howdoesyourgardengrow

Last Saturday my daughter, sister, her friend and I, went to a birthday party for our little cousin.  At the park we saw a little bird on the ground under the picnic table.  We picked him up with no problem and put him on Toni’s (Friend) shoulder.  We nudged him to fly but he wouldn’t budge.  We looked for a nest or nearby tree with a family…Nothing.  So, against better advice, we took him home.The next day, my boyfriend found another, much smaller baby bird while near the river.  He too looked for a way to leave him there, but after assessing the situation, decided he needed to be hand nursed and brought him home.Now, the first piece of advice that most websites offer is to LEAVE THE BIRD WHERE YOU FOUND IT, unless it needs some help and you are sure of that.   That is all fine and well, but what if you take the bird home…what then?  Well, I will give you some tips on just what to do if one of the flying wonders (who may not be flying yet) should happen into your life.First off, try and identify the bird.  This can be tough, but it is most likely one of three in most American regions unless you find a rare species.  Most likely though, it is a robin, a starling, or a sparrow.  Maybe, and less commonly, it could be a finch.  Now the size is the first factor.  If the baby has feathers and is about the size of a woman’s palm, it is probably a robin.  If it’s feathered and about the size of a quarter, its a sparrow or starling most likely.  Sparrows and Starlings are very similar species. So:

• About the size of your palm when feathered=Robin
• About the size of a quarter when feathered=Starling or Sparrow

When they are younger than that, you may be able to identify them by their beaks.  The Sparrow has a slight extension of the beak at the corners that is sometimes yellow or white.   A robin has a slim, pointed beak.WHAT TO FEED THE BABY BIRD-The best option would be a “Baby bird food” at a local pet store.  If you cannot find one then you can make a blend that is similar to their nutritional requirement by following this recipe.

1. Find a dog food with  chicken or beef  as the primary ingredient.
2. Chop one hard boiled egg finely
3. Add about one ounce of warm water to 1/4 cup of dog food and the egg
4. Mix until the mixture resembles the consistency of oatmeal.

If the baby seems thirsty be careful!  YOU CAN EASILY DROWN A BABY BIRD BY GIVING IT WATER.  To rehydrate you can add a bit more water to the food mixture or make a small mix of Karo corn syrup and water, cut a square out of a new sponge, soak with mixture and DROP into birds mouth.  An eye dropper is okay, but you can easily squeeze too hard and it can be trouble.NEVER GIVE THEM WORMS….EVER, EVER, EVER  UNLESS YOU ARE SURE IT IS AN AMERICAN ROBIN!-Worms can cause them to get a parasite called “Gape Worm” which can be fatal by blocking the airway with tiny red worms and larvae.  If you believe the bird has this GET THEM TO A RESCUE CENTER OR VET IMMEDIATELY!  I haven’t found a natural cure yet, but I will be on the lookout.  Robins with feathers can be given worms but meal or wax worms are better than earthworms.THERE IS A BUBBLE ON THE BABY’S NECK, WILL IT DIE?NO!  Birds have three stomachs!  Yes, it is true!  That little neck bubble is most likely a full (third) tummy.  Don’t worry, a baby will tell you (Or stop telling you I should say) when it is full.  If the bubble is on it’s neck when it’s first found it may be malnourished or injured.  Again, take it to a vet or rescue.  NOTE:  Some rescues will use small birds as food for baby birds of prey they rescue.  Check into their policies about this and if you have to, tell them you will take it to another rescue.  Do not be scared to save a little life!  Even if you have to do it yourself.  Most vets, pet store owners, and animal lovers will be happy to give you info without calling the cops on you.  People have Ferrets in California for Pete’s sake!With all of these tips and some love…you can raise a baby bird back to health.Then what?

• With a Robin, let the cage door open and set it outside.  Leave the food inside and watch the robin as it makes way to leave.  If it is healthy and ready, it should migrate although it may stick close for a few weeks so leave some food out, but away from cats.
• Sparrows, especially House Sparrows, may never leave.  Some will, and if you leave it in a native area it will survive, but usually they like to stick close.  I heard a story of a woman who has one living in an indoor tree.  Never caged.  We will see with these little guys.

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