Caring for a Wild Baby Bird

It is often thought that touching a baby bird with human hands will cause it's parents to reject the bird. However, this is just a myth and is simply not true. Have you found a baby bird in your yard or nearby and do not know what to do? Here are a couple of simple steps to help you determine what is best for the baby bird.

The first thing to do is to determine if the baby bird is injured or not. You should be able to notice an injury right away. You will notice blood or maybe even a broken wing or foot. With such a small bird, an injury should be simple to spot.

If the bird is injured, it should be taken to your local wildlife organization. If you are unsure of a wildlife organization in your area, contact your local humane society or a veterinarian. They will be able to give you the telephone number to a local wildlife organization.

If the bird is not injured, look at him and determine if he is unfeathered or partially feathered. Partially feathered birds should be left alone. Often times, they are out of the nest just learning the ropes. Most likely, the mom or dad is around somewhere watching over the young bird. You can keep an eye out; and if you notice after some amount of time that the bird is still out of its nest, then you can bring the bird inside.

If the baby bird is naked and featherless, you can pick it up and place it back in the nest. Look around if you do not see the nest in the immediate area. It is probably nearby, so take a look around and see if you can locate it. If you cannot reach the nest or are unable to find it, place the bird in a small box with tissue. Keep it in a warm place, and immediately contact your local wildlife organization.

Remember, it is illegal to have a wild bird in your possession. Contact a local wildlife organization immediately so they can give the bird the proper care that it needs. In the meantime, do not feed or water the baby bird unless you have been advised properly by a professional to do so.

Wild birds should never be kept and raised by us. It is in their best interest to always stay with their parents. If at all possible always try to find the bird's nest and place it back in it.