AboutRoger 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 thirty five years as a professional ornithologist - research, teaching, author, speaker, webmaster of Ornithology.com . Have written thirty scientific papers, two bird field guides, a textbook in ecology and a recent book entitled "Amazing Birds".Have traveled all over the world watching birds.
Expert: Roger Lederer Date: 6/28/2008 Subject: BABY ROBIN BIRD
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.
