How to Raise Just Hatched Birds

Birds lay eggs; once hatched the parents feed and care for the hatchlings until they are able to fly and care for themselves. When baby birds are abandoned or not fed by their parents, humans can step in and attempt to care for them. It is illegal to keep wild birds and they rarely survive in human care. Domesticated birds, however, can be raised from hatchlings by experienced people, although it is difficult.

Things You'll Need

  • Bird cage
  • Brooder
  • Baby bird formula
  • Syringe
  • Bird feed
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep the newly hatched birds in a brooder, a box that is kept inside your bird cage that regulates temperature and humidity. The ideal humidity for newly hatched birds is 50 percent. Newly hatched birds require a temperature of about 95 degrees Fahrenheit; lower the temperature by one degree every three days, while the feathers grow in.

    • 2

      Mix commercial baby bird formula with fresh water freshly each meal. For day-old birds, mix the formula with 90 percent water. Feed chicks two days and older, with formula mixed with 75 percent water.

    • 3

      Heat the food mixture to about 102 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 4

      Feed the baby birds using a syringe until the sac of skin below its beak is full. Birds 1 week old or younger need to eat every two to three hours. Feed the chick every three to four hours until its eyes are open; once the bird's eyes are open, feed it every five hours. Once the feathers are growing, in feed it two to three times a day during daylight hours.

    • 5

      Wean the baby bird when its adult feathers are growing in. Supply the bird with commercial bird feed, fruits, and vegetables. Halve the bird's formula feedings at first; stop feeding it baby formula once it accepts solid foods.