What can I do for this abandoned hatchling?

Question

We found a small hatchling [bird] on our porch. I've got him warming up. I need to know how to get him to survive through the night so I can take him to a local rehabilitator in the morning.

He's chirping and seems okay, not injured or anything.

Answer 1

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

Answer 2

i caught a bird about 2 weeks ago i kept it for about a day and all i did was put it in something that would let it breath and be able to move around and just try to find some worms or get some bread and water and leave it alone check on it about every hour or30 minutes

Answer 3

Keeping warm and in a dark quiet area is very important. If he is a nestling then he is bald and his eyes are still closed?  You can go to www.starlingtalk. com for help.  You also need to find a wildlife rehabber in your area.  Nestlings need to be fed every 20-30 minutes through the day and sleep all night.

diet for feeding is: Recipe: Handfeeding Mixture

1 cup soaked dog/cat food

1/4 cup of applesauce

1 hard boiled egg

Avian vitamins (follow dosage on package)

Around 750 mg calcium (I use Tums Smooth Dissolve tablet) ground to powder and dissolved in a little water.

Water

Mix all ingredients together, and add enough water to make it the consistency of cooked oatmeal as seen in the photo at right.

NEVER feed WORMS... Do not give bread, milk, etc.  Worms contain a parasite that can cause gapeworm which can be fatal. Do not feed using a syringe, Do not put liquid in a babies mouth it can cause aspiration pneumonia and they may die.   Feed using the end of a stir stick or a straw cut into a spoon shape. I use a slurpee straw...

Check my profile for more links as I am having problems being able to post them...

Answer 4

That's great that you asked for help.

I recently rescued a nestling mockingbird. Wildlife Care Association volunteers advised me to, in such a pinch, feed it dry cat or dog food softened with hot water, pureed to the consistency of warm peanut butter; however, no fluids! Birds get water through the food, otherwise it can get into their lungs. Let the nestling eat the cat food mixture from the end of a popsicle stick, about every half hour if very young. They don't eat through the night in nature, so it should sleep.  

See if you can contact a trained wildlife rehabilitation volunteer for personalized help and support. Usually, a volunteer calls back within a couple of hours.  If you haven't already searched online, I've posted a couple of websites, including the story of the nestling I rescued.

Search online for guidelines about assessing if there's a nest nearby. Good luck!

Answer 5

water, and a mashed up worm, look in your yard,under a rock, in the shade, good luck