baby sparrow

[startrance]

i've been keeping me eye on the baby sparrows that have been coming to my feeders the past few weeks. one has been resting for long periods in the driveway near the feeders, the same area where i have spotted a feral cat several times this past week. i threw a towel over the bird a few min ago and brought it inside. i figure if i in all my slow human clumsiness can catch it than that cat surely could. does anyone have any tips on helping this bird? i estimate its about 4-5 wks old; it was eating seeds in the driveway earlier so must be at least part weaned. i'm going to make it some mush later just in case so it doesnt lose nutrients. it flies but is more of a glider, slow and clumsy. when is safe to release it back? maybe a week or two? and anyone have feeding tips? i've handfed before but any recommendations on how often and how many seeds to mix? thanks for any help!

[startrance]

one more question...what diseases do they typically carry if anyone knows? this one doesnt seem to have mites or insects. i checked thru his feathers pretty well. he is lethargis but maybe just tired not sick hopefully.

[RachelLynn]

I hand fed a baby sparrow a couple years ago and I was told to feed it canned dog food with a little bit of apple sauce mixed in. Try calling around vets offices and ask where you can find a wildlife rehab.

[Joel]

S.T...........I have raised baby Mockingbirds and Blackbirds & doves on lightly soaked Zupreem Fruit Blend pellets - squeeze out water before placing into beak and gently force (above tongue) into back of mouth. If baby spits out, repeat and push further back - all the way & it should swallow. Remember to make sure ya squeezed out most all of the water with clean well washed & well rinsed hands after using antibacterial soap or equivalent germ killer. I also used soaked but squeezed out canary eggfood and Brownberry Health Nut Bread (also lightly soaked & squeezed out) if ya have that in your local grocery store. You probably can also use some well done scrambled eggs as substitute for the canary eggfood....Also can use handfeeding formula but careful you don't aspirate....Best of luck....Maybe the sparrow may need some meds also - do ya have a wildlife care center in your area that maybe you could turn it over to.

I fed my wild birds about every 3 hrs. btw. You can see at the back of the throat when the bird is filled up, just be careful not to choke it to death on too much or too wet food.

[RachelLynn]

Here is a site about how to take care of them. It is for starlings and sparrows
http://www.starlingtalk.com/babycare.htm

You really should get this little guy to a wildlife rehab if you can.

[Joel]

Yes, I agree with Rachel, rehab is probably best for the lil bird and even much easier on you. I only meant my suggestions/advice before if ya insisted on feeding yourself or in the meantime but remember that it still may need the meds which you don't have & may not want to spend $$$$ on, at an A.V."s practice