tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835044237272567788.post8678149701209474740..comments2017-04-19T23:08:57.580-07:00Comments on finestre: I found a baby blackbird !! (How to hand feed a wild baby bird)deborah64554http://www.blogger.com/profile/02042194786019610995noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835044237272567788.post-61392361694369537612017-04-01T19:27:42.994-07:002017-04-01T19:27:42.994-07:00I had a nest off black birds that got disturbed an...I had a nest off black birds that got disturbed and mother never came back. I had an incubator going with quail eggs in and added them 3 eggs in 1 hatched and died other egg cracked round but never came out other is out so I'm looking to get as much info to try keep this we one alive to give it a chance anyone plz help thanks Martin Martinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02562848947345159154noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835044237272567788.post-70140602638178599612017-04-01T19:26:59.888-07:002017-04-01T19:26:59.888-07:00I had a nest off black birds that got disturbed an...I had a nest off black birds that got disturbed and mother never came back. I had an incubator going with quail eggs in and added them 3 eggs in 1 hatched and died other egg cracked round but never came out other is out so I'm looking to get as much info to try keep this we one alive to give it a chance anyone plz help thanks Martin Martinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02562848947345159154noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835044237272567788.post-45399859823888545932016-07-29T02:29:20.800-07:002016-07-29T02:29:20.800-07:00Just stumbled across this site after trying to fin...Just stumbled across this site after trying to find information on how often to feed a baby blackbird. I rescued one yesterday after seeing it the day before but i decided to leave it in case the parents were still attending to it. I had to step in when I saw a cat going towards my neighbours garden. He/she is a fledgling but still unable to fly as of yet, a lot older than the previous blackbirds I've rescued in the past, anyways as I was saying I was trying to find out how many times to feed him because he's a greedy sod, he's chirping really loud letting me know he wants food and water (I've been using a syringe to give water but wouldn't reccomend it for the inexperienced due to their air passage in their mouth) he loves chopped up cockroaches (only bugs I have available which are my bearded dragons food) he sits on my hand mouth gaping, wings flapping telling me to hurry up and get the next one in his mouth, he would eat until he popped! He's literally a mouth in legs. I really can't see him being happy about being fed 3-4 times a day so although an excellent blog with great information I think I'll stick to demand feeding with my little Roadrunner (decided to name him that as the first time I saw him he was running so fast around my neighbours garden) Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01262723624045245062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835044237272567788.post-71172102681908597192016-06-30T17:37:06.392-07:002016-06-30T17:37:06.392-07:00Thank you, Teillady!
For all, be sure your bird i...Thank you, Teillady!<br /><br />For all, be sure your bird is NOT a seed-and-berry-only bird before offering it any kind of cat or dog food. Cat or dog food will be toxic for Hollywood finches and other birds, just as anything except bugs will be toxic for a barn swallow. Make sure what kind of bird you have before preparing a diet. :)deborah0302https://www.blogger.com/profile/02996257075270821217noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835044237272567788.post-83088236774300694982016-06-30T17:36:12.488-07:002016-06-30T17:36:12.488-07:00Your suggestion about images of bird stages is a g...Your suggestion about images of bird stages is a good one I just haven't had "early stage" blackbirds or finches yet. Also, I really need to completely re-do the blog so I can clearly separate care for different kinds of birds. It's a work-in-progress. :)deborah0302https://www.blogger.com/profile/02996257075270821217noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835044237272567788.post-49509651774990359452016-06-30T17:34:44.839-07:002016-06-30T17:34:44.839-07:00I'm afraid of them too and cringe when the lit...I'm afraid of them too and cringe when the little bird sometimes spits them out! <br /><br />I've been wearing disposable latex gloves (can get at a hardware store - the see-through kind that come 100 per box), and I've found that I get used to it once I make up my mind. For baby blackbirds, I put the insects in a mortar, close my eyes, and grind them up with the pestle. I bet your husband will do this. Make sure to award him many excellent husband points!<br /><br />When someone once helps a baby bird, it's amazing how other little birds that need help suddenly start turning up quite literally at your feet. I hope you will have another bird soon!deborah0302https://www.blogger.com/profile/02996257075270821217noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835044237272567788.post-90617286600869445142016-06-30T17:30:12.916-07:002016-06-30T17:30:12.916-07:00For all, be sure your bird is NOT a seed-and-berry...For all, be sure your bird is NOT a seed-and-berry-only bird before offering it any kind of cat or dog food. Cat or dog food will be toxic for Hollywood finches and other birds, just as anything except bugs will be toxic for a barn swallow. Make sure what kind of bird you have before preparing a diet. :)deborah0302https://www.blogger.com/profile/02996257075270821217noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835044237272567788.post-53903909359025156922016-06-30T06:38:45.262-07:002016-06-30T06:38:45.262-07:00Thanks Deborah~~ I'm actually really really af...Thanks Deborah~~ I'm actually really really afraid of insects and worms...lol I was holding the baby bird while my husband tried to feed him the worms (took me a lot of guts not to scream or move when the worm keep falling on my hands...)<br /><br />I still feel pretty sad...just thinking I could've done better (even though I know their survival rate is really low) But thanks for all your advice~ If I ever found another baby bird, I'll know better (and I probably will still try to save him instead of giving it to the vet/rehab...unless it's eagle or owl or something along those line where people feel more obligated to save the species) <br /><br />Just a suggestion...is it possible for you to post a pic of different stages of the bird so people will know how often they need to be fed? Apparently your blog is a hot one when I google "I found a baby bird"...I hope people will try to save these fella so they could have a second chance...even when the chance is slim.<br /><br />Thank you again~ HUGS~ <br />Jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14430286708950740566noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835044237272567788.post-62071780798740769292016-06-30T03:47:47.912-07:002016-06-30T03:47:47.912-07:00Hi J,
When it comes to the non-native baby birds ...Hi J, <br />When it comes to the non-native baby birds most rehab and vets are required by law to euthanize these babies in a most states. Some rehab facilities even feed them alive to other creatures such as pythons! But there are some that will take the time and energy to do right by these birds. They are considered "nuisance" birds. A good many vets and rehabbers in my area will call me instead of just euthanizing these babies, and I'm grateful to them. I have a baby starling sitting on my shoulder as I write this ��. Always ask what will be done with these babies because they WILL NOT tell you unless you ask. I feel that Every living thing deserves a chance at life. The airways of wild birds are located under their tongues and it's very easy for them to inhale water. When they are feathered and walking around you can offer a small shallow lid (such as mayo lid) of water for them to bathe in and drink from. Be warned they will make a mess with all the wing flapping. But it's a joy to see �� . Sounds like the babe was having difficulty with getting air(beak opening and closing), <br />temperatures for wild babies should be; featherless to mostly feathered (can still see skin under wings etc) 80-90 degrees, feathered; 75 to 80 degrees. If baby looks like he is panting or keeps wings lifted away from the body, he's probably too warm, so adjust accordingly. Sounds like you did everything right and everything you could. Sometimes they just can't be saved and we never know why. It's heartbreaking. But at least you did give him a chance. Also I forgot to mention in my earlier post that dried kitten food soaked in water (protein 33% or higher) is a great food for wild babies. Mix with kaytee and other ingredients till pudding consistency. They need lots of protein to grow healthy.Teilladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05803556508011701320noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835044237272567788.post-91640780181373890652016-06-30T03:09:49.269-07:002016-06-30T03:09:49.269-07:00If you think you may find another bird, you can re...If you think you may find another bird, you can refrigerate the mealworms for up to 10 weeks. That is, if you can bear to have a container of mealworms in your refrigerator. I have a container just now. Before you refrigerate them, give them some fresh sliced potato or carrot and a couple of hours to eat it, so they have energy to come out of dormancy. I hope you may find another bird!deborah0302https://www.blogger.com/profile/02996257075270821217noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835044237272567788.post-32076290529264649212016-06-30T03:06:06.352-07:002016-06-30T03:06:06.352-07:00I have added a little more to the instructions abo...I have added a little more to the instructions above for anyone who has found a bird that is too cold to feed before warming, or that is panting. I hope this will help others who find a bird as you did, and help another little bird make it to flight.deborah0302https://www.blogger.com/profile/02996257075270821217noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835044237272567788.post-29380123099450748142016-06-30T03:03:53.500-07:002016-06-30T03:03:53.500-07:00Dear J, you did a great job. Do not blame yourself...Dear J, you did a great job. Do not blame yourself! I don't know why the little bird died. He may already have been too cold, too hungry, too thirsty, or too all of those things. My guess is that he was too cold for too long before you found him. Generally speaking, they should not feel cold in your hand - they should be the same temperature or warmer. If a baby bird is too cold, he can not digest even if you feed him, unless he is warmed up first. I also have had little birds die in my hands. Panting is always a very bad sign - they are getting ready to exit. If they are panting because they are overstimulated, you can sometimes stop them from dying by immediately putting them in a dark, quiet room with the door closed for an hour so they calm back down. But your little bird was very young and had been exposed. I too have tried to give birds CPR. I think you're a hero! Most people would not even try. With more knowledge for the next bird, the next bird may be very lucky when you find it. Warm regards from me.deborah0302https://www.blogger.com/profile/02996257075270821217noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835044237272567788.post-47669606389625049042016-06-30T02:54:05.150-07:002016-06-30T02:54:05.150-07:00You are so right about the danger of using a syrin...You are so right about the danger of using a syringe to deliver water. I have added a caution about that to the information in the post. Thank you for more good advice for baby bird helpers!deborah0302https://www.blogger.com/profile/02996257075270821217noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835044237272567788.post-65099088635880953842016-06-30T01:49:28.918-07:002016-06-30T01:49:28.918-07:00Teillady is a pro. Listen to her! I second her adv...Teillady is a pro. Listen to her! I second her advice, except that my birds always did still want water - they did not get enough from any version of formula, and welcomed drops of water after feedings. She is absolutely right about NEVER watering from a syringe, which could drown the bird. I use my fingertip or a toothpick with a drop of water at a time, or else a paintbrush if the bird does not peck at the water. A wet paintbrush in an open beak allows the bird to suck the water off.deborah0302https://www.blogger.com/profile/02996257075270821217noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835044237272567788.post-91565119544234028162016-06-30T01:26:37.586-07:002016-06-30T01:26:37.586-07:00My birds have all had feathers and been only a sho...My birds have all had feathers and been only a short time from flying. I am very sorry your bird did not make it. It is true a very young bird (younger than in the pictures above), need much more frequent feeding. I am modifying the article now to reflect this.deborah0302https://www.blogger.com/profile/02996257075270821217noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835044237272567788.post-86823174632850456302016-06-29T08:05:49.563-07:002016-06-29T08:05:49.563-07:00You and I are on the same boat. The bird we found...You and I are on the same boat. The bird we found were probably too young to be fed only 3-4 times a day. Most article suggests every hour the very least for nestlings. The one I found was around 13-14 days old...if it survive another 4-5 days, it should be able to fly. I feel horrible... =(Jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14430286708950740566noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835044237272567788.post-80257980899045868202016-06-29T08:01:46.400-07:002016-06-29T08:01:46.400-07:00I found a baby bird (black bird?) on the ground ye...I found a baby bird (black bird?) on the ground yesterday afternoon - I thought it's dead but it was still alive. Based on Google photos, it's about 13-14 days old, pin-feather. I couldn't find the nest, waited a little while, no mom. It was so windy so I took him home with me - I had him in a plastic box with my scarf to keep him warm. He looked so fragile but seems ok. I came across your post...fed him drops of water on his right side on beak, fed him mashed hard boiled egg and Kaytee Exact, I even got meal worms hoping to feed him if he prefers that. The bird didn't really want to eat (I fed maybe half tablespoon). I had to head out for a mtg, came back and the bird was on his side, his mouth was open and closing...looks like he's dying, I picked him up and he died in my hands (I even tried to give him mini CPR)...I don't know what I did wrong. I feel so bad. Maybe the room wasn't warm enough? Air quality? Was it the food? Water? Shock? I will never know...It makes me think if it would've been better if I took him to the vet or rehab...but at the same time, black bird are dime a dozen, will they really feed him every hour?? I really doubt it...Jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14430286708950740566noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835044237272567788.post-9188285683388962612016-06-23T03:44:30.628-07:002016-06-23T03:44:30.628-07:00I have been rehabbing baby birds for many years an...I have been rehabbing baby birds for many years and I have a pretty high success rate so I hope this helps someone. Baby birds need to be fed every 15-20 minutes if featherless and every 30-45 minutes if pin feathers are showing from sun up until sundown until they are able to feed themselves. Their metabolism rate is very high. Never give water by syringe! They can inhale it into their little lungs and drown. They get the water they need from the formula mix until they are able to drink from a dish on their own. Baby blackbirds need a protein enriched diet (mom feeds them bugs, berries and hulled seed). I use a mix of kaytee exact baby bird formula, human baby rice cereal, ground dried bug mix, a pinch of avian vitamin, and ground hulled seed. Mix kaytee as directed on package, add in other ingredients until mixture is of thick pudding consistency. Feed with blunt tip syringe as stated above. All these items are available at most pet stores or Amazon. I also feed a few canned mealworms with each feeding. Rescuing and rehabilitation of baby birds is very time consuming, but when properly done, the reward is seeing them fly free happy and healthy. Teilladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05803556508011701320noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835044237272567788.post-17483028998524351902016-05-26T22:03:26.668-07:002016-05-26T22:03:26.668-07:00I am very sorry your little bird died. Tears on yo...I am very sorry your little bird died. Tears on your face and a bird in your hand who did not make it even though you were trying your best is a terrible feeling and a terrible thing to happen. <br /><br />I'm not sure why your bird did not make it. Blackbirds need more than just worms, although it is very admirable that you actually found worms for him in your garden. He may not have been getting enough food each meal, or enough of the different kinds of food he needed. A baby needs formula and crushed egg, and a very young black bird needs crushed seeds, berries, and regular insects (flies, spiders and moths are good) as well as an occasional worm. He may also have already been bitten by an animal and been struggling against an infection that killed him. Or, he may not have been a blackbird.<br /><br />I'm very sorry your little bird did not make it. I know just how that feels. I've raised several black birds successfully at this point, though - they seem to be very easy birds. So I am standing by my advice.deborah0302https://www.blogger.com/profile/02996257075270821217noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835044237272567788.post-47769019446996885062016-05-26T20:14:03.288-07:002016-05-26T20:14:03.288-07:00For everyone else out there, when I saw Tia's ...For everyone else out there, when I saw Tia's video I was pretty sure her bird was a starling. Starlings are not vegetarian. Except for insects, blackbirds are. <br /><br />Please don't feed cat or dog food to a bird if you're not sure what it is (starlings can eat a lot of other things and will be ok with formula, crushed boiled egg, berries, ground seeds and insects - which is black bird diet, so if it is either one it will be fine). <br /><br />If it's a blackbird, cat or dog food might be toxic.deborah0302https://www.blogger.com/profile/02996257075270821217noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835044237272567788.post-33901668938283190442016-05-26T20:08:47.647-07:002016-05-26T20:08:47.647-07:00I'm very sorry I never saw this until now. I h...I'm very sorry I never saw this until now. I hope the little bird was ok. If this happens to anyone else, baby blackbirds eventually need crushed seeds, berries and crushed insects (flies, moths, spiders - pillar bugs if you're desperate but the birds do not like those). As the bird matures, you have to start mixing these in. Eventually they do not want anything I can give them - at this point, if they have started to peck at seeds and berries and drink/bathe from a shallow bowl on their own, I let them go.<br /><br />Blackbirds are very good foster parents. If there are blackbirds nearby, and your baby still needs help, they will often adopt it.<br /><br />Good luck to everyone out there!deborah0302https://www.blogger.com/profile/02996257075270821217noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835044237272567788.post-24917220552200703252016-05-16T07:18:45.762-07:002016-05-16T07:18:45.762-07:00It's a very bad advice to say blackbird can ea...It's a very bad advice to say blackbird can eat minimum 4 times a day food. I myself three days ago found a baby blackbird who was nearly dead on the street, with a hungry cat going round it. I decided to rescue it, as it was quite late and there were no other blackbirds around. During the weekend, I fed him every hours worms i found in my garden. He was alive, and i hoped he would fly away one day. I searched for some information online, and found your website. As i had to work today, i decided to follow your example, gave him food two times at 6:00 in the morning, and then when i came back in the afternoon (3:00), the little bird was nearly dead. I fed, him, gave him water, held him tight. But he did die. I am so, so sad and disappointed. I had so many hopes for the little blackbird, i am certain he could have been able to fly away if he could have survived at least three more days.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17588205555298609229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835044237272567788.post-4325519180094030862016-05-13T23:21:47.530-07:002016-05-13T23:21:47.530-07:00That is awesome!!! :) It uplifted my day!That is awesome!!! :) It uplifted my day!deborah0302https://www.blogger.com/profile/02996257075270821217noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835044237272567788.post-75290949467557745642016-05-11T15:42:41.170-07:002016-05-11T15:42:41.170-07:00This is now a few years from the last post, but wa...This is now a few years from the last post, but wanted to share my experience with a baby blackbird. My dogs found one in the backyard fluttering along the ground. Luckily, my dogs are well domesticated and had no idea what to do with it other than chase it. I picked up the little panicked bird and brought it inside. It looked like it was toddler age (most of its flight feathers were in, but still had some baby fluff) and was pretty skinny. I have a couple bird feeders outside the front of the house, where the dogs aren't allowed to go, and decided to set him down there to see if he would eat. He sat and stared for a while then promptly went into a bush that is close to the feeder. It only took about 10 minutes for him to climb to the top of the bush and start to squawk. I felt bad at first, thinking that I should catch it again and hand feed it, but then a miracle happened. There were about 3 or 4 adult blackbirds that started to feed it! This family of birds adopted this little stray! It has been outside my window for the last three days and I have seen blackbirds, cowbirds, and cardinals all feeding this little fellow. Needless to say, he has quite the extended family. Not sure if this is common, but it is quite a neat thing to see!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18212368982768308445noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8835044237272567788.post-56005802138133184442014-07-18T03:06:47.515-07:002014-07-18T03:06:47.515-07:00please can you help he wont eat anything but he wa...please can you help he wont eat anything but he was fine for the last fie days he just wot eat todayAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05588416855634310279noreply@blogger.com