What to do about baby robins?

Question

By my garage, I found a nest of two baby robins embedded in an old ladder. I keep checking up on them to make sure no other animal eats them and whatnot (They're low to the ground), and not once have I seen their mother to feed them. They have feathers all over their body, but they don't look at all developed - just fluff. I heard that if you touch them the mother won't come back for them, but me nor anyone in my family had touched them.

So my question is, what should I do about these baby birds? they were real alert today and seemed hungry.

Answer 1

Don't do anything but stay away.  Mother will feed them.  It does not matter if you touch them, mother will still feed them.  That is a myth that she will not come back if humans interfer.

Mom will not return with you around and baby birds are always hungry.

Relax and let Mother Nature do her work.

Answer 2

If the baby birds were not being fed the wouldn't have lasted long, the fact that they are feathering out, and are alert is a very good sign they are being looked after. The parent birds are not going to show up while you are there. It is an not true that if you touch them the parent birds wont come back, it's just best not to mess with them. It is hard to watch a small wild animal that you THINK needs help and not do anything. But that's just what you should do at this point. So many people think they are helping when they interfere but they can end up a harming, or even worse causing the death of the helpless animal. Just keep an eye out and let mom and dad robin do their job. In the mean time check with your vets office to see if they can refer you to a wildlife rehabilitater who might be able to check the babies out.

Answer 3

Just let mother nature run its course.  Either mom will come and feed them or she won't.  We can't intervene, as hard as that is.

Answer 4

If you keep approaching the nest..YOU are  probably the reason the parents are not coming to feed.  They will not approach while you are nearby as you are considered a predator.  Also, by continually going to the nest, you can be attracting predators to it.  I am sure the parents are attending to them..it would be very unusual for the parents to abandon their babies.  Also, touching them will not make the parents abandon, birds have a very poorly developed sense of smell and would not be able to detect your scent.  I would not suggest touching them however, because a mammalian predator COULD detect your scent leading them to the nest.  If you want to make sure the parents are feeding, you need to watch from afar (maybe with binoculars) in a hidden area where the parents cannot see you.  You must watch continually as visits to the nest can be quick.  Only if you were absolutely POSITIVE these babies have been abandoned..you could try getting them to a local wildlife rehab.  But it sounds like they are just about ready to leave the nest if they are fully feathered..remember they will leave the nest BEFORE they can fly so you may see them hopping around your yard.  The parents will care for them until they can fly on their own...leave them be if you see them.  Also, if you have cats or dogs, keep them away from this area. Look for a rehab here if you need one.

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

Answer 5

what owlwoman said....:0)

Answer 6

I would hide and watch to see if mom or dad robin comes back to feed them. They will not come with you around and may be watching hidden somewhere. the reason they will not come while you are around is they feel they are leading predator to their young. They see us as predators. Try to stay out of area where nest is or they might leave it for good. If the babies are active and and have feathers they most likely are ok. You can touch them and the parent birds will continue to take care of them. That is ole wives tale as birds have a poor sense of smell. You will know if they are not being cared for as they will not be active and will appear very quite and still. If this is the case then I would call a wildlife rehabber in your area and she or he will instruct you as what to do. The first thing would be to keep them warm and put in makeshift nest. Cool whip bowl and tissues for warmth. have to feed every 30 mins from dusk to dawn. Feed chopped up meal worms, earthworms, hand feeding formula, or cat or dog food soaked in water with excess water drained off. Wait until they gape and feed. Do not give water to birds can aspirate and kill them. My bet  is momma is near by. They sound like they are getting ready to fledged out of nest soon if they have all feathers. when they do they will live on ground for first few days until they learn to fly. They will hop fall and stumble. Momma will come feed them wherever they are as she knows their cries and they know her calls. .If they still only have fluffy down feathers then they are to young to leave nest and still need momma to feed and care for them. Look around make sure no dead robins in area. She could have been killed, Keep close eye for few days and see what happens. Good luck.