How to Care for Young Abandoned Swallows

When most people see a small abandoned swallow in the woods or a park, they might be inclined to help the bird. However, be aware that some of the things you might think you should do could actually be detrimental to the bird. Rather than taking the bird home with you and trying to raise it, bird experts say that you should help the swallow as much as you can in its own environment. Be aware that keeping wild birds in captivity is illegal, so even if you want to take the bird home, it is ill-advised.

Things You'll Need

  • Small basket
  • Tissue
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make sure the swallow is actually abandoned before you do anything. Many people believe baby birds are abandoned when they actually aren't. Watch the baby bird for several hours to see if the parents arrive and place the bird back in the next.

    • 2

      Make sure the bird is actually an abandoned nestling and not just a fledgling that can't fly well yet. Pick up the bird and place it on your finger. If it cannot cling to your finger, it is probably a nestling. If the bird clings to your finger with its feet, it is likely a fledgling. If it is a fledgling, place it in a tree or shrub and leave it be.

    • 3

      Make a nest using a small basket lined with tissue if the bird is a nestling and you cannot find the nest. Place the nestling in the basket and place it in a nearby tree. The parents will likely care for it once you leave the area.

    • 4

      Refrain from bringing the bird home with you. Not only is it illegal to hold a wild bird in captivity, feeding it properly can be difficult. For example, giving the bird water can result in it drowning. Even if you do hand-raise the bird to a mature age, it likely would not be able to survive in the wild. Experts say that letting nature take its course in the wild is the more humane thing to do.