Most, baby birds fall from their nest during the early stages of fledgling. It seems an alarming situation, but it is not. You need not to worry about the baby bird. If you find a baby bird that fell on the ground, then first check whether it has feathers or not.
Then, start handling the bird to return to its nest. Contact a veterinary doctor to seek medical help. Wait for the vet and remain patient. When the baby bird relaxes, then provides food to the bird. Place the nest in a quiet place. All these steps are important in taking care of a baby bird that fell out of its nest. Many baby birds leave their nest, as a natural development process.
In this article, I will tell you:
- Step wise procedure for their care
- What To Do When You Find A Baby Bird On The Ground?
- Important Tips When Taking Care of a Fallen Baby Bird
- Frequently asked questions
Let’s start without wasting time!
Step Wise Procedure
As a bird caretaker, here, I will tell you how to take care of a baby bird that fell out of its nest in detail.
Step 1: Keep In Check the Situation
The first step is to check whether the bird needs help or not. Determining the situation is very important.
Fledgling Vs Nestling of Baby Bird
In the next step, it is important to know the fledgling and nestling status of a baby bird.
Fledglings: Fledgling includes those baby birds that have developed feathers. They are learning how to fly. They have short wings and are capable of making short flights.
Often, they don’t seek care and help, when they fall on the ground. If you see fledglings fall on the ground, then it is better to leave them alone. If you see that the fledglings are injured, then provide first aid and allow them to fly.
Nestlings
Nestlings include those baby birds that are too small to leave their nest. Usually, they have no feathers or have few feathers and are incapable of flying. If you see nestlings fall on the ground, then immediately assist them to return to their nest. Give care to them, as much as you can provide.
Checking Injuries
When you find a baby bird fallen on the ground, then immediately check for injury signs. Like broken feathers, blood, broken bone and any other damage. If the bird is injured, then it is better to seek medical help from a vet or wildlife rehabilitator.
If the bird is unable to open its eyes and stand on its foot, then it is better to keep the bird to the veterinary doctor.
Step 2: Return the Bird to Its Nest
If the found baby bird is nestling, then it is best to return the bird to its nest. You can do this only when the bird is uninjured. Young birds don’t mind touching human beings.
Finding the Nest
- After seeing the bird on the ground, it is better to look for the nest. First look for the nest in nearby bushes, trees etc. It would not be far from the place where you found the bird.
- If you see the nest and it is in the reach of the bird, then immediately and put the bird back to its nest.
Making a Substitute Nest
If you cannot find any nest near the bird fallen place, then you should do the following things.
- Create a nest by using small containers, plastic tubs or baskets. Make sure it is dry and soft to provide ease to the fallen bird. Line the nest with paper or grass.
- Place the substitute nest near the tree, where you found the baby bird. Put the bird in the nest and start observing the baby bird from a short distance.
Step 3: Observe from a Short Distance
When you place the bird in its own nest or a substitute, then it is better to observe the bird from a short distance. Most parents will come back to the nest and start caring for the fallen baby bird. It takes time, so you should remain patient.
If after 2 to 3 hours, the bird’s parents don’t return to the nest, it means that the baby bird is an orphan. In this case, you have to start taking care of the bird and wait for the wildlife rehabilitator to come. You should provide medicine to the bird, if required.
Step 4: Provide Care
If the fallen baby bird is afraid of you and doesn’t allow you to keep it in the nest. The parents of the baby bird are not coming, then you should provide the necessary care to the baby bird.
Housing the Bird
- Create a substitute nest for the bird by using a cardboard, plastic tub or small container.
- Line soft material like towel, paper, tissues, grass or cloth to provide ease to the fallen baby bird.
- It is better to place the substitute nest in a quiet and calm place, away from windows and direct sunlight.
Feeding the Bird
- Avoid serving bread, seeds and milk to the baby birds. As they have sensitive stomachs and these food items harm them.
- If the professional rehabilitator is unavailable, then use a syringe to feed the bird. Start feeding a small amount of food. You can feed “Baby bird food” which is available on many online forums.
Step 5: Visit Wildlife Rehabilitator
Handling and taking care of a nestling is a complex task. If you find a nestling, then the best action is to contact a vet or wildlife rehabilitator. Wildlife rehabilitators are trained enough to handle the injured nestling. They have all the necessary resources that ensure the survival of baby birds.
Searching for a Wildlife Rehabilitator
If you don’t know rehabilitator, then it is better to search online for the rehabilitation. You can also call local animal shelters to seek help and guidance.
What To Do When You Find A Baby Bird On The Ground?
If you find a fallen baby bird, then first check whether it is a nestling or a fledgling. If the baby bird is fledgling, then leave it, as it returns to its nest. If the baby bird is nestling, return the bird back to the nest. Contact a veterinary doctor or wildlife rehabilitator. If the bird is free from any danger, wait for the wildlife rehabilitator to come and check the baby bird.
Important Tips When Taking Care of a Fallen Baby Bird
While taking care of the fallen baby bird, you should keep following things in your mind.
Avoid Stress
- Avoid using your hands in keeping the bird. Excessive contact of human beings with birds causes stress to them. Provide a substitute nest to the bird and wait until it becomes relaxed.
- Place the substitute nest in a quiet place. Avoid noise and any other disturbance near the bird.
Maintain Cleanliness
- Make sure that the substitute nest should be clean, dry etc. It is better to avoid placing unnecessary items in the nest. Change the soiled bedding daily.
Limit Human Interaction
- It is good to interact with the baby bird to help them in returning to the nest. But sometimes it will exhaust the bird and it will start biting you. So, it is better to ignore the bird, until it becomes relaxed and then start interacting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How To Save Baby Bird From Dying?
To save a baby bird, first determine if it is featherless or not. Also check whether it is mostly feathered or learning to fly. If it’s a nestling, place it back in its nest. If the nest is missing or unreachable, create an artificial nest using a small basket and soft materials. Place it in a safe spot nearby.
Can Baby Birds Survive After Falling Out Nest?
Yes, baby birds can survive after falling out of the nest. If they are injured, provide proper care. Nestlings should returned to their nest. If the nest cannot be found, a substitute nest can given to them. If a bird is injured, seek help from a wildlife expert to increase its chances of survival.
Conclusion
Handling and taking care of the baby bird is an important and complex task. Provide necessary care until the rehabilitator comes. Your goal is to protect the bird and return it to the nest. By following the above-mentioned steps, you can return the baby bird to the nest and develop a good bond with it. Well being of the fallen baby bird is your priority.
If you face any problem while reading the blog, text me in the comment box, I will reply to you soon. Thanks for reading!
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I’m Amna, and I absolutely adore birds, especially parrots. I’ve been immersed in the world of these colorful feathered friends for over 10 years. While I’m not a bird doctor, I’ve gathered a wealth of knowledge on how to care for and understand them.
My experiences extend to various bird species like parrots, macaws, cockatoos, canaries, and finches. In addition to my personal adventures with birds, I’ve dedicated time to volunteering at a local bird rehabilitation center.
My true passion lies in sharing what I know about parrots and birds with you. Through my articles, I aim to share the information you need to provide the very best care for your avian companions. So, let’s embark on this journey together and make your feathered friends’ lives as joyful and healthy as possible!