How to Make Emergency Baby Bird Food: What Can They Eat?

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Bird specialists explain how to feed & care for abandoned baby birds
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Seeing an abandoned baby bird can certainly pull at your heartstrings. Ideally, a wild baby bird should be left in its nest or taken to experts at a wildlife rehabilitation center. But sometimes, you have to take matters into your own hands. We spoke with bird specialists Roger J. Lederer and Jeff Jones to give you the best advice on feeding a baby bird. Keep reading to learn what you can and can’t feed a baby bird and how to properly hand-feed them.

What do you feed a baby bird?

Feed baby birds softened pieces of dog or cat food, high-protein baby food, or mashed-up scrambled or hard-boiled eggs. Never give a baby bird milk as it cannot digest it properly. Similarly, don’t give a baby bird water as it can cause it to drown. Use tweezers or a syringe to deliver the food 5-6 times a day.

Section 1 of 3:

What to Feed a Baby Bird: Do’s & Don’ts

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  1. In a pinch, the best emergency food for a baby bird is moistened dry dog or cat food. Dog and cat food is high in protein and nutrients, making it a perfect emergency food source for baby birds. [1]
  2. Baby food that’s high in protein can help a baby bird survive. The texture is perfect for nestlings or baby birds without feathers. [3]
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  3. Cut-up hard-boiled eggs or pieces of scrambled eggs are great food sources for baby birds. Eggs are high in protein, which is key to a baby bird’s diet. [4]
    • Mixing eggs with another food source, like kibble or baby food, is an excellent way to give a baby bird more nutrients.
  4. Crushed-up mealworms and crickets are an excellent source of protein and nutrients for baby birds. Similarly, a small amount of tiny seeds can also provide energy for their growing bodies. [5]
    • Look for mealworms and crickets at your local pet store.
  5. DO feed baby birds commercial bird formulas . If you can get to the store, purchasing a formula specifically made for baby birds is your best bet. These products are typically sold in pet or agriculture stores.
    • If you use a commercial formula, use the same formula for the baby bird for as long as you feed it. Switching the bird’s formula or diet could be hard on their digestion. [6]
  6. Unlike other baby animals, baby birds cannot have milk. Dairy milk can upset their stomachs and cause distress, which could be fatal for the small creature. Baby birds are not mammals, and their stomachs are not designed to process milk. [7]
  7. Contrary to popular belief, bread is very bad for birds. Bread is dense and has little nutrition. It can expand in a bird’s stomach, causing them to fill up without getting the proper nutrients. This can cause malnutrition, which can be fatal for birds, especially babies. [8]
  8. Baby birds get water through the food they eat. Forcing water down a baby bird’s throat could be harmful. So, make sure they’re getting plenty of food, and they’ll stay hydrated. [9]
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Section 2 of 3:

How to Feed a Baby Bird

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  1. Baby birds must be fed very small amounts of food to prevent choking. Dog or cat kibble is much too large to be fed whole to a baby bird, so it takes a little extra preparation. Moisten the kibble with warm water until it feels spongy. Then, break it up into smaller pieces that can fit in the bird’s mouth. [10]
    • To achieve the right moistened consistency, use one part food to two parts water.
    • Dry food that is too moist can drown or choke a baby bird, so it is very important to properly moisten the food.
  2. 2
    Mash baby food, eggs, or crushed-up insects into the moistened kibble. Once the dog or cat food reaches the right consistency, mash and mix in some baby food, eggs, or pieces of insects if you’d like. These add extra nutrients and can help further hydrate the bird. [11]
    • Beef baby food and applesauce are excellent options to add to your emergency baby bird food. [12]
  3. Baby birds will gape (or open their beaks) when they’re hungry; however, sometimes they need extra stimulation. Try softly whistling or gently nudging the bird to encourage it to open its beak.
    • Do not force the baby bird to open its beak. If you try to feed a baby bird and it won't gape, try again during the next feeding time—the bird might just be full. [13]
  4. Use tweezers or a syringe to feed the baby bird . Pick up or place a small amount of food in the tweezers or on the tip of the syringe. [14] Place the food inside the bird’s beak once they open their mouth. [15] Aim the feeding utensil towards the right side (your left) of the bird’s throat.
    • The left side of the baby bird’s throat contains the trachea, which food shouldn’t go down.
    • Hold the utensil at a height where the baby bird will easily be able to take the food from the utensil.
    • Make sure the food is at room temperature.
    • Feed the baby bird until its crop (a pouch on its throat) is full or it stops opening its beak. [16]
    • Discard any unused food to avoid spoilage.
  5. It takes patience and routine to feed a baby bird properly. In the wild, a baby bird gets fed every 10 to 20 minutes during daylight for 12 to 14 hours a day. [17] Maintaining this schedule yourself can be difficult, so always contact a wildlife rehabilitation center for help. Here’s a breakdown of how often baby birds have to eat: [18]
    • Chicks less than a week old are fed 6 to 10 times a day (every 2 to 3 hours).
    • Chicks that haven’t opened their eyes need 5 to 6 feedings a day (every 3 to 4 hours).
    • Chicks that have opened their eyes need 3 to 5 feedings (every 1 to 5 hours).
    • Chicks that start to grow feathers need food 2 to 3 times a day (every 6 to 12 hours).
  6. As the baby bird grows, it’ll develop a full set of feathers. At this stage, the bird may start weaning off hand-feeding on its own, rejecting the food you try to give it. Offer the bird a variety of other foods, such as pellets , fresh fruits and vegetables, and seeds. [19]
    • Be careful when giving birds seeds, as they contain a high amount of fat. Use them as a treat or sprinkle them over pellets to help get a bird to eat. [20]
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Section 3 of 3:

What to Do If You Find a Baby Bird

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  1. A nestling has little to no feathers and cannot move around freely. A fledgling is a juvenile bird with a mix of fuzzy down and adult feathers. Knowing what type of abandoned baby bird you’re dealing with can help you give them the proper care. [21]
    • If the bird doesn’t have feathers (nestling), carefully place it back in its nest if you can find it. If you can’t find the nest, surround the bird with shredded paper towels as a makeshift nest. [22]
    • Never move a bird’s nest. As Jones states, “It is never safe to move a bird’s nest.” [23]
    • If the bird does have feathers (fledgling), leave it alone, as it’s likely testing out its wings and is very close to taking its first flight. [24]
    • Nestlings need food that’s more of a yogurt consistency, while fledglings can have softer, small chunks of food.
  2. If the baby bird appears injured or lost, the best thing you can do is call in reinforcements. A wildlife rehabilitation expert will be able to help the bird or talk you through how to save its life. [25] Search “wildlife rehabilitator near me” online to find someone to call.
    • When in doubt, call your local veterinary clinic, as they can also provide resources to help or tell you who to call.
    • As Jones explains, “The first thing you need to be sure of is that the baby bird is actually abandoned. Many young birds are left alone by their parents on purpose in between feedings.” [26] A rehabilitation center can help you determine this.
  3. It’s crucial to the baby bird’s health that it stays warm. While you’re waiting for further help, do your best to ensure the bird stays at a comfortable temperature. Surround the nestling in towels or shredded paper towels, or carefully place it in a small basket lined with paper or towels. [27]
    • Baby birds with little to no feathers can also be placed under a 40-watt heat lamp at least 12 inches (30 cm) away.
    • Ask the rehabilitation team for extra guidance if you’re not sure how to keep the bird warm.
  4. Although you mean well, you may be doing more harm than good by feeding a wild baby bird. In fact, many wildlife centers recommend not feeding a wild baby bird, even if it appears abandoned. Call a wildlife rehabilitation center to help you assess the situation, and then see if feeding the bird is wise. [28]
    • It’s very likely the baby bird’s parents are nearby and will return to feed it within a few hours.
    • If you mistakenly take the baby bird out of the wild to feed it, it could deprive the bird of the care that it needs from its parents. [29]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What can I feed a baby bird in an emergency?
    Roger J. Lederer, PhD
    Ornithologist
    Dr. Roger Lederer is an Ornithologist and the founder of Ornithology.com, an informative website about wild birds. Dr. Lederer has spent over 40 years teaching, studying, and writing about birds. He has traveled to over 100 countries to study birds. Dr. Lederer is an Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences at California State University, Chico, and has been a Department Chair of Biological Sciences and Dean of the College of Natural Sciences. He has written more than 30 research papers and 10 books on birds and a textbook entitled “Ecology and Field Biology.” Dr. Lederer has consulted the BBC, National Geographic, National Public Radio, ABC News, the Guinness Book of World Records, and numerous other organizations and publications.
    Roger J. Lederer, PhD
    Ornithologist
    Expert Answer
    You should give the bird moist dog food or crushed hard-boiled eggs. Just don't give the bird any liquids.
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  • Question
    What can you give a baby bird to eat?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Where possible, if the bird is genuinely abandoned, get them to a wildlife rehabilitator. If this isn't possible and the bird is hungry, offer small pieces of wet dog food or some grated hard boiled egg.
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      Tips

      • If you have to handle the baby bird, handle it with gloved hands to prevent disease transmission to you or your other pets. [30]
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      • It’s a myth that handling a baby bird will cause it to be rejected by its parents. Birds have a poor sense of smell, so the parents probably won’t be able to detect your human scent on their baby. [31]
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      Warnings

      • Feeding a baby bird the wrong types of food, or improperly preparing the food, could cause the bird to choke or drown.
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      • It is illegal to hold a wild bird captive unless you have the proper state and federal licenses. [32]
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      • Forcing a baby bird to eat can cause it to inhale, rather than swallow, its food. This can lead to pneumonia or asphyxiation. [33]
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      • The baby bird may need immediate medical attention if it’s crying or chirping all the time or has a droopy head or wings. [34]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/SSUNYKH5sxI?t=130
      2. ↑ Roger J. Lederer, PhD. Ornithologist. Expert Interview. 29 April 2021.
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/SSUNYKH5sxI?t=247
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/SSUNYKH5sxI?t=259
      5. ↑ https://blog.gardenwildlifedirect.co.uk/what-do-baby-birds-eat/
      6. ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/hand-feeding-baby-birds
      7. ↑ https://wildlifeincrisis.org/environmental-education/primary-care-for-young-birds/
      8. ↑ https://www.gibsonswildliferehabcentre.org/make-your-home-safe-for-wildlife/feed-birds-only-suitable-food
      9. ↑ https://www.wild-bird-watching.com/Baby_Birds.html
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/SSUNYKH5sxI?t=130
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/SSUNYKH5sxI?t=262
      3. ↑ https://wildwatch.org/feeding-baby-birds/
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/i81QMOQKVtM?t=275
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/SSUNYKH5sxI?t=84
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/rRAAaGx00e0?t=51
      7. ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/hand-feeding-baby-birds
      8. ↑ http://www.wild-bird-watching.com/Baby_Birds.html
      9. ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/hand-feeding-baby-birds
      10. ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/hand-feeding-baby-birds
      11. ↑ https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-should-i-feed-my-birds/
      12. ↑ https://www.peta.org/action/how-to-save-baby-birds/
      13. ↑ https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/living/injured-wildlife/baby-birds
      14. ↑ Jeff Jones. Bird Specialist. Expert Interview. 13 May 2021.
      15. ↑ https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/living/injured-wildlife/baby-birds
      16. ↑ https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/living/injured-wildlife/baby-birds
      17. ↑ Jeff Jones. Bird Specialist. Expert Interview. 13 May 2021.
      18. ↑ https://wildlifeincrisis.org/environmental-education/primary-care-for-young-birds/
      19. ↑ https://wildlife.utah.gov/news/utah-wildlife-news/1867-if-you-found-a-baby-bird-on-the-ground-here-is-what-to-do.html
      20. ↑ https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/living/injured-wildlife/baby-birds
      21. ↑ https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/living/injured-wildlife/baby-birds
      22. ↑ https://nc.audubon.org/birds-0/answers-common-questions-about-birds
      23. ↑ http://www.wild-bird-watching.com/Baby_Birds.html
      24. ↑ http://www.petplace.com/article/birds/general/baby-bird-care/how-to-feed-a-baby-bird
      25. ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/hand-feeding-baby-birds

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make emergency baby bird food, start by placing dry puppy or cat food in a blender and processing it until it’s broken up into very small bits. Then, moisten it with warm water until it’s the consistency of yogurt. If you don’t have a blender, moisten the food with water and break it into small pieces with your fingers. Alternatively, consider buying crickets at a pet store and freezing them in a plastic bag for 10 minutes before feeding them to the birds. For advice from our Veterinary co-author on how to care for an abandoned baby bird, read on!

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