What do I feed this Bird?

[Glynn R Harris]

A baby bird (recently born) with a medium to semi-long bill (sparrows, mockingbirds, etc) will accept earthworms and water or beef suet mixed with water (very fatty uncooked ground meat). A bit of raw egg in it can help, too (not much of it, just a spoon per cup of watery meat.) Use a food processor or blender to make a milkshake consistency (looks gross to you and me).

Birds with longer bills need a slightly different diet (try flies and water with a drop of honey, yum) and shorter bills like finches and such, get some millet (a grain) at a pet store and do the water and blender thing.

Baby birds eat a little at a time but all day long. Use an eyedropper or straw; about a pea-size or less serving every 1/2 hour or so is okay. They won't really eat without you-- you can't just leave a bowl out.

Use the blender trick on all food for the first two weeks; birds usually prechew the food for their babies. Don't leave out the warmth factor; baby birds are easily chilled and their food needs to be about the same temp as you would warm milk for a human baby.

A vet could help you out immensely. A lot of baby birds are pushed out of the nest because they are sick. (Nature is not incredibly humane). Hygeine is as important for you as for the bird. Keep his area clean, but wash your hands with an antibacterial soap often.

If you intend on releasing him later, don't talk to him a lot. Holding him gently and stroking him lightly on the head and back is fine (for all of us).

After a couple of weeks, small earthworms can be fed in sections, etc. I hate to say this, but must mention; mortality rate of baby birds is incredibly depressing to humans. About 1 in 4 don't make it beyond a few weeks. Wish you much good luck.

[Warthog]

oooooooooohhhh, Glynn, you're good.

You seem to know a lot about many different subjects. I've noticed your informative posts throughout the board. Very helpful.

Good luck with your new pet, hd.

Warthog

[This message has been edited by Warthog (edited 06-28-2000).]

[username]

Visit your local pet store. I can't count how many baby birds my cats have brought home for me to eat. I of course feed and release them when I think they are big enough. The pet shop will have a mix for baby birds. It's kinda like a formula for babies(human). They do require a lot of attention. They also eat alot. Twice their own weight. Never say I eat like a bird.

Have Fun!

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[This message has been edited by username (edited 06-29-2000).]

[hd581]

My roommate and I have this baby bird and we're trying to feed it. No particular identifying marks, Dark Grey on top, light grey on bottom. Any ideas? Worms? Crickets?

[F=ma]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAH Dude, that's hilarious! you know we're not allowed any pets in the dorms... oh well LOFL

Won't he think you're his mommy if you feed him all day long?

Don't leave out the warmth factor; baby birds are easily chilled and their food needs to be about the same temp as you would warm milk for a human baby.

LOL build a nest in on of your cases... if it gets too cold overclock your chip sommore.

[hd581]

As a matter of fact, I opened it for the sole purpose of hosting my q2 ownage pic. It will now be a repository for any other pics I find useful. BTW, icq me when you get back.

[hd581]

Oh, you're still here.

you know we're not allowed any pets in the dorms

Uh ok, Mr. Fake-Parking tag. (BTW, they have fall assignments for parking on the web)

LOL build a nest in on of your cases

Funny you mention that. I suggested that we keep it behind the computer where the warm air blows out.

[F=ma]

I bet you opened a geocities account for the sole purpose of hosting that rolleyes smileyface.