- Prepare a container – Place a paper towel or tissues in the bottom of a plastic butter tub or similar type of container to make a ‘nest'. (Nestling baby birds must not be placed on hard, flat surfaces.)
- Place the ‘nest' in a box with holes.
- Protect yourself – Wear gloves. Older baby birds may peck with their beaks to protect themselves. Birds can also carry disease and different types of parasites.
- Gently place the bird into the prepared ‘nest'.
- Warm the baby if it feels at all cold – (You may need to use your bare hand to determine this. Wash hands thoroughly afterwards.) The best way to provide warmth is to place the nest about 12” below a 40 watt light bulb. (Make sure to check that the baby isn't getting over heated.) If heating isn't needed, or if baby is a fledge that can get out of nest… close up the box (with air holes).
- Note exactly where you found the bird – This is very important for possible release.
- Keep the bird in a warm, quiet, dark place.
- Do not give food or water – It is very easy to get food or water into the windpipe. Also, if an animal is very dehydrated or cold, it cannot digest food properly.
- Do not handle the bird any more than necessary – We are predators and it is very stressful. Especially don't allow children or pets near the baby.
- Contact Nature's Nursery or another rehabilitation center – Don't keep the bird any longer than necessary. 419-877-0060
Keep in mind: It is against federal law to keep most wild birds if you don't have permits, even if you plan to release them.
