For instance, cardinals eat seeds, songbirds need a combination of insects and plant foods, and gulls or terns need crickets and small minnows. If you’re not sure what type of bird you have, consult a field guide or contact a wildlife rehabilitator. [2] X Expert Source Jeff JonesBird Specialist Expert Interview. 13 May 2021. In many cases, you can feed the baby bird softened dog or cat food, as long as it contains 30-40% protein. [3] X Research source
Try offering a little solid food right after a formula feeding to encourage the baby bird to try it.
For instance, if you’re making mash out of dog or cat food that’s been soaked in water, you might add in 1-2 pieces of food that haven’t been soaked quite as long, so they retain a little of their texture. You can also buy commercial weaning pellets from a pet supply store. These pellets are nutritionally designed for baby birds. [6] X Research source This mimics how birds eat in the wild. As baby birds get older and start to eat more, the parents don’t have time to digest the food as much before giving it to the baby bird. The baby then gradually transitions to eating solid food.
If you use a lightweight dish, the bird might tip it over, creating a big mess. Try using a heavy plastic lid or a dish made specifically for feeding birds. If you’re feeding the bird live mealworms, crush the insects’ heads with tweezers before you place them in the dish.
To avoid startling the baby bird, only tap about once every second or so.
This mimics the type of grooming a mother bird might do.
Losing around 15-20% of the bird’s total body weight is normal, especially as the bird reaches its adult weight. However, if you notice any quick drops, there might be cause for concern. Add more formula to its diet and consult a vet if the bird starts to refuse food or act sick. [11] X Research source
If you notice any changes in the bird’s health, contact a vet or a wildlife rehabilitator.
For instance, you might offer the bird different fruits, vegetables, and seeds, if that fits with its diet. If you’re weaning a tern or a gull, place a shallow dish filled with live minnows in its enclosure.
If the poop appears thin or watery, the bird might be getting too much liquid in its diet. Try reducing the amount of water in its formula.
Try giving the baby bird about 3/4 as much formula as you normally would, for instance. After a few days, give it 3/4 of that amount, and so on.
Baby birds can easily drown in a water dish, so it’s best not to include one in the cage until it’s older. If the water in your dish is deeper than about 1 in (2. 5 cm), place smooth rocks in the dish as a perch.
Continue monitoring the baby bird’s weight. You may need to add back in an occasional supplemental formula as the bird’s system adjusts to eating all supplemental food.
