What to Do When Birds Fall Out of Nest: Expert Tips for Helping Abandoned Chicks

When birds fall out of their nests, it can be a distressing situation for both the bird and the person who finds it. However, it’s important to remember that not all birds found on the ground need to be rescued. In fact, many young birds are perfectly fine and are simply learning to fly.

If you come across a baby bird that has fallen out of its nest, the first step is to determine if it is a nestling or a fledgling. Nestlings are young birds that have not yet developed feathers, while fledglings have feathers and are able to hop and flutter around. If the bird is a nestling, try to locate its nest and carefully place it back inside. If the bird is a fledgling, it is likely learning to fly and should be left alone unless it is in immediate danger.

It’s important to remember that wild birds are protected by federal law, and it is illegal to keep them as pets or to interfere with their natural behavior. If you are unsure of what to do, it’s best to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or a local bird rescue organization for guidance. By following these simple steps, you can help ensure the safety and well-being of young birds that have fallen out of their nests.

Assessing the Situation

When a baby bird falls out of its nest, it is important to assess the situation before taking any action. This will help determine the best course of action to take, and minimize the risk of harm to the bird.

Determining the Age of the Bird

The first step in assessing the situation is to determine the age of the bird. This will help determine whether it is a nestling or a fledgling. A nestling is a bird that has not yet developed feathers or has only a few feathers. A fledgling, on the other hand, has fully developed feathers and is capable of hopping and flapping its wings.

Identifying Immediate Danger

The next step is to identify any immediate danger to the bird. This could include nearby wild animals, such as cats or dogs, or the risk of falling from a great height. It is important to keep in mind that birds have a poor sense of smell and that handling them can cause more harm than good.

Checking for Injuries

Finally, it is important to check for any injuries the bird may have sustained. This could include broken wings or legs, bleeding, or signs of illness or disease. If the bird is injured, it is best to contact a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian for assistance.

By following these steps, you can assess the situation and determine the best course of action to help the fallen bird. Remember to always prioritize the safety of the bird and minimize any risk of harm.

Taking Action

When a baby bird falls out of its nest, it can be a confusing and stressful situation for both the bird and the person who finds it. However, there are steps that can be taken to help the bird and ensure its safety.

When to Intervene

Before taking any action, it is important to determine whether or not the bird needs help. If the bird is fully feathered and hopping around, it is likely a fledgling and is in the process of learning to fly. In this case, it is best to leave the bird alone and keep pets and people away from it. However, if the bird is still covered in down or has few feathers and is unable to move around, it is likely a nestling and may need your help.

Creating a Makeshift Nest

If the bird is a nestling and has fallen out of its nest, the first step is to try to locate the nest and return the bird to it. If the nest is too high or cannot be located, a makeshift nest can be created using a small container, such as a margarine tub or berry basket. The container should be lined with soft material, such as tissue paper or grass, and placed in a bush or tree close to where the bird was found. The bird can then be placed in the container and left alone, as the parents will likely return to care for it.

Contacting Professionals

If the bird is injured or if the parents do not return to care for it, it may be necessary to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or state wildlife agency. It is important to note that it is illegal to keep wild birds as pets without the proper permits, and attempting to care for an orphaned bird without the proper training can do more harm than good. A wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian with experience in bird care can provide the necessary care and ensure that the bird is released back into the wild when it is ready.

Overall, it is important to remember that while finding a baby bird out of its nest can be a stressful situation, there are steps that can be taken to help the bird and ensure its safety. By determining when to intervene, creating a makeshift nest, and contacting professionals when necessary, you can help give the bird the best chance of survival.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I help a baby bird that has fallen out of its nest?

If you find a baby bird that has fallen out of its nest, the first thing to do is to determine whether it is a nestling or a fledgling. If it is a nestling, which is a very young bird that does not have many feathers, it is best to return it to its nest if possible. If you cannot find the nest, you can create an artificial nest using a small basket or a container with holes for drainage and hang it in a tree close to where the bird was found. If it is a fledgling, which is a fully feathered and alert bird, it is best to leave it alone as it is learning to fly and its parents are likely nearby.

Is it safe to handle a baby bird to return it to its nest?

It is generally safe to handle a baby bird to return it to its nest, but it is important to handle it gently and with clean hands to avoid injuring the bird or transmitting any diseases. It is also important to minimize the amount of time the bird is out of the nest, as it may become stressed or cold if it is away from its parents for too long.

What steps should be taken if a baby bird is found on the ground at night?

If a baby bird is found on the ground at night, it is best to leave it alone until morning, as its parents may still be caring for it. If the bird appears to be injured or in danger, it can be moved to a safe location nearby, but it is important to avoid handling it too much or keeping it away from its parents for too long.

What are the survival chances for a baby bird that has fallen from its nest?

The survival chances for a baby bird that has fallen from its nest depend on a variety of factors, including its age, health, and the amount of time it has been away from its parents. In general, younger birds have a lower chance of survival than older birds, and birds that are injured or sick are less likely to survive. However, if the bird is returned to its nest or placed in an artificial nest and its parents continue to care for it, its chances of survival are much higher.

How long can a fledgling survive without parental care?

Fledglings are fully feathered and alert birds that are learning to fly, and they can survive for several days without parental care as long as they have access to food and water. However, it is important to avoid handling or disturbing fledglings unless they are in immediate danger, as their parents are likely nearby and will continue to care for them.

What should be done if there’s no nest and a baby bird is found on the ground?

If there is no nest and a baby bird is found on the ground, an artificial nest can be created using a small basket or container with holes for drainage, and it can be hung in a tree close to where the bird was found. If the bird appears to be injured or sick, it should be taken to a wildlife rehabilitation center for proper care.