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Wild Animals/caring for abandoned bird eggs

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Expert: Dana Krempels, Ph.D. - 8/2/2007


Question
I was worried that the nest that I discovered in my grandparent's backyard over-hang was abandoned. So, I pulled up a chair to looking inside of it. I discovered two, unhatched, Robin eggs. I am interested in keeping them due to other reaserch that imposes that if I move or disturb the nest, the mother Robin will not return to the nest to care for the baby birds. If I were to keep the nest with the eggs, what precautions should I take to make sure the the Robins hatch properly. And are there any procedures that I should do to make sure that these birds are properly raised and cared for.
                                   Thank You,
                                         Richard

Answer
Dear Richard,

Please do NOT disturb the nest. It may be abandoned, but it is also possible that the mother Robin has not yet finished laying her clutch, and she will start incubating only after she has laid all the eggs for this particular batch.

It is extremely difficult to successfully raise perching bird babies, and it is technically illegal to interfere with the nesting of any species of migratory bird.

I hope you will leave the nest where it is.  If the eggs are still intact and apparently not incubated in a week, you can probably safely assume that the nest is abandoned and do with it what you will.

I hope this helps.

Dana

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Dana Krempels, Ph.D.

Expertise

I'm an evolutionary biologist with a passion for animals. Ask about natural history, behavior, ecology, evolution. PLEASE NOTE:

If you have found an "orphaned" or injured wild animal or bird:
Please don't waste time asking questions on the internet, as the answers may come too late. DO NOT FEED THE ANIMAL, and DO NOT HANDLE IT unless it is in imminent danger. (Many wild "orphans" are not orphans at all!) If you are absolutely sure it is orphaned, keep it warm and quiet, and find a LICENSED WILDLIFE REHABILITATOR HERE. Don't try to raise a baby yourself, or rehabilitate an injured anmal. Many a well-intentioned rescuer will do more harm than good, especially with baby birds and baby rabbits.

I.D. OF MYSTERY ANIMALS
Without geographic location, time of day and habitat, I can't help. A clear picture is always best.

I.D. OF MYSTERY ANIMAL SOUNDS
It's impossible for me to I.D. an animal call without hearing it myself.

COMPARATIVE STRENGTHS
I'm not an expert on comparative strengths of different animals (more complicated than you might think!) nor bite forces.

FIGHTING ANIMALS
I refuse to answer "Which of these two animals--X or X--would win in a fight?".

These hypothetical matchups range from impossible (Grizzly Bears and Gorillas don't even occupy the same continent.) to ridiculous (Someone asked me "Who would win a fight between a Great White Shark and a tiger?").

The vast majority of animals--even the fierce and powerful--are not as warlike as Homo sapiens, and it's childish to project our aggressiveness onto them.

Experience

I have been the fortunate caregiver to a group of Black-tailed Jackrabbits rescued from the Miami International Airport, and not releasable in this area because they are not native. I also have rehabbed and released Eastern Cottontails, and am in contact with many very experienced wildlife rescuers who regularly handle injured or orphaned rabbits and hares.

Organizations
House Rabbit Society

Publications
Exotic DVM journal

Education/Credentials
I have a Ph.D. in Biology, with main areas of expertise in evolutionary biology, genetics, botany, and ecology.

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