Expert: Roger Lederer - 6/15/2010

Question
i have up a bluebird nestbox in my yard that is redily used          last year the clutch was a success raised by the parents  

this year i am afraid that the mother was killed or caught by some wild animal such as a snake    we took the babies out of the house because they were growing very weak and not responding to whistles anymore  (they usually exuberantly reply when i whistle) we fed them watered down peanut butter and baby cereal which after some forcefeeding they now take VREY VERY willingly they have grown stronger during the night and are doing good but i need some tips on raising and feeding these poor orphans

Answer
The best thing to do is find a wildlife rehab center in your area for help and advice. Lacking that, go to www.ornithology.com/rehab.html for links to raising baby birds advice. What you are doing is good, but add Vitamin D to their diet- drops to add to their food would be good. Young birds need Vit D for strong bones. Thanks for your concern and good luck.