Baby bird, what should I do?

Question

I found a baby dove that fell out of its nest. What should I do? naturally i should take it to a rescue center however I have no numbers or areas that I know of where to take it. I'm in Los Angeles, CA and I have no clue where to take it. It's been without a mother or anything for about three days now; I guess it was in my apartment Stairwell for several days, somebody just told me about it, and so I have it in a little box, I've been trying to give it SOMETHING to eat and drink, and I just want some information if anybody can provide me with some. THANKS!

Answer 1

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:

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

Answer 2

To give the bird it's best chance to survive until you get it to a rescue center it needs to be kept QUIET and Not too hot or cold. Find a shoe box or similar cozy container and roll a nest/bowl  out of an old cotton hand towel or some paper towels. Put the bird in there and cover the top with another towel but be sure to leave a corner uncovered for fresh air/oxygen. Put the box somewhere dark and free of any drafts. Make sure it does not get too hot or cold and keep the area as quiet as possible. Wild birds are very sensitive to trauma of any kind and can be fatally weakened by having to cope with  all the unfamiliarity of being handled and of being indoors among humans and/ or other animals. That's why darkness is so important.It allows it the rest that it most needs. If you feel you must feed it, use an eye dropper to squirt mashed up  worms down it's throat. it'll open up for ya if it's hungry/thirsty. As for water, just a squirt or two . Feed it ever few hrs, keep it calm quiet and comfy. And get it to the rescue center asap. Good Luck!