Holding a wild baby bird can also interfere with its development and damage its feathers. If the bird is old enough to have some feathers, it can ruin the feathers and keep it from being able to fly. Birds' feathers are very delicate and can be easily damaged by human hands.
Additionally, handling a wild baby bird can expose it to human diseases and bacteria, that can have severe health consequences for the bird.
If you find a baby bird that has fallen out of its nest, the best course of action is to put it back in the nest if possible. If you are unable to put the bird back in its nest, you should contact a local wildlife rehabilitator.
Here are some additional reasons why you should avoid handling wild baby birds:
- Wild baby birds are very fragile and can easily be injured.
- They may be carrying diseases or parasites that can be transmitted to humans.
- Disturbing a nest can cause the parents to abandon the baby.
- By interfering in the natural order of things, you may be causing them to starve to death.