We found a baby bird in the yard; what to do with it??

Question

We think it's a dove...it obviously fell out of the nest and our dogs probably had it in their mouths and brought it close to the house. I don't know what to do with it! It doesn't really look hurt, but if its' mother isn't around to feed it, what can I do? I don't even know what it would be able to eat?? Should we just kill and be merciful? [I don't want to do that but what else to do]

Answer 1

I am from PA.  We have local wildlife reserve that will take any injured birds or wildlife.  If you do not live in Pa, try calling your local humane societies and look in the phone book.  You may be able to find one near you.

Answer 2

Keep it in the nest if u know where the nesting place is and let the birds decide what to do with it. Or try to feed it with a pipe if u can't keep it back.

Answer 3

Don't do anything to it! Don't touch it. The mother won't go near it until you all leave and she will leave it to die if it smells anything like Humans.

Answer 4

I have had the same problem recently. Here's what you do. Build a makeshift nest...You can use like a berry basket or something and line it with grass/twigs...whatever. Put the baby bird in the nest and put the nest under the tree that you think it may have fell out of. dont handle the bird too much!

Kepp an eye on it, and see if the momma bird is coming around it. If she is around, the baby should be fine. Just leave it alone, and keep the dogs away.

If she's not around the baby, you can call your local police department or animal control. If they cant help, they should be able to give you phone numbers to places who can. There's lots of bird sanctuarys out there. Some of them won't take a baby if it is too little...If it's eyes arent opened, and it doesnt have any feathers, the chances of it living are slim. But you can still find places out there who will take them. It just takes some research. Search the internet, the phone book...whatever. SOMEONE should be able to give you some info. You can also try calling your department of natural resources for info.

I hope this helps!!

Answer 5

well i think if u touched it the mother wont take it bak but i did it with a baby squrrial that feel out of the nest and the  mother grabed it and ran up the tree sooo u could chop up some worms or mush or soemthign or call ur animal shlter?

Answer 6

Idk... thats hard.. I defently wouldnt kill it.... I would either put it in a box and just feed it and take care of it... or take it somewere or take it to a shelter... IDk.... Just DONT KILL IT!!!!

Answer 7

dont touch it! if the mama smells human on it she wont ever come back, and other birds will kill it. kill it and be merciful. or get rubber gloves and put it in the nest and let nature roll

Answer 8

There is not much you can do, if not anything. All you can hope to do is not touch it the mother may come back. Its most likely going to die though.

Answer 9

Things don't look good, here's something you can do:

Put the bird somewhere safe where the Momma can find it

Make sure it has access to shade and water

Provide it with unsalted shelled sunflower seeds for food

    The bird is probably a "fledgeling" and might live if it can avoid being eaten.

    An internet search will bring you better suggestions, try the Audubon society website?

Answer 10

I've had the same problem, especially with my corgi getting a hold of baby birds. But there isn't much you can do for it. We have a fenced in backyard, so I usually just put them outside the fence and wish them the best of luck and let nature take care of them.

Answer 11

If the bird is injured in any way it needs to go to a wildlife rehab.  Otherwise please follow these instructions:

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. Keep your dogs out of this area.   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://www.tc.umn.edu/~devo0028/contactA...

Answer 12

Leave it alone for a few days and see what happens. Always remember to check on from a far distance. If the mother comes, great but if the mother does not in a few days try going and talking to the pet store nearest to you and ask about it. They might give you information about it or tell you about an avian vet you can talk to. Good luck and hope this helps!