AboutEdward Expertise I am a wildlife rehabber in North America and can answer questions on many species, especially North and South American Species
Experience I have handreared many different types of animals, mainly raccoons, oppossums, raptors, songbirds, crows, deer, and bears. I also have worked in animal centers and zoos.
Organizations World Wildlife Fund, Conservation International.
Publications Ranger Rick Magazine
Education/Credentials Degree in zoology and wildlife biology.
Expert: Edward Date: 7/18/2008 Subject: robin releasing
Question Please help,
We feed a robin for a week. It is outside in our screen house.(The door is open now and he is flying 30ft) the robin pecks but does not seem able to catch anything as far as food. How do I ween him off me feeding him? How long should it take for him to be on his own? What is the best way to go about it? We are all attached to the bird and now realise it would of been better off without our help, but how can I correct my mistake?
Answer Hello Natalie.
Thank you for realizing your mistake, and wanting to fix it. I would recommend giving the baby bird to a wildlife rehabber or animal shelter to teach it how to survive, preferably a rehabber. If there are none in your area, or they will not take it, there are ways to teach it to get food.
Foraging is their main source of food income. Make a small compost heap or such and hide the birds food in the pile. Try not feeding it until it gets its own food. Also, put worms in a container of dirt, and have the bird search for them. Use your hands to show it how to look for worms.
Your heart is in the right place, but think before you act when it comes to wildlife, especially baby wildlife.
My first recommendation would again be to give him to a wildlife rehabber.
