How to Raise House Sparrows

The house sparrow is a social bird mostly attracted to nesting on buildings and in other populated areas, as these areas offer roosts and nests necessary cover. House sparrows are one of the most abundant birds in North America, and can typically be seen traveling in flocks. The house sparrow makes an affable pet with its friendly personality. Although they are easy to look after, they do require proper care. To keep your pet bird happy and healthy, there are guidelines you should follow.

Things You'll Need

  • Straw
  • Bowl
  • Applesauce
  • Cat food
  • Egg
  • Water
  • Seeds
  • Grains
  • Plastic perforated ball
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hand-feed baby house sparrows with a straw that has one end cut at an angle to make a scoop. Young house sparrows, three weeks or younger, should be fed a diet high in protein, which is equivalent to their wild diet of grains, seeds, fruits and insects in the wild. Mix together one boiled egg, 1/4 cup of applesauce, 1/2 cup of wet cat food in a bowl, adding enough water to moisten it. Feed the baby bird every 20 to 30 minutes over a period of at least 12 hours a day.

    • 2

      Feed older house sparrows a healthy diet consisting of black oil sunflower seeds and grains from a bird feeder or clean bowl. In addition, combine 2 cups of dry cat food, 1/2 cup of mashed, cooked chicken, and 1 boiled egg. Refrigerate a portion for the next feeding and discard leftovers after an hour to prevent spoilage. Make sure there is a fresh supply of water at all times.

    • 3

      Place your house sparrows in a large cage measuring 18 by 18 by 24 inches, or 24 by 24 by 36 inches if you are adding an additional bird. You may choose to keep the birds separate or together depending on your preference. The recommended temperature for young house sparrows without feathers is 90 degrees, and 75 degrees for feathered sparrows. The temperature applies to both day and night. Keep birds entertained by putting toys such as a plastic perforated ball in the cage. Let them out of the cage occasionally so they can fly safely around the room. This will help to strengthen the muscles in their wings, as well as keep them active.

    • 4

      Release the house sparrow back into the wild after it is well, if you were nursing it back to health. Or choose to keep the house sparrow as a pet, as they are social birds.