How to Feed Baby Birds in the Nest

It's a heartbreaking sight--baby birds alone in their nest. Before you decide that the birds are orphaned or abandoned and need your help, watch the nest to see if the parents return. If the baby birds have some feathers, they may be fledglings waiting for their parents to return with food. If the parents do not return within a few hours, provide some basic care and feeding of the babies while you contact wildlife professionals for assistance.

Things You'll Need

  • Pot or kettle
  • Dry kitten or puppy food
  • Glass bowl
  • Fork
  • Cocktail straw
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Instructions

    • 1

      Boil some water. Pour two parts boiling water over one part dry puppy or kitten chow in a glass bowl. Allow to soak for an hour, then drain the water from it.

    • 2

      Mash the soaked kibble with a fork. Pick up a small amount of the kibble with a cocktail straw and place it in a baby bird's mouth. Do not force the bird's beak open.

    • 3

      Wipe all food and moisture from the bird's beak between bites with a clean, soft cloth.

    • 4

      Feed a few mouthfuls every few hours. Replace the kibble with fresh soaked kibble every 12 hours to keep it fresh.