Expert: Roger Lederer - 4/24/2004

Question
some kids in my neighborhood found or took some baby birds, and an egg.  they had been playing with them for a while when they showed them to me.  they were trying to feed them milk.  anyway, i ended up with the birds. they currently have NO feathers, the egg hatched 24 hours ago. i am feeding them pulverized puppy chow with water using a small syringe.  they are all eating fine. i have them on towel on top of a heating pad, on low.  there is a lamp near the box.  i have shredded paper towels and a small stuffed animal for them to cuddle in.  how long can they go without eating?  any advice with be appreciated.  

Answer
The absolute best thing to do, although it may not be possible, is to put the birds back in the nest they came from. If not possible, see if there is a bird rehabilitation center nearby and give them the birds as they have the experience.  The young birds cannot go very long without eating at this stage in their life. They need to be fed at least every half hour during the daylight hours.It is extremely difficult to raise baby birds, but if you decide to accept that challenge, go to the website www.ornithology.com/rehab.html and there you will find links to sites that provide advice on how to raise baby birds. Puppy chow may work temporarily but not for long. Check those web sites and good luck with your effort. Roger Lederer