Expert: Roger Lederer - 7/31/2009

Question
I am not sure, but I think three baby finches with little pin wings and tiny starts of fledgling feathers fell from their nest in a tree in my yard and I rescued them from my cat, took them inside and fed them earthworm pieces and ant larvae that I found on my place. The mom hung around so later I brought the cat in and the mom began feeding them again. The mom left them in the yard when it got dark. I took them inside to stay dry and warm,but will take them back out tomorrow to let her feed them some more.
I fed them a little water soaked game bird starter for dinner and put them to bed early. What else can I do for them? I have rehabed chicken, pidgeon, hawk etc. I need to know the facts of their lives. Nesting habit, favorite baby foods etc. Thanks!


Answer
Best thing to do is leave them alone with the mom and control the cat. They did not fall out of their nest - they jumped.  The mom will feed them untill they can fly. Please release them immediately. Although you fed them appropriate food, the mom knows better. Thanks for your concern.