How to Hand-Feed a Wild Baby Bird of Prey

Throughout the year, it is not uncommon for humans to happen across a fallen chick from the nest. Baby birds of prey are very high maintenance creatures that should be handled with delicate care. In the event you do find a fallen chick, you can follow these steps to house and feed the bird until you can take it to a qualified wildlife rehabilitation specialist so it can be cared for and released back into the wild.

Things You'll Need

  • Towel
  • Dog or cat crate
  • Syringe
  • Hand-feeding formula
  • Digital thermometer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Line your dog crate with a thick towel. This will be the temporary living place of your bird while in your car. For extra needed heat, you can drape a towel over the top of the crate. Place the bird in the crate.

    • 2

      Parrot hand-feeding formula can be purchased at your local pet store or online. Two popular brands to look for are Kaytee and Zupreem. Mix the hand-feeding formula according to the packaging instructions. Use hot water to mix the formula and test it with the digital thermometer to ensure that it is the appropriate temperature, about 106 degrees. Swirl the thermometer around in the formula to ensure there are no hidden hot spots and the temperature is constant.

    • 3

      Use a clean syringe to feed the bird with. Syringes for hand-feeding do not come equipped with needles and can be purchased online or at your local pet store. Fill the syringe with formula. Hold it above the bird's head and watch what behavior it exhibits for feeding. Generally, wild birds will open their mouths widely and tilt their heads back to be fed. When the bird exhibits this behavior, gently drop some formula into its mouth. Use slow and steady movements and don't rush.

      If you do not have access to a syringe, a large eyedropper would be adequate as well.

    • 4

      Change the towel in the crate if necessary. Repeat steps 2 and 3 every couple hours.

    • 5

      Research and contact a local wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible. Wildlife rehabilitators are trained professionals who know how to handle wildlife in such a way that the animals will be able to be released back into their natural habitat once they have been properly cared for. Ideally after finding the bird, you should contact a rehabilitator and arrange to have the bird placed in that person's care.