How to Feed a Newborn Baby Bird and Proper Care:

How to Care for a Newborn Bird

Whenever you see a newborn baby bird, whether it has fallen from the nest or been found abandoned, many people wonder:

How do I care for a newborn baby bird? This tiny creature requires careful care and proper nutrition to survive and grow healthy. Here, we're referring to ornamental birds, not wild birds. Wild birds often face problems, and many find themselves outside the safety of their nests and facing numerous potential dangers. If you happen to find one, provide it with the necessary care, but you must hand it over to a wildlife rehabilitation center. There are specialists in how to handle and care for it. There are also laws in many countries requiring you to hand the bird over to a licensed professional. You can care for wild birds if you can prove that you won't harm it. Now, let's return to the ornamental pet birds, which also require special care from the breeder. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to handle a newborn baby bird, how to feed it, and the most important tips for saving it from death.

First: How do I handle a newborn baby bird?

1. Determine the bird's health

The first step in handling a newborn baby bird is to assess its condition:

Is it breathing normally?

Is its body warm or cold?

Does it have any visible wounds or signs of illness?

If the bird is cold or motionless, immediately place it in a warm, quiet environment. If the bird has wounds or injuries, you must wear medical gloves when handling the bird and immediately contact a veterinarian to transport the bird to a veterinary clinic for examination and care. Ensure that it is not suffering from any diseases or health problems. You must follow the veterinarian's advice on feeding the bird until its wounds heal and it recovers.

2. Create a suitable environment for it

Because the bird's body cannot regulate its temperature yet:

Place the bird in a small box lined with a soft cloth.

Use a moderate heat source, such as a warm water bottle wrapped in a dry towel.

Avoid direct heat.

Second: What should a newborn baby bird eat?

1. Types of food according to the bird's species

Knowing what a newborn baby bird eats depends on its species (sparrow, canary, etc.):

Small ornamental birds often eat food specifically designed for pet birds.

Canaries or pet birds in general can be fed special chick food sold in bird shops.

2. Temporary Homemade Alternative Foods

In an emergency, homemade mixtures can be prepared:

Mixture of boiled egg yolk + drops of lukewarm water.

Sugar-free baby cereal + water until it becomes a soft paste.

Ground oatmeal + warm water.

Important Note:

 These mixtures are temporary and do not replace specialized food. They can be given if you cannot provide your own food.

Third: How to Feed a Newborn Baby Bird

1. How to Feed Safely

Use a needle-free medical needle or a small dropper.

Hold the bird upright, with its head slightly upward so it can swallow.

Do not force feed if its mouth is tightly closed; handle it gently.

2. Number of Meals a Bird Should Eat Daily

In the First Days:

Every 15 to 20 minutes during the day.

In the Second Week:

Every 1 to 2 hours.

After the third week:

4-5 times daily.

3. Food Temperature

The food should be warm, neither cold nor hot.

Testing the temperature on the back of your hand is very important.

Fourth: How to Rescue a Baby Bird That Has Fallen from the Nest

1. Determine the Possibility of Returning It to the Nest

If you see the nest and the bird is healthy, return it to the nest quickly.

Don't be afraid of the mother rejecting it; this is a misconception.

2. If Returning It Is Not Possible

Place the bird in a safe place away from animals and rain; the mother will find it, as she has likely gone looking for food.

If you can't find the nest despite a thorough search, you must continue caring for it as explained above.

Fifth: Harmful Things for Baby Birds to Avoid

1. Avoid These Common Mistakes

Offering Bread or Milk:

Very harmful to the digestive system of birds.

Excessive Water:

Can cause suffocation or water poisoning.

Direct exposure to cold air or sunlight:

Can lead to rapid death because the bird lacks feathers and sufficient immunity.

2. Signs of Improper Care

In this case, you should consult a veterinarian immediately.

Final Tips for Caring for a Newborn Baby Bird

Why is caring for a baby bird difficult?

Because caring for a baby bird is a delicate responsibility:

But it is a beautiful and touching experience. By understanding how to feed a baby bird and providing it with a suitable environment, you can save its life and give it a chance to grow properly. Always remember that handling a baby bird begins with calmness, knowledge, and compassion. Avoiding anything that might be harmful to baby birds is the key to a successful rescue and care of your baby bird. Thank you.