I have a baby bird that wont eat?

Question

I found a baby finch last night. It's not a young baby. The bird is pretty mature, but not fully. He is very active and uninjured, yet he won't eat or fly. He will not open his mouth to eat and he hasn't had food in like 18 hours. I'm so confused about how to care for the little bird. I've tried bread, crackers, worms, seeds, and water. Help!!!

Answer 1

Hello,

Thats somewhat normal he's scared & not sure whats going on! I use to take care of tons of wild baby birds with my mom when I was younger. We use to take small pieces of bread & dip it in milk. Its much easier to get them to eat that. Don't worry too much unless its not eating after 2 days then I would talk to a vet.

Good luck & have fun I've always loved doing that!

Answer 2

Go get baby bird formula at a bird store right away- Directions are on pkg., and it should hel- Good Luck-

Answer 3

If the bird was not injured why did you bring it home?  chances are real good the parents were taking care of it before you kidnapped it.  please return it where you found it so the parents can properly care for the bird.  make sure the parents have found it.  if not, please contact a wildlife rehabber in your area to care for the bird.  if you keep it, you will kill it.

Answer 4

ask the vet.they no Wat to do.thanks.

Answer 5

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://search.yahoo.com/search?p=how+to+...

Answer 6

Oi vey, I'm in the same boat right now. I found a baby bird and he is completely unresponsive to eating. I am going to a Petco to pick up baby bird formula, and I will try to feed him later tonight (when he's hungrier). I can come back and reply to this question to tell you if it worked. Hopefully our baby birds will start eating. I think mine has about a week before he can be released, so it really would be a joy to see that happen. :]

EDIT: Can't say he loved the formula but I've gotten him to eat a whole beakful. I'll try again in another 20 minutes so as not to stress him out. The formula is called Exact formula for all baby birds - preparation is easy and once you find the right trick for the bird, feeding should be fairly simple. Good luck! :]