A little barn swallow fell out of his next and is not ready to fly or be on his own. The parents are very upset, and are flying all around. Should we try and put the baby back in the nest?
2007-07-17 11:16:02 · 17 answers · asked by Megan 2 in Pets ➔ Birds
If the bird is fully feathered, it is most likely a fledgling and has left the nest on it's own and it's parents are caring for it. You need to replace it where you found it..preferably in a scrub or tree so it is relatively safe from predators, and the parents should come back to feed it. If it is unfeathered...then look for a nest and if you can find it...replace it into the nest. Do not worry about your scent being on the chick..birds have a very poorly developed sense of smell and will NOT reject a baby that has been touched. If you cannot find a nest, get the bird to a local wildlife rehab for it's best chance of survival. Also, keep in mind, it is illegal for you to try and raise this bird on your own.
2007-07-17 14:08:03 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Put it back in the nest immediately! It's not true that the parents will smell you on the baby bird. In reality, birds have a very poor sense of smell. The sooner you put the baby back in the nest, the better. It can't survive on its own for long, and will soon become prey to some larger animal. The best thing for it is to put it back.
If the baby bird has all of its feathers and is walking around, then don't bother putting it back. At a certain age, the baby jumps from the nest, and the parents will keep a constant vigil over it and take care of it while it's on the ground. They will bring it food, and protect it from predators, and keep a close eye on it. It might be a fledgeling and is learning how to fly.
If it is not fully feathered and is unable to walk, it needs to be back in the nest asap. Like I said, birds CAN NOT smell you - don't worry about that. Good luck with it, and please read the website below. It should help a lot.
2007-07-17 11:27:01 · answer #2 · answered by fuzzhead_smurf 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The best would be to let the parents take care of the little bird. It was good to put the baby in a box, but try to put it high in a tree, not too far from the nest. Normally the birds feed their babies, you'll have to observe them carefully and remain hidden, if they see you they'll not feed the babies. I had already 3 baby birds in my garden which fell from the nest and were fed by their parents in the box, they had already feathers though. If you are sure that the parents do not feed it you can buy special food for baby birds which you have to mix with water and feed them,( don't give them bread or milk, small birds eat insects which are pre-digested by the parents), but this is very very difficult. I tried once and it did not work.
2016-05-20 22:16:19 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it has most of its feathers, then it is a fledgling and you shouldn't do anything with it, as long as there aren't any predators around.
It is okay if you touch it, it is just a myth that if you touch it it will be rejected, but it would be better if it was just left alone.
If it is still naked or has very few, small feathers then you should make a makeshift nest for it out of maybe a blueberry crate or something similar and paper towels or an old cloth, and put it close to the nest. if you can't find the nest, then call your local wildlife refuge for info on what to do next.
2007-07-17 11:27:23 · answer #4 · answered by Jeet 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why is everyone so obsessed with birds sensing our scent??? This has been repeated over and over and over in most answers I read. This is absolutely not true! Birds have a very poor sense of smell (except for the Turkey Vulture and a few other species). You should try to put it back up in its nest. The only reason you should wash your hands thoroughly before picking it up is to avoid transferring any pathogens (germs) TO the bird. Trust me the swallows will not smell your scent...if they abandon the nest it's because they were disturbed.
I fully agree with fuzzhead_smurf
2007-07-17 11:28:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
Are you sure he can not fly? If he still doesn't have all his feathers, then chances are..no. You can try, using gloves, to put him back in the nest. The gloves will help to keep your scent off of him.
Most professional would tell you to just leave him, let nature take it's course, truthfully, I never listened to that sage advice..lol, instead I raised a starling and a robin.
If the parents do not accept him back into the fold, you can for the night feed him crushed dog food mixed with water, and soaked till soft, then call your local zoo. Most of the times, they can put you into contact with people that help injured or lost birds.
2007-07-17 11:27:46 · answer #6 · answered by Intrigued 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Does the baby bird have all his feathers? That will tell you if he's ready to fly, or should still be in a nest. IF the bird has all his feathers, I would leave the bird alone.
If he is still in the ugly chick stage, I would put him back in the nest.
2007-07-17 11:20:31 · answer #7 · answered by thedivineoomba 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
carefully place it back in the nest. The old falsehood about the mom not coming back cuz she smells you, is wrong. The mom doesn't come back cuz silly people stand right there by the nest and it scares mom away. She really will come back IF you put the baby back soon.
2007-07-17 11:25:20 · answer #8 · answered by randy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you do then you might fall too. Try to take care of it in a months. If I we're you, I'm gonna make a nest of it and don't ask me how cause you're making yourself like a fuul! And by feeding him, dig a hole and look for worms (in the backyard if it's okay). Don't give him any food that contains sweet,sour, or spicy stuff cause it might affect something in it's body... Don't you ever leave it outside cause cats/dogs might kill/eat it... And one more thing, If you think you can buy a cage, go for it... Then let it go when that bird can fly...
My answer can help you pretty well, but don't be offense cause I'm always this...
2007-07-17 11:41:59 · answer #9 · answered by Killerfang 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It is a compelete myth that the parents will smell you on it. Put it back in the nest, if it is still rejected that means it is sick so take it to a nature perserve.
2007-07-17 11:38:48 · answer #10 · answered by Zevi 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋