Found bird nest in grill. Moved out and waiting for mom to come back. What should I do if mom isn't back?

Question

I carefully moved the nest out of the grill beside the grill so that when the mommy bird comes back to look for it, hopefully, she'll see the nest. I'm in NW Florida, so it's pretty warm now. But I'd hate for the birds to dye if the mother doesn't come back for them. What can I do, anything? will they survive one night without the mom bird? how should I keep them warm? Please help!

My husband actually moved the nest out of the grill before I could tell him not to. He didn't touch it. He used a long stick and put it in a tree. I thought it was too far from the original location so I used the same long stick and moved the nest into a box beside the grill. So no, my scent didn't touch the nest or eggs, which that is supposed to be an old wives tale, according to "experts".

I appreciate your opinions, but would like to have some sources for your information. Are any of you experts with birds?

Hoooray!!! the mommy bird came back. I went outside this morning to check the nest, which is inside of a box next to the grill. Surprisingly, I saw 4 eggs, which gave me hope that the mommy bird came back, or I miscounted the eggs.

So about 10 minutes later, I went outside to check again and this time I saw the mommy bird inside the box sitting on her eggs!!!! So happy! Looks like a little sparrow mommy.

Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

If the birds are hatched already, they will call their parents when they are hungry and they will come, unless you are too close.
The parents will find them.
If they were not hatched yet, leave the place strictly alone, and the parents may or may not come back; sometimes when a nest with eggs is disturbed, they abandon it. If they do, they will soon build another nest and lay more eggs. Also, if there were unhatched eggs, it is possible the parents aren't sitting on them yet, until they get a full clutch of eggs; or even that the eggs were infertile and they abandoned them after the normal incubation period.
The birds can't smell you, but they may be afraid to approach when they see you near.

Answer 2

Depending on the age of the nestlings, they may be able to survive the night without a parent. If they have feathers or mostly feathers, they are probably fine. If they are downy or naked with closed eyes, they need their parent for warmth.

As for what to do...
1. Watch the nest...constantly. Parents come back for short periods of time, and you may miss them if you only look out once or twice an hour.
2. If the parents come back, you're in good shape.
3. If the parents don't come back, call a wildlife rehabilitation center. If you can not find one, call a local veterinary clinic, animal control office, or humane society.

If you take the nest down, its contents become your responsibility. Put it in a small box and keep it warm (e.g. put a heating pad on low under the box and a towel over it). Do NOT give the nestlings water. Try to get them to a wildlife facility asap.

Answer 3

I'm sorry to tell you this, but the mama bird probably smells your scent on the nest, and she won't come back. You really should never touch a nest or baby bird. The mothers are very sensitive to smell and will abandon their young if they don't smell right. I understand there wasn't much you could do though, if the nest was in the grill. You could call your local vet if you want to....but a baby bird without it's mother doesn't stand much of a change. I'm sorry :(

Answer 4

You already moved the nest. Should have left it there until later this summer when the babies flew away. You could have gotten rid of the nest then. Just leave them in the nest and do not touch it again. You should have used gloves too. You cannot get human scent on a bird nest or baby birds, the parents will leave them if you do. In your case, maybe they will come back for them, but I doubt it. tonight a cat or something will probably get them...check in the morning.... and stay away from them...

Answer 5

She might come again. in case you attempt to hatch them, you're greater suitable than possibly dooming them. Eggs want not basically ideal warmth, yet turning and proper humidity. as quickly as they hatch, they're going to wish fed 24 hours an afternoon and could ought to be stored in a brooder. some toddler birds will consume as frequently as each 20 minutes. bypass away the nest on my own and desire for the best.

Answer 6

just let nature take its course.