What if the mother bird abandons babies? - Birdful (2024)

It can be heartbreaking to find a baby bird that has been abandoned by its mother. However, before assuming the worst, it’s important to understand normal bird behavior and the reasons why a mother may leave the nest temporarily. With some basic knowledge and care, many orphaned baby birds can survive and thrive.

Why Would a Mother Bird Abandon Her Babies?

There are a few common reasons why a mother bird may leave her babies alone:

• Gathering food – Mother birds need to leave the nest frequently to find food to feed their hungry babies. This is totally normal behavior.
• Predator avoidance – If there are perceived dangers like cats, crows, or humans near the nest, the mother may stay away to avoid leading predators to the babies.
• Nest maintenance – Mother birds may leave briefly to gather more nesting material to improve the nest.
• Disturbance – Excessive noise, activity, or nest disruption may cause the mother to temporarily leave.
• Injury or death – Sometimes accidents happen to mother birds which prevent their return.

In most cases, the mother bird will return quickly to care for the babies. It’s best not to interfere unless you are certain the babies have been abandoned. Signs of abandonment include a dead adult bird nearby, babies crying incessantly from hunger, or babies that are cold and unresponsive.

What to Do if You Find Abandoned Baby Birds

If after observing the nest for several hours the mother does not return, here are some tips on how to rescue abandoned baby birds:

• Wear gloves when handling birds to avoid transfer of bacteria, parasites, or viruses between you and the bird.
• Make a makeshift nest from a small basket, container, or cardboard box. Line it with tissues, paper towels, or dry leaves.
• Carefully transfer the baby birds into the new nest. Keep babies from the same original nest together.
• Keep the babies warm by placing a microwavable heat pack or bottle filled with warm water next to the nest, wrapped in a towel. Do not overheat.
• Shelter the babies in a quiet, dark area away from pets, children, and noise.

Next, you’ll need to determine how to provide proper food and care based on the type of bird and its age.

Caring for Baby Songbirds

Baby songbirds typically need to be fed every 20-30 minutes from dawn to dusk. Here are some key steps for caring for common backyard baby songbirds:

• Obtain high protein bird or insect formula from a pet store. Popular brands are Kaytee Exact or ZuPreem.
• Feed babies with an eyedropper, syringe (without the needle), or spoon. Ensure the crop is full but not overflowing.
• Gently open and stimulate the mouth to get babies to eat if needed. Tap the beak or wiggle your finger.
• Keep babies warm during and after feeding. Return to nest immediately.

As they grow, gradually introduce live mealworms, softened dog or cat kibble, and fruit. By 2-3 weeks they should be mostly self-feeding. Once eating well and fully feathered, songbirds can be moved to an outdoor enclosure for release. Release when ready to fly and forage independently.

Caring for Baby Pigeons and Doves

Pigeons and doves have different care requirements from songbirds. Here are some tips:

• Feed baby formula specifically for doves/pigeons. Kaytee Exact Hand Feeding Formula works well.
• Pigeons produce “crop milk” to feed babies. Provide extra calcium by supplementing with crushed eggshells.
• Gently open the mouth and insert the tip of the syringe, angled toward the back of the throat. Slowly dispense 1-2mL per feeding.
• Feed every 2-3 hours from morning to night. Overnight, allow crop to empty before first morning feeding.
• Transition to a bird seed mix at 3-4 weeks old. Scatter seeds and show pecking motions to teach self-feeding.

Once eating independently, young pigeons are ready for release near their original nest site. Introduce to a local flock if possible for the best chance of survival.

Caring for Baby Birds of Prey (Raptors)

It is illegal to possess hawks, eagles, owls, and other birds of prey without special wildlife rehabilitation permits. If you find an injured or baby raptor, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately. Do not attempt feed them yourself, as this requires training.

Signs that a baby raptor needs help include:

• Bleeding, broken wing, or other obvious injury
• Feathers soaked from rain or clearly hypothermic
• Found alone and unable to fly (fledglings)
• Brought to ground by dog, cat, lawn mower, or vehicle impact

Use thick gloves to safely contain the bird until transported. Call wildlife officials or centers to assist. With proper rehabilitation, young raptors can often be successfully released back to the wild.

Key Considerations When Rescuing Baby Birds

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

• Warmth is critical – Chilled babies will die quickly. Monitor body temperature and keep nest 85-90°F.
• Shelter from drafts and keep away from pets. Cats and dogs can injure or kill babies in seconds.
• Handle as little as possible and keep hands clean and sanitized during care.
• Don’t give food/water until warmed, unless weak and dehydrated, then give pedialyte.
• Call wildlife rehabilitators for advice and to arrange transfer as soon as stable.

When to Seek Wildlife Rehabilitation

It’s best to transfer baby birds to licensed wildlife rehabilitators as soon as possible. Rehabilitation centers have the proper facilities, diet, and expertise to give orphaned babies the best chance of survival and return to the wild.

Indications a baby bird should be transferred include:

• You are unable to identify the species
• The baby has an injury or illness needing medical care
• You do not have time to provide attentive, frequent care
• The baby is not weaning and self-feeding after several weeks
• The baby raptor requires a special diet and training to hunt live prey

With attentive rehabilitation care, even badly injured or ill babies can often make a full recovery. The goal is always to release healthy, strong juvenile birds back to the wild.

Preventing Baby Bird Abandonment

To help prevent mother birds from abandoning their nests, here are some tips:

• Avoid trimming trees and bushes during key spring and summer nesting seasons.
• Install mesh netting over window wells, drains, or vents near structures to deter nest building.
• Cover chimneys and openings to structures that could trap birds inside.
• Use deterrents like reflective tape, fake owls, or noise makers to scare birds from unwanted nesting spots before eggs are laid.
• Block access underneath decks and porches to prevent nesting.

If a nest with eggs or babies already exists, do not disturb or move it. Monitor carefully before taking any action. With proper precautions, baby birds can successfully fledge without any human intervention needed.

Conclusion

Caring for abandoned baby birds can be challenging but also very rewarding. The key is to stay calm, keep the babies warm, hydrate, and reach out for professional wildlife advice. With some TLC and attentive feeding, orphaned babies can grow up strong and be released back to a life in the wild where they belong. Always remember to first observe nests at a distance, as mother birds often know best how to raise their young. But if human intervention is needed, rehabilitation provides hope for a second chance.