I have been caring for an abandon baby robin now for 9 days. At what point do I turn it lose?

Question

The bird has become very attached to us both and has no fear of humans. I don't know how to wean it to the wild. Will instints take over? The bird has all his feathers except it's tail feathers but they are getting longer each day. I have taught him to fly but he just flies right back to me. Can anyone offer some advice?

Answer 1

You should probably keep the bird since it most likely thinks that you're it's mom.  If this is not possible, then I wouldn't put it in the wild as some carnivore will probably eat it.  Contact your police department or fire department to see if there are any shelters in the area that specialize in birds.  We are lucky enough to have a "bird lady" in the area that cares for wounded wild birds.  Good luck!

Answer 2

You should have never attempted to care for this bird on your own..not only is it illegal, but now this birds chance of survival in the wild may not be possible.  Get this bird to a wildlife rehab immediately so they can "train" it to survive in the wild. If you find wild baby birds..always attempt to return it to it's parents first and if not possible it should go to a rehab.  It is possible this bird was a fledgling when you found it and the parents were caring for it.  Birds leave the nest BEFORE they can fly and will hop around on the ground.  This does not mean they need your help, usually the parents are nearby.  Look here for a local rehab:

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

Also, birds have a poorly developed sense of smell and will NOT reject a baby bird that has been touched by humans..this is an old wives tale.

Answer 3

NEVER TOUCH A BABY BIRD IF YOU SEE ONE THE MOM WONT WANT IT!Its best to keep it now you have been caring for it.

Answer 4

you were never to pick up the bird in the first place stupid now if yuo let it loose, it will die! WHAT KIND OF A PERSON ARE YOU?

Answer 5

well at this point, it would probobly be better to keep it. if that isnt possible, you could always try leaving it outside on a good day and get it used to the outdoors. try doing that for periods of time that get longer. what i mean is to put it outside for an hour a day for say, a week, then change to two hours, and make it longer at a steady pace. while doing this make sure not to let it in or interact with it too much other than give it a bit of bird seed. if this doesnt work than i dunno

Answer 6

if it stays with u, it was ment to be with u...like my pet house finch, i saved her at my school like a year ago and i still have her, she will either fly to me or she'll fly inside my bird cage, shes such a sweet bird ^_^

http://i26.tinypic.com/2evfbtd.jpg