Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 7/21/2006

Question
we have a nest under our carport and it has a
baby bird in it the nest fell and my husband
tryed to put it back together with tape the birds
keep flying around but not feeding it, what
should we do?

Answer
Hi, Rena.  Thanks for posting.

Do you have any idea what species of bird this is?  The parents won't feed the baby if you are outside around the area or if they can see you and your husband.  Have you placed the "repaired" nest back in the location it fell from?  If not, this would be the first step.  Just try to put the nest back together as best you can so the baby doesn't fall out and place it back where it fell from.  The parents will repair the nest.  Most parent birds will return to their babies/nests once they can't see humans around.  

Depending on the species of bird, you can try handfeeding the baby with small worms down the throat (when it opens it's mouth up wide) or something like very small pieces of whole wheat bread soaked in warm lactose-free liquid, such as Ensure, or just warm honey water (or Pedialyte), etc.  If the baby is big enough, you might be able to drop/push some type of seed/grain down it's throat.  You could buy baby parrot handfeeding formula and feed with an eye dropper, but I'd only try this if the parents abandon the baby.  You can also take the baby to a wildlife rehabilitation center or fish and wildlife service at a local state park or even ask your local animal humane society for assistance.

Chrys