Expert: Roger Lederer - 6/7/2006

Question
Hi!  To protect him from my cats, etc., I have put a baby Robin I found today in a large box and took him inside.  He/she is abut 2x3 inches in size (quite young, can only hop a short distance, not sure if he is injured-probably not).  I have had a lot of bad luck having these rescues to die on me, and was wondering if you have any advice?  What should I feed them?  I have wild bird feed, bread, infant formula available.  What should I do about watering (I have a small pill jar with water for him now)?  When should he be released (time frame, physical ability, etc.)?  THANKS!  Ken Renshaw-All-Expert on Astronomy.

Answer
Hı. Best thıng to do ıs brıng the bırd to a wıldlıfe rehabııtatıon center or someone who has expereınce ın thıs. Baby bırds are very hard to raıse. For specıfıc ınformatıon, there are some lınks on www.ornıthology.com/rehab.html that you can go to for advıce. Good luck and thanks for your concern and sorry for the tardy reply - I have been out of town.
Meanwhıle baby food wıth a hıgh proteın and water content mıght work. Skıp the bread and water.