How to Help a Fallen Robin

Whether it is an injured adult or a baby that has been knocked from the nest, finding a fallen robin can be a traumatic experience. The natural instinct is to provide the bird with food, water and shelter, but coddling a fallen robin can actually cause further damage. Measures that should be taken to help a fallen robin vary depending on the robin's age and injury. The best thing you can do to help an injured robin is bring it to a vet or wildlife rehabilitation center. This is not always immediately possible, however, and in the case of a fallen, uninjured baby, it may not be necessary. There are a few simple steps that can be taken to help a fallen robin on your own.

Things You'll Need

  • Shoebox
  • Shallow plastic container
  • Heating pad
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Instructions

  1. Helping a Fallen Baby

    • 1

      Carefully pick up a baby robin that has no feathers or has only tiny fluffy down and place it back into the nest. Do not worry about the myth in regard to putting your scent on the bird. If a baby is continually pushed from the nest, bring it to the nearest wildlife rehabilitation center or avian nursery. It may be sick or not belong in the nest.

    • 2

      Replace an entire nest that has fallen to the ground. If the nest will not stay in play, place it in a shallow plastic deli container with holes poked in the bottom for drainage and secure it to the branch or tree. The nest must be replaced within 5 feet of the original site.

    • 3

      Leave fledgling robins alone. Fledglings are forced to leave the nest when there is no more room to grow. It is typical for them to hop around for five to seven days before they can fly. It may be stressful to watch, but resist the urge to pick them up.

    Helping an Injured Robin

    • 4

      Place the injured robin in a shoe box with air holes punched in it and secure the lid. Do not try to give the robin food or water.

    • 5

      Place the shoe box in a quiet place, away from humans and pets. The garage is a good place if it is not too cold.

    • 6

      Set a heating pad to low and place half of the box on the heating pad if the robin appears to be cold, wet, or very young.

    Helping a Stunned Adult

    • 7

      Pick up a stunned robin that has flown into a window. Place the bird at the base of a bush. Robins can remain stunned for up to two hours.

    • 8

      Place the robin in a shoebox with air holes punched in it if there are feral cats nearby or if it is cold outside. Place the box in a quiet place such as the garage.

    • 9

      Take the shoebox outside and lift the lid after two hours have passed. The bird should fly away. If it does not fly away, it may have died from internal injuries, or it may have an injured wing. If the bird is alive, but injured, take it to the nearest wildlife rehabilitation center or vet.