wild bird help needed!!

[MaryG1959]

I need some advice, baby bird was found this morning, had to get him out of harms way (two labs and a poodle)...cannot find a nest anywhere near where he was found---he is partly (mostly feathered) a sparrow and have him in a warm spot--keeping temp at 80 degrees. Feeding kaytee exact but he doesn't have a great feeding response though his grip on my fingers is pretty amazing.

Disclaimer, I do not take in wild animals as a rule however it is cold, rainy and no nest in site. if I had left him in the yard the dogs would've taken care of him (in a bad way).....

Called two rehabs, one said on answering machine they are closed the other I left a msg on.

Any advice regarding this little fellow appreciated.

[Lisa B]

Mary, did you call Giselle of the wantage avian rehab in nj?
you might have to leave a message, but she is very good at calling you right back....973-702-1957

Bird Rescue

tell her *I* sent you. Mention the Sussex county Exotic Bird Club.
We used to refer things back and forth all the time...her wildlife, me exotic.

[MaryG1959]

left a msg

[Lisa B]

Originally Posted by MaryG1959

left a msg

good...she is a very kind woman.....
I think they feed them soggy dog pellets....and worms

lemme see what I can find.

[MaryG1959]

I really needsome help so hopefully she'll return my call. I have to take him to work tomorrow, he cannot be left here all day alone. Hoping I find somewhere to take him.

[Lisa B]

If there is no wildlife center in your area that cares for orphan wild birds, you should be aware that only certain species are legal for people to rehabilitate. Pigeons, starlings and sparrows are typically the only species that you should attempt to hand raise. Other species may be protected by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Guidelines

The most important things about trying to foster and rehabilitate wild birds is to offer a variety of food, keep the cage clean and be consistent when feeding. Your care will mimic care received in the wild. Try to keep in mind that these babies are being raised as their wild mother would raise them.

Always wash your hand before and after caring for the birds to prevent contracting an infection. Periodic daily access to sunshine is very important but you must make sure the birds do not overheat. If you place the cage outside, make sure it is predator-proof.

Birds must be able to fly and eat on their own before they can be released.

Housing

Keeping the cage clean is very important. With smaller cages, cleaning is easier. Once the baby is fed, he immediately wiggles his back end to the wall of the nest, raises his rear and defecates right out of the nest. This keeps the nest clean and your job as foster mom easier, since all you do is pick up feces outside the nest with a tissue.

For hatchlings, babies without feathers and eyes closed, a small box with a light cover, such as a small shoebox, works well. The temperature of the housing should be around 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. A heating pad set on low can be used to keep the cage warm.

For a bird with eyes opened and feathers, move him to a larger cage. A small laundry basket or box can work. A secure lid such as fiberglass screening or sweater dryer screen can be used. For either housing, line the bottom with a sheet of plastic, newspaper and paper towels. Change layers often to keep clean. Twigs can be used for perches. Make sure they are high enough so that the tails do not scrape the bottom.

For active fledglings, one laundry basket inverted on another and clipped together, a small playpen or appliance box usually works.

Feeding

For hatchlings, feed commercial baby bird food found in pet stores. Fledglings can be fed a mix of baby bird food, mealworms, insects and wheat bread. Nuts, chopped apples, sunflower seeds and alfalfa sprouts can also be offered.

Before feeding, always make sure the crop is empty. Then place the food in the back of the mouth, past the windpipe.

Naked hatchlings with eyes closed will need to be fed every 20 minutes morning till night. As night approaches, stop feeding and put the babies to bed.

Once their eyes have opened and their feathers are well started, you can stretch out feeding times to every 30 minutes, 45 minutes, hourly and eventually every 2 hours. By the time they hop out of their nests they should be on an hourly schedule. After about 10 days, feeding can be reduced to every 2 to 3 hours.

As soon as fledglings are perching, put small dishes of chopped mealworms, fruit or soaked dry dog food in the cage. Offer them food from the dish with blunt nosed tweezers or fingers. Encourage them to eat. Do not expect them to eat much on their own at first but keep showing them where you are getting the food. Place a small water dish in the cage. Add a few rocks to prevent drowning.

By 4 weeks of age, they should be self-feeding. They might try to get you to sneak them a handout by screaming. A few times a day, hand feeding is okay but you are trying to encourage them to eat on their own.
Twice a day they should be misted and a shallow dish should be available for bathing. This stimulates preening. Without waterproofing, feathers will not repel water. This will not only inhibit flying, but will also affect their ability to stay warm.

Development of Certain Bird Species

Sparrows

Eyes open within 1 week

Feathered by 10 days

Flying well by 2-3 weeks

Eating on own by 5 weeks

Release at 6-7 weeks, with feeding available (bird feeder)

Starlings

Eyes open within 1 week

Flying well by 3 weeks

Self feeding at 4 weeks

Release when tail feathers are full length and the bird is completely self feeding (7-8 weeks)

[Lisa B]

this is starlings but it gives you food ideas


Baby Starling Care: precise information on caring for wild baby birds

[MaryG1959]

I saw that site lisa, it is either a starling or sparrow.

I think by your description it is about 10 days old---

I don't want it to die on my clock so if anyone has experience and lives near bethlehem pa, I will drive it to you.

[MaryG1959]

He is safe in the arms of the raptor trust! I'm so glad I took him theere---they are qualified and experienced in raising the wild.

http://www.raptortrust.org

[habs71]

Congratulations to you Mary for caring enough and taking the time to make sure the little fellow was safe and went to someone with the knowledge for looking after him/her.



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