How to Care for Fledging Robins

Fledgling robins are robins that have feathers, but not enough to carry them through the air in flight. These birds learn to fly by hopping from branch to branch and gliding through the air. In some cases, the robins end up on the ground. If this is the case, your instinct may be to rescue the bird. However, this method of rescue is usually not best for the bird. If the bird has parents to care for it, then you should leave it alone. Only try to care for robins that have no parental help, and take the birds to a wildlife rescue center as soon as possible.

Things You'll Need

  • Shoe box
  • Newspaper strips
  • Toothpick
  • Eye dropper
  • Canned beef dog food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Watch the robin for 30 minutes before picking the bird up. If adult robins visit the bird within 30 minutes, giving it food to eat, then it is not abandoned and is well cared for. There is nothing you need to do for fledgling robins with parents that still care for the bird.

    • 2

      Check the bird for injuries if it seems in pain, or has trouble walking or hopping. If you note any injuries, notify a wild bird rescue center right away. Pick up the bird as carefully as possible and place it in a shoebox lined with newspaper strips.

    • 3

      Take the bird to a rescue wildlife center as soon as possible. If it is several hours until you can get to a shelter, you can feed the robin, but use extreme caution. Over-feeding the bird can cause more harm than good.

    • 4

      Feed the robin three to four mouthfuls of canned dog food, or small pieces of worms on the end of a toothpick. Give the bird three drops of water after each feeding. Feed the robin fledgling once every hour from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.