Is it true if you touch a baby bird the mother won't take care of it any more?

Question

Is it true if you touch a baby bird the mother won't take care of it any more?

Answer 1

I have heard this said of both eggs & baby birds,it is a well circulated myth .However while eggs can be handled with relative safety ,one needs to be very careful with newly hatched birds.They are delicate almost fragile & very sensitive to temperature changes,they need to be returned to the safety & warmth if the nest box as soon as possible.   Little to be gained by frequent handling ,keep this to a minimum.

Answer 2

No, that is not true.  Birds actually have a very bad sense of smell and therefore wouldn't pick up the human scent.  If she sees you messing with the baby (they do have very good eyesight), she might try to attack you.

Answer 3

No. I always handle my baby quails and the baby budgies. Just watch out for overprotective parents, they have sharp claws =D

Answer 4

You might be thinking of a cat. I've never heard of a bird doing that.