We have a baby loon in our home at the moment who's injured, and the SPCA can't come get him until Monday. I can't seem to find any websites that have anything useful on it, so could someone please direct me to one? Thank you so much in advance.
2007-02-17 12:37:50 · 3 answers · asked by Hailee D 4 in Pets ➔ Birds
I don't know specific instructions for a loon, but there are things you must do to care for an orphaned baby bird.
1. Keep the bird secure and warm.
Down-covered young birds should be kept in a cardboard box indoors away from pets and small children and out of direct sun or drafts. Keep the temperature in the box between 80 and 90 F. A lamp with a 40 or 60 watt bulb should provide enough heat, but don't put the lamp directly over the bird. This won't be necessary if the bird is fully feathered. Cover the box to cut down on disturbance to the bird, eliminate drafts, and prevent the bird from getting out of the box. Put an artificial nest made of a margarine or similar container lined with paper towels in the box. This will provide support for the bird.
2. Give it something to eat.
The best emergency food for a baby bird is dry cat food soaked in water until it is completely wet and soft. Break the food into small pieces and place them in the bird's mouth. The wet cat food will provide all the liquid necessary. Do not try to get the baby to drink water. Nestlings require frequent feedings, as much as every 30 minutes from dawn to dark.
The two procedures above are for short term care only.
2007-02-17 12:45:11 · answer #1 · answered by Libby 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Where on earth did you get a baby loon at this time of year? They only breed in the spring, as far as I know. Are you sure it's a loon?
In general, I'd just put it in a dark box with a towel for now.
If it's too young or too injured, you may not be able to do much for it.
2007-02-17 17:44:34 · answer #2 · answered by Strix 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call your local audubon club
2007-02-17 13:29:25 · answer #3 · answered by jrealitytv 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋