How to Take Care of Newborn Baby Birds

If you find a baby bird on the ground, it is important to return it to its nest so that the parents can care for it properly. The parents will not reject their baby simply because you touched it; this is a commonly believed myth. If the baby is truly orphaned, however, you can help it thrive by keeping it warm and secure, as well as by feeding it appropriately. Raising a newborn bird can take a lot of dedication and time, but the rewards of watching the bird flourish make the sacrifices worth it.

Things You'll Need

  • Small basket (approximate size of a nest)
  • Aquarium
  • Heat lamp with 40 watt bulb
  • Dry dog food
  • Hot water
  • Baby food, pureed turkey, cooked egg yolk (all optional)
  • Craft stick
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the basket inside of the aquarium, and set up the heat lamp above the aquarium, about twelve inches away from the basket. The resulting temperature should be about 95-100 degrees.

    • 2

      Place the newborn baby birds into the basket.

    • 3

      Soak the dog food in warm water, and mix together any of the optional ingredients until it forms a paste the consistency of cooked oatmeal.

    • 4

      Dip the craft stick into the mixture and then gently place it inside of the bird's mouth. Continue this process until the crop of the bird's neck looks full.

    • 5

      Repeat the feeding process often throughout the day, about once an hour, including once before you go to sleep at night, and once immediately when you wake up in the morning. Baby birds will sleep through the night, so they do not require nocturnal feedings.