What Do Deserted Baby Birds Eat?

The best chance a baby bird has for survival is with its parents. However, if its parents have abandoned it, you may still be able to help.

  1. Veterinary Care

    • No matter your level of expertise, the best course of action is to take the bird to a veterinarian. Veterinary hospitals are often equipped to take in wild birds and will know how to handle the situation.

    First Foods

    • The baby bird needs soft, mushy foods similar to what its parents would have regurgitated for it. Baby food is a great choice, but if you don't have that at home, you can feed it a paste made out of cornmeal and water.

    Other Options

    • Soaked cat or dog food and cooked eggs also make good, nutritious mashed food for baby birds.

    Dangers

    • If the water used in the cornmeal mixture is too hot, it will burn the inside of the bird's crop, which can do permanent damage or kill the bird. Forcing the bird to eat too much food at once can cause the bird to choke.

    Next Steps

    • Contact your local veterinarian for more information on a permanent diet for the baby. Because the bird is a wild animal, you may require a permit if you intend to keep it.