggest contacting the closest one as soon as possible so they can handle the situation from here. They have the tools and training to get him acclimated to the wild alongside other birds of his age!