Baby Swallow Info?

Question

I am in Fairbanks, Alaska and I have been taking care of a baby swallow for almost two days now. Fairbans doesn't have any bird rehabilitation centers, but I am traveling to Anchorage Alaska, so I'm taking the baby bird with me, because they have bird "rehabs". I think he is 5 - 7 days old, and I THINK he's a swallow. He looks like one.

Anyways, I read on the internet that they feed about every half hour from 6:00 AM to 10:00pm. Right now it is 2:00AM and I will probably wake up at 9:00. Is it all right if I mess the birds schedule up like that? Right now he is sleeping, but when I wake him up he is hungry. Is it okay to feed him at lets say 3:00 am, and then again at 9:00??

Answer 1

Are sure this bird was not a fledgling?  If the bird is fully feathered, it is most likely a fledgling and has left the nest on it's own and it's parents are caring for it. It is normal for birds to leave the nest before they can fly.   You need to replace it where you found it..preferably in a scrub or tree so it is relatively safe from predators, and the parents should come back to feed it.  If it is unfeathered...then look for a nest and if you can find it...replace it into the nest.  Do not worry about your scent being on the chick..birds have a very poorly developed sense of smell and will NOT reject a baby that has been touched.  If you cannot find a nest, get the bird to a local wildlife rehab for it's best chance of survival.  Also, keep in mind, it is illegal for you to try and raise this bird on your own.  Look for a rehab here..there is a  listing for Anchorage and a few other parts of Alaska:

http://www.tc.umn.edu/~devo0028/contactA...

Also, as for feeding at night..birds sleep at night..even thier parents do not feed them during this time.

Answer 2

I wouldn't really go nine hours, I would try to avoid that long. Is there any way you can set your alarm for 6 am, wake up and feed him, then go back to bed and get up at 9 am to feed him?