Feeding baby birds can seem daunting, but with some basic knowledge of bird nutrition and feeding techniques, you can give orphaned or injured nestlings a fighting chance. When dealing with baby birds, it’s important to understand their unique dietary needs at each stage of development.
Identifying a Baby Bird’s Age
To determine the proper diet for a baby bird, you first need to estimate its age. Here are some clues:
Hatchlings (0-3 days old)
- Have little to no feathers
- Eyes are closed
- Movements are minimal
- Make soft chirping noises
Nestlings (4-14 days old)
- Covered in downy feathers
- Eyes open but still unable to see clearly
- Move around nest unsteadily
- Make loud chirping sounds
Fledglings (15-30 days old)
- Nearly fully feathered
- Able to hop/walk clumsily
- Eyes fully developed
- Loud screeching noises
- May try flapping wings
Diet by Age
Now that you have an idea of the baby bird’s age, you can determine the optimal diet.
Hatchlings
For just-hatched birds, commercial chick starter is a good option. This finely crumbled feed is nutritionally balanced for baby poultry. Soak the starter in water until it reaches a thick, oatmeal-like consistency then feed with a small spoon.
You can also make homemade hatchling diet by blending:
- Hard boiled egg yolk
- Dry dog or cat food soaked in water
- Unsweetened applesauce
- Cooked oatmeal
Mix to achieve a smooth consistency and feed in small portions every 15-20 minutes from sunrise to sunset.
Nestlings
As they grow feathers, add more variety to nestlings’ diet:
- Diced cooked eggs
- Live mealworms
- Chopped earthworms
- Pureed fruits like apples, berries, and melons
- Cooked grains like rice, quinoa, and barley
- Dry dog or cat kibble soaked until soft
- Chopped lettuce and veggies
Continue feeding the wet diet in small servings from dawn to dusk.
Fledglings
Older baby birds are ready for new textures and finger foods, including:
- Mealworms, crickets, grasshoppers
- Chopped hard-boiled eggs
- Wet cat or dog food
- Finely shredded greens
- Berries, melon cubes, apple chunks
- Soaked kibble or bird pellets
- Chopped nuts and seeds
Offer food in a shallow dish and let fledglings self-feed under supervision. Keep an eye out for choking hazards.
Feeding Techniques
When nursing baby birds, follow these tips:
- Use a spoon, syringe (without the needle), or tweezers to place food inside the mouth. Never force it down the throat.
- Feed only as much as the bird will eat willingly. Overfeeding can be fatal.
- Gently open and close the bird’s beak to encourage it to swallow after each bite.
- Wrap nestlings in a towel and hold vertically so food goes down easier.
- Let fledglings pick up food from a dish—don’t hand feed.
- Always check that the crop (throat pouch) empties between feedings.
- Stop feeding 30-60 minutes before bedtime.
With patience and care, orphaned and injured birds can grow up healthy and strong on the proper hand-feeding diet. Monitor weight and droppings daily to ensure the baby is thriving. If you have concerns, consult an avian vet or wildlife rehabilitator. With proper nutrition and love, baby birds can get their wings—and the rest of themselves—in tip-top shape.
Common Nutrient Needs
When selecting foods for baby birds, there are some key nutrients to keep in mind:
Protein
Hard-boiled eggs, mealworms, and insect larvae provide the amino acids needed for growth and development. Nestlings should get 18-24% of their diet from protein sources.
Calcium
Crushed eggshells, dark leafy greens, and supplements give an extra calcium boost for bone health. This is especially important in fast-growing nestlings.
Fats
Nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils satisfy energy needs and keep the digestive tract working smoothly. About 28-34% of a baby bird’s food intake should come from fats.
Carbs
Fruits, grains, and veggies offer carbohydrates for energy. Carbs should make up around 30-50% of the diet. Go easy on high-sugar fruits.
Vitamins & Minerals
A variety of whole foods, or specific supplements, can provide the vitamin and mineral content needed to avoid deficiencies.
With attention to these key nutrient groups, you can be sure baby birds are getting comprehensive nutrition.
Transitioning to Adult Diet
As baby birds mature, their dietary needs shift. Here’s how to help them transition to eating like adult birds:
- Around 3-4 weeks old, start introducing adult bird foods like seed mixes, pellets, nuts, fruits, and veggies. Offer a shallow dish for self-feeding.
- Reduce hand or syringe feeding gradually over time, encouraging fledglings to pick up food on their own.
- Chop foods into bite-sized pieces to help young birds making the switch to adult textures.
- Provide a shallow bowl of water for drinking. Teach tapping the surface to get attention.
- Offer leafy greens, sprouted seeds, and chopped veggies to get young birds used to new flavors and foods.
- Hang bird feeders at low heights so juveniles can easily access seeds and suet.
- Provide ample calcium from eggshells and supplements to support bone health.
- If weight loss occurs, temporary supplemental feeding may be needed.
With patience, young birds will discover and adapt to eating new foods like their adult counterparts. Celebrate this important step toward independence!
Common Feeding Mistakes
When caring for baby birds, there are some key missteps to avoid:
Using the Wrong Diet
Each age group has unique nutritional needs. Feeding the wrong diet can have severe consequences.
Overfeeding
It’s easy to accidentally give too much. Always watch for signs of overfeeding like gagging, gasping, or food oozing from the mouth or nose.
Underfeeding
Not feeding enough can lead to starvation and stunt growth. Watch for weight loss and lethargy.
Improper Feeding Technique
Feeding the wrong way, like forcing food into the airway, can be fatal. Go slow and be careful.
Missing Crop Checks
Letting a full crop sit too long before the next feeding can cause the food to spoil.
Poor Hygiene
Not washing hands or cleaning utensils can spread bacteria and illness.
Transitioning Foods Too Fast
Rushing the switch from hand feeding to self feeding can cause a dangerous gap in nutrition.
Incorrect Temperatures
Food that is too hot or cold can harm a baby bird’s sensitive crop and digestive system.
Avoiding these common pitfalls will give baby birds the best chance to thrive on their specialized diets. When in doubt, consult an avian vet.
FAQs About Feeding Baby Birds
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about how to feed orphaned or injured baby birds:
What do you feed a baby bird that fell out of a nest?
If you find a hatchling or nestling out of the nest, the best initial food is commercial chick starter, soaked dog/cat kibble, or boiled egg yolk. Feed with a spoon or syringe every 15-20 minutes.
How do you feed a baby bird that can’t open its mouth?
Gently open the beak by pushing on the sides of the mouth. Never pry it open wider than the bird can stretch naturally. Place food in the mouth and gently stroke the throat until swallowing begins.
What kind of syringe is best for feeding baby birds?
Veterinarians recommend a 1 mL or 3 mL syringe without the needle attached. Make sure the opening is small enough to control flow but large enough not to choke the bird.
Is it okay to give baby birds water?
No, avoid giving water until fledglings are eating on their own. Nestlings get needed hydration from food. Once taking solid foods, provide a shallow dish of water.
When can baby birds eat seeds?
As they become fledglings around 2-3 weeks old, gradually mix in finch seed, millet spray, chopped nuts, and other finger foods. This helps the transition to adult diet.
How often should you feed a baby bird?
From hatching to 2 weeks old, nestlings need feedings every 15-20 minutes from dawn to dusk. By 3-4 weeks, taper to 6-8 feedings daily as they begin self-feeding.
What do you do if a baby bird won’t eat?
Gently open the beak and wiggle food inside. Stroke under the chin to encourage swallowing. If still refusing food, the bird may be ill, dehydrated, or too cold. Seek wildlife rehab help.
With specialized care and feeding, orphaned and injured baby birds can go on to live full, healthy lives. Reach out to experts if you need guidance on diet, husbandry, or health issues. With quick action, these fragile little ones can get a second chance at taking flight!
Conclusion
Raising orphaned or injured baby birds is extremely rewarding but requires diligent care and feeding. Understanding age-specific nutritional needs, proper feeding techniques, and common pitfalls can give vulnerable nestlings and fledglings their best shot. With an appropriate diet and plenty of love, you can make all the difference in giving a baby bird its wings. Consult wildlife rehabilitators whenever guidance is needed – it takes a village! With round-the-clock nurturing, baby birds will one day thrive on an adult diet and take to the skies, thanks to your help.