How to Raise Wild Birds That Are Just Born

Whenever possible, raising baby birds should be left to the original parents. However, some instances such as the death of a mother bird, or the abandonment of the babies might result in the baby birds having to be raised by humans. If you find yourself in charge of raising baby birds, keep in mind that this task is often unsuccessful, but with enough time and dedication, you might be able to save some of the birds from an unfortunate fate.

Things You'll Need

  • Cardboard box
  • Straw
  • Puppy food
  • Predator safe cage
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Instructions

    • 1

      Contact a wildlife rehabilitator to ask them if they will come and take the birds. If you do not have experience with raising birds, it is best to leave this task to the professionals. Your responsibility is to find the best care for the baby birds as possible, and this might mean handing over the job to someone more experienced.

    • 2

      Determine whether or not the bird you found is actually an orphaned bird. If you can find a nest nearby, chances are it is not an orphan, and has simply fallen from the nest. In this case, just place the bird in the nest and retreat from the premises so the parents can come and feed the babies.

    • 3

      Place the bird into a cardboard box, filled with straw to simulate the nest environment.

    • 4

      Research the type of baby bird and attempt to recreate the diet which the mother would feed it. If you are unable to find the correct food, you can use puppy chow soaked in water. Soak the food in water and heat it up to room temperature. Feed it to the bird on a regular basis to keep the bird well nourished.

    • 5

      Move the bird to a large, predator safe cage when it is old enough to hop around, and sit on the edge of the box. Fill the cage with enough perches on which the bird can sit. Place the food on the bottom of the cage for the bird to pick up on his own.

    • 6

      Allow the bird outside when it is about six to seven weeks old. Bring the bird inside every night before it gets dark. Continue bringing the bird outside until it decides to fly away.