Expert: Roger Lederer - 10/1/2007

Question
Hi. Similar to a previous question, a thrush chick (fairly large but lacking developed wing&tail feathers) just turned up right on my doorstep after nightfall following a heavy rainstorm. It probably jumped out of it's nest and took shelter on the porch, however I thought it strange that it would've jumped out of its nest at night. I was thinking over two options; taking it in to foster (though I am aware this is often unsucessful), or just moving it away from the doorstep so as it doesn't get stood on. However I have been told that if you handle a chick your scent will stay with it and stop it's parents from feeding it. Is this true? What would you recommend to do? Thanks, Calum

Answer
It is very unusual for baby thrushes to be hatched this time of year, but since I don't know where you live, I can't say for sure. Assuming it is a baby thrush, it is perfectly normal for them to jump out of the nest at this sta stage of development. They are flightless and will stay on the ground where the parents will feed them until they can fly. So the best thing to do is leave it alone. Foster care, as you said, is difficult. You can move it away from the doorstep. Handling a chick or nest or eggs will not affect it - that stuff about leaving a scent on them and having their parents abandon them is simply not true.