What diseases can a baby bird carry?

Question

My son found a baby robin on the ground after a wind storm two days ago. He brought it home, and we are caring for it. I wonder what kinds of diseases/sickness we can get by handling it. We are washing our hands after each feeding and using Germ-X.

Answer 1

Few if any,

It is the ticks and fleas that come with wild animals that are the greatest danger. If you handle the bird with hands that are not cut or have any sores and then wash your hands after wards you should be okay. Just remember not to touch your mouth, eyes or the inside of your ears until after you wash your hands.

The problem is what will you do next? How do you teach it to fly, to hunt, to survive? You now are responsible for that bird for it's entire life. With your human smell on it no other bird will even go near it. So you will have to feed it and care for it for the rest of its life, it will only be able to hop around, and it may never fly and it will always have to look to you as its parents. It will never be an adult bird and it can never be returned to the wild, unless you want to feed it to a cat. Don't forget that burden. Caring for the bird is a noble thing, but the responsibility for it will last for years. Are you ready for that?

The bird will have to be seen by a veterinarian to determine its health and possible lifespan. It will also have to be examined to make sure it is not a public risk (like carrying West Nile Virus). When you see the vet they can tell you most of what you need to know.

A baby bird needs meat and it can't chew. Its parents often catch the meal, partially digest it and regurgitate it to their young. Cow’s milk may keep it going for a while, but it is probably too young to digest bird seed. You may be putting yourself into a situation that you don't want to be in and after all that care and concern it can still die. Birds are weak and easy prey; to hide this they hide all illness. When you find out a bird is sick it is usually too late to help it.

Answer 2

I rescued three baby robins in different years, and I knew for sure there was absolutely NO RISK for me!!!! I was kissing them (well, this was quite unnecessary, but I couldn't resist ), and never washed my hands after caring for them. I never got any sickness or infection. I just read that they do not pose ANY risk for people. So, don't worry about that. Another thing is that it is the best for the bird to be taken to wild life rehab clinic (look for one in your area) as soon as possible. It shouldn't get used to hands, or it will not adapt to wild habitat. There they will keep it with other birds. Also, before you take it there, make sure to feed it every hour from 7 AM to 9 PM with soaked dry kitten food, fresh berries and earth worms, and give it some water from a dropper. Yeah, it's hard work, but I always felt so great doing that!

Answer 3

Usually as long as the bird is in good health, you are not letting the baby handle the birds/bird droppings, and are washing your hands after working with the bird, there should be no problems. It's a matter of husbandry.