What do baby chickadees eat?

Question

My grandfather has just born baby chickadees in his backyard, and last night something got into the bird box. It didn't get the babys, but it tore the nest out. And the mother and father havn't been into the bird box to feed the babys. Is it alright for him to feed and touch the baby chickadees? What do baby chickadees eat? Will they stay warm enough thoroughout the night? PLEASE HELP!!! :(

Answer 1

Are you SURE the parents are not caring for the babies..unless you have watched continually you may be missing their visits to the nest.  Also, if you are too close to the nest..this will keep the parents from coming as you would be considered a predator.  You can add some grass and twigs etc. to the box if there is nothing left in there for warmth for the chicks.  Then watch from afar continually to see if the parents are still feeding.  If after and hour or more you see NO sign of the parents, you need to take the birds to a local wildlife rehab.  You can touch the chicks, nest box etc. if you need to add material to keep them warm..birds have a poor sense of smell and will not abandon their babies due to a human touching them.  Look for a rehab here if the parents have truly abandoned them:

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

Do not attempt to care for these birds on your own, this is illegal and they will most likely die in your care unless you are very experienced.