Birding/BABY ROBIN BIRD

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Expert: - 6/28/2008


Question
A BABY ROBIN BIRD WAS LYING ON THE GROUND IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE AND IT MUST HAVE FELL OUT OF THE NEST.I HAVE BEEN TAKING CARE OF HER FOR 2 WEEKS..MY QUESTION FOR YOU IS HER RIGHT FOOT {TOES}ARE MESSED UP. I DON'T KNOW IF SHE WAS BORN THAT WAY OR THE FALL FROM THE TREE MESSED IT UP..I TRY AND STRAIGHTENED THEM OUT ALL THE TIME,WHEN I PERCH HER ON MY FINGER..WHAT CAN I DO TO FIX IT??

Answer
Baby birds do not often fall from their nest; they jump when they are ready to go. You shouldhave left the bird alone. The foot and toe problem could be genetic, developmental, and injury, or, as sometimes happens, you gave it the wrong diet and a lack of vitamin D caused this malformation. You need to call your local wildlife rehab center for advice. And do not tame the bird as it will never survive in the wild if it gets used to humans. Thanks for your concern.

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Roger Lederer

Expertise

Any and all about WILD birds - the science of ornithology. Information about birdwatching, ecology, conservation, migration, behavior, banding, rehabilitation, feeding, songs, binoculars, identification, and careers in ornithology. No questions about pet or caged birds, please.

Experience

Have a PhD and over forty years as a professional ornithologist - research, teaching, author, speaker, webmaster of Ornithology.com . Have written thirty scientific papers, three bird field guides, a textbook in ecology and two recent books entitled "Amazing Birds" and "Birds of New England". Have traveled to over 90 countries watching birds.

Education/Credentials
PhD in Zoology/Ornithology; Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences; former Dean of the College of Natural Sciences at California State University, Chico

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