Big bird lover here... We have three Robin fledglings in our yard that we think left the nest too early. One of them just started to fly and we think he made it but the other two are 2/3 of their sibling's size! I wanted to take them in but thought they are better of with their mom, who I have seen on regular intervals. This morning one of them was lying dead on the lawn. Should I take his "brother" in or let nature run its course?? I still see mom around.. They are so cute and it bothers me that they may be hungry...etc. Thanks!
2007-05-30 03:13:14 · 9 answers · asked by hernandezmf 1 in Pets ➔ Birds
Unfortunately, you need to let nature take its course. Fledglings leave the nest a few days before they can actually fly. They hop around the ground and climb up in low bushes until they learn to use those little wings. Mom and dad continue to feed them until they can find food on their own.
Not all fledglings survive. That's just nature's way of preventing overpopulation of a species. But many birds that should survive end up prey to domestic cats. The best thing to do to help these fledglings survive is to keep cats out of your yard.
Now, I know that, in spite of the advice you get to leave nature take its course, many people just can't resist taking the babies in and trying to raise them, thinking they are helping. Just remember that it is illegal to have any native wild bird without the proper permits:
Wording of the Act makes it very clear that most actions that result in "taking" or possession of a protected species or its parts or products is a violation of the Act. Specifically, the Act states:
"Unless and except as permitted by regulations, …it shall be unlawful at any time, by any means, or in any manner…to pursue, hunt, take, capture, kill, …possess, offer for sale, sell, …purchase, import…any migratory bird, any part, nest, or eggs of any such bird…"
It is a "strict-liability" law, meaning that there is no requirement for law enforcement agencies to prove "intent" to violate the law. That is, if you are found in possession of a protected species or its parts or products, you are automatically in violation of the law.
http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/about/faqs/birds/feathers.htm
Now if you find that one of these fledglings, or any other native wild bird in your yard, has been injured, you can take it and put it in a box (cover the bottom of the box with paper towel, not fabric that they can get their nails caught on), and transport it to a licensed wildlife rehabilitation facility. You can find one here: http://www.tc.umn.edu/~devo0028/contact.htm
Go to U.S. Contacts (by State): and click on the letters (A-M or N-W) for your state.
2007-05-30 03:29:32 · answer #1 · answered by margecutter 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is a natural part of the development of robins. The parents are still looking out for them, and soon they will be able to fly. The fact that one died is not unusual at all - supply of robins is greater than demand, if you see what I mean - more are born than can survive.
DON'T TAKE THEM IN. I know you want the best for them and you're a good person, but this is the worst you can do for any wild animal. If you're worried that much, call an animal rescue centre or...whatever you have that's equivalent in the US.
2007-05-30 06:31:55 · answer #2 · answered by Buzz 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I found a Robin fledgling that had fallen out of its nest. It was on the ground below the nest. So I put it back, but there wasn't really enough room for it with the other babies. Could it be that their nest gets too small for them as they grow and they get bumped out, rather than voluntarily leaving the nest too early?
2007-05-30 04:38:09 · answer #3 · answered by kaz716 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Young birds usually leave the nest just before they can fly - they will have grown all or most of their feathers and will be fairly mobile.
Watch out for cats or other predators but apart from that you should just leave them alone - chances are that mom is feeding them when you are not around.
If you are still worried, contact your local 'rescue' centre.
2007-05-30 03:39:41 · answer #4 · answered by Tifferz 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
except you opt to undertake him your self, possibly keep him on your position for the nighttime, and keep checking to work out if the mummy returns ( in case you may develop into attentive to her by utilising some mark or something ). She would come back. call up some preserve to work out if there is a few provider for selecting up and moving, no longer killing, organic world.possibly you would possibly want to feed him with a dropper till eventually then. regrettably considering the fact that he's so youthful, all this trauma might want to deliver him to an early grave. also verify to work out if there will be some kindly individual contained in the area who makes a speciality of nursing those creatures back to well-being. sturdy success.
2016-10-18 11:30:34 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The parents are probably nearby and I would let this situation run it's course. more than half the birds die before they are able to fly when in a natural environment.
2007-05-30 03:43:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they were imported to America and inbred, robins are highly inbred and prone to dropsy. Nature will take it's course don't mess up the slow bloomers and kill them with your kindness. Let nature work it's magic. Mom knows what she's doing.The Gods will secure the innocent.
2007-05-30 03:19:44 · answer #7 · answered by Tim O 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
i know it seams cruel but it is best that nature runs its course after all the mom is still feeding and careing for them just keep an eye on them put out water and soaked bread crumbs to help mom find enough food for them good luck,,,,,,,,,
2007-05-30 03:20:03 · answer #8 · answered by colin-irene D 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you put them back in the nest, Mama should feed them.
2007-05-30 03:24:29 · answer #9 · answered by thesunwasshiningonthesea 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋