Expert: Roger Lederer - 7/23/2009

Question
I found a baby robin on the ground under a huge pine tree at 8:30 pm.  It was breathing heavily and shivering.  Couldn't see any parents.  It has a bare belly and bare spots around the wings.  I brought it in and put it in a box, expecting it to die overnight.  It didn't.  I am feeding it canned dog food and worms.  How can I integrate it back into its "family"? I heard that if I try to put it outside after caring for it a few days to bring it along (always supposing it lives) that the other robins will kill it as they will not recognize it as one of their own?

Answer
The best thing to do with a bird this age is to leave it alone. The parents are most likely around somewhere - just hiding from you. Canned dog food and worms will work temporarily but is not a good long term diet. Best thing to do is to let it go where you found it and it's likely the parents will take care of it. (It is a myth that other robins will kill it if they do not recognize it.) If the parents are for sure not around, contact your local wildlife rehab center for help. Thanks for your concern.