What Do You Feed a Brand New Baby Bird?

Feeding newly hatched birds is a time-consuming and challenging activity. Because they reach adulthood at a much faster rate than other species, baby birds have high metabolism rates that need large amounts of food to satisfy. Nestlings need to be fed every 1,420 minutes from sunrise to sunset to have a chance at survival, so you must be up to the task ahead.

  1. Bird Formula

    • Different brands of bird formula can be found at local pet retailers; however, you must check which one is right for the species of bird in your care. Mix the formula with heated water until it comes out as a thick substance. Make sure it isn't too watery or too thick, and that the temperature goes no higher than 108 degrees Fahrenheit. Feed the bird with a syringe.

    Homemade Formula

    • If you can't find any stores that sell bird formula, make your own by grinding bird pellets and adding hot water.

    Eggs

    • You can add some variety to the baby bird's diet by including cut-up white portions of hard-boiled eggs in strips. Raisins soaked and drained and dog biscuits soaked in milk can also add zest to a routine diet.

    Meats

    • Baby birds require a sizable amount of protein in their diets to grow rapidly. Most land-based birds, such as robins and cardinals, need meats such as raw kidney and liver. Cut the meat into tiny pieces; include bigger portions as the bird gets older.

    Insects

    • Insects make up a large part of a bird's diet, so introduce the baby to worms, grasshoppers and crickets as it matures.