Baby birds

I found a baby bird. What should I do?

 

There are different considerations to make when finding a baby bird. Most species of birds have a fledgling stage, where they spend a few weeks on the ground before they can fly. This is a critical period for them to exercise, practice flight and explore their environment.

But not all species fledge on the ground. Therefore it is important to identify the bird’s species and age before intervening. This can be done by sending an email to info@lenichoir.org that includes photos or short videos of the bird, your name and phone number. This will allow Le Nichoir to help determine whether the bird needs to be rescued.

 

I found a baby bird on the ground.  Is it normal ?

 

It is normal for fledgling to be on the ground but some  species  do not fledge on the ground. They include: Swallows, swifts, chickadees (and other hole-nesting species), flycatchers, and woodpeckers. Any of these species found on the ground will likely require rescuing.

Depending on their age many birds that are found on the ground may be healthy, and should not be rescued. Parents will care for them while on the ground, but will not stay with them for long periods of time.

Identifying the age of the bird is critical because in some cases the birds may be too young to have left the nest, even in species that fledge.

Remember: do not feed the baby birds or give them water. 

 

I found a baby bird. Can I feed it or give it water?

 

Wild baby birds should not be fed food, even if they are hungry and begging. Water or food should never be placed directly in the mouth of a bird.  Feeding or giving water to birds increases the risk of pneumonia if food or water accidentally enters their lungs.  Feeding a dehydrated bird can result in them unable to properly digest food, potentially leading to digestive problems, bloating, shock, or even death. 

Avoid handling them. It’s illegal to keep wild birds in captivity even if you are trying to help so it’s essential to call Le Nichoir for guidance.

 

I found a baby bird.  What should I give it ?

 

Most birds brought to Le Nichoir that have been fed by the public have malnutrition as they were not fed the proper foods. Most foods available at pet stores (such as Tropican) are not appropriate to feed wild birds. A baby bird lacking the proper nutrition for only a day or two could end up having metabolic bone disease and other life-threatening nutritional deficiencies and malformations. Remember: what a bird grows in only a few days, is that a human child would grow in months. 

Le Nichoir’s staff is educated in the nutritional requirements of wild birds. We make our own diets to ensure that our patients are fed nutritious, species appropriate foods to grow healthy in preparation for successful release back into the wild.

 

I touched a baby bird and I am worried the parents won’t take it back.

 

It is an old wise tale that if you touch a baby bird the parents will abandon it. Many birds have a poor sense of smell, and even those who smell well, will take a baby bird back if it has been touched.

It’s still important to avoid  handling them and you should never try to do a physical examination. 

It’s illegal to keep wild birds in captivity even if you are trying to help so it’s essential to call Le Nichoir for guidance.

 

I found a friendly wild bird, should I bring it to Le Nichoir?

 

There are different reasons why a bird might come across as being “friendly”. Young birds (fledglings) have not always developed fear of humans yet. You can approach these birds and they get excited and might even open their mouths to be fed. Such behavior is normal.

An adult bird that comes across as being friendly is not normal.

It is best to email info@lenichoir.org an image or video of the bird, whether young or old. Include your name and phone number in the email. This will allow Le Nichoir to identify the species of bird and get a better understanding of the situation so that we can offer advice.

I raised a baby bird.  When can I release it ?

Birds that are friendly to humans should not be released. In some cases, these birds will be placed in licensed facilities depending on their ability to adapt to captivity and the availability of space. All friendly birds should be brought to Le Nichoir for examination. Our staff will explain the different options available to this bird.