Found baby bird, fledging? LOTS of predators here, do I take in? feed? has some "fur" and some feathers, help.

Question

We live on a farm, although there are many outside predators. As far as we see in the very tall tree above, there is no nest (could be & its too high to see.) She has a little bit of fur on head and back of body, with the wings on side having a few feathers on it. It really doesn't seem strong enough to attempt fledging, as its having alot of difficulty moving around, although then again, I am not its mother! lol I am afraid to put it back on the gravel drive or nearby for its parents, because there are MANY predators here. It will be eaten up quickly We have it in a box with hay and an abandon nest from last season. What do I do now? HELP! THank you!!!

Answer 1

Call your area's DNR (dept of natural resources).  They have rehabbers that know how to deal with wildlife.  They will either ask you to bring it in or they will pick it up.  You have already moved it to safeguard it.  Handling it anymore will not be a good idea, especially if you do not know how to care for it.

Answer 2

put it back where you got it. If it gets eaten then oh well. Thats part of the the circle of life. Its a wild animals and it needs to stay that way.

Answer 3

Call a vet and seek out their advice for the care of this bird.

Answer 4

I think you did the right thing, but I would also contact your local animal control and also the humane society. One of those places should be able to help get this little one to a safe

place where it has a chance.

Answer 5

I would leave it alone, its parents are likely close by. If it cant fly it will be soon, since its gots its feathers in. The parents are watching it I would put it under or near a bush... maybe place in the crook of the tree on some low branches. You can not properly care for this bird yourself. It would have just as many predators on the ground as it would in the nest or tree where its learning to fly, BEFORE you found it. Its just nature. If this baby gets eaten it was as god intended. What he didnt intend is you trying to raise it and doing more harm than good. Believe me I know I have rehabilitated so many birds that would have been fine if no one had picked them up and taken then in.

Answer 6

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.You can even "make" a nest using grass/twigs etc. and placing them into a basket with handle and put the bird into it and hang it/tie it up in a tree near where you found the bird for the parents to find and feed them.   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/contactA...

Answer 7

I wouldn't put it back. Just take it to the vet and they will pass it on to a wildlife carer. Or maybe ring up a wildlife association to get some advice on how to care for it for the time being.

Answer 8

Call your local wildlife people and ask what to do.  It sounds as though you have a baby bird with down feathers, which means it needs to be fed by its parents.  If you do not know how to hand feed, you undoubtedly will lose this little thing within a few hours without warmth and food.

You can try making a mash of cooked hard boiled egg yolk and a little water and try to use a straw (slit up the side about a half inch or so to make a spoon) to get some of the mixture into the bird's mouth.  If the bird does take the food, local pet stores often have formulas that breeders use to hand feed birds.  Get one that includes insects to replicate as closely as possible what your wild baby would be getting from its parents.

You will need some way to keep the bird warm without overheating, so fleece material might help and placing the bird in a 10 gallon aquarium or similar container/box, like a Rubbermaid tub (no lid, of course).  

WIldlife associations, if they are willing to help may take the bird from you if they have parent birds that could foster it, but my expectation that you will get any assistance is really small.

You may also be able to contact someone on line to tell you what to do.  I congratulate you on your willingness to try to save this helpless animal.