How to Feed a Small Baby Bird

A wild rescued baby bird or a pet one whose parents have died, become ill or stopped feeding their chicks can be raised by hand, but this is not particularly easy. Small birds need feeding every couple of hours to begin with, and they are very vulnerable to infections. Feeding a small baby bird can be a rewarding task, but bear in mind it might not have a happy ending.

Things You'll Need

  • Box
  • Heating pad or hot water bottle
  • Towel
  • Thermometer
  • Baby bird formula
  • Cotton wool
  • Syringe or eyedropper
  • Small bowl
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Instructions

    • 1

      Phone the professionals. In the case of a wild baby bird, call animal services or a local conservation or animal charity for advice before even approaching the bird. Often, an apparently abandoned baby bird is fine and the parent birds aren't far off. In the case of a pet bird, consult your vet.

    • 2

      Prepare a box for the baby bird with a heat pad or hot water bottle (don't fill with very hot water) covered with a towel. The temperature should be just below 100 degrees F. Put the bird in the box.

    • 3

      Determine the species and buy a baby bird formula as close to this as you can. For example, canaries are finches and can be fed on finch formula.

    • 4

      Prepare the formula in a small bowl according to instructions.

    • 5

      Warm the mixture in a microwave or pan of hot water.

    • 6

      Fill a syringe or eyedropper with the formula.

    • 7

      Test the temperature of the formula on your wrist -- it should be warm but no hotter than body temperature.

    • 8

      Drip the formula into the bird's mouth. It will probably be begging with its beak wide open, but if not, drip in at the side of its beak. Do not force-feed it.

    • 9

      Stop feeding when the bird stops begging or when its crop (the pouch at the base of its throat) is visible.

    • 10

      Wipe excess formula off of the bird's face with dampened cotton wool. Change the towel if this became soiled too.

    • 11

      Feed again when the crop is nearly empty or hard to see. If you aren't sure, feed every two hours between dawn and midnight. You don't need to feed the bird at night.