Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

What should I feed a baby bird I found? How much and how often?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

I found these two baby hoopoe near a road ready to be eaten by a dog. Luckily they were not injured and so I took them home with me . The mother bird was nowhere to be found and things like wildlife rehabilator are not here in our country. If left them there they most probably die in a few hours or mins. I fed them moist royal canin kitten food for now but what should I feed them afterwards? How much and how frequently??

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on May 18th, 2018

Their diet in the wild is mostly insects and berries, so purchasing some live crickets from a local pet store, or some berries from your store and offering them may help get them used to what they would forage for in the wild as they get weaned off the kitten food (and can be fun to teach baby birds how to catch food with live insects.)

If there isn't a wildlife rehab nearby (India does have several), you can also see if there is a vet or group in your area that does wildlife rescue that may be better equipped for caring for the birds and releasing them back into the wild once they are old enough.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Found injured baby bird that can't fly. What should I feed it?

It looks like it may indeed be of the Warbler species. These birds typically eat insects, so small crickets or mealworms would be recommended. Ideally, you should contact a local wildlife rehabilitator for assistance. A rehabber will have the knowledge and experience to give the bird the best chance at eventual release.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My baby bird fell from nest, mom abandoned. What should I feed it?

The easies solution is either Recovery from Royal canin or a/d from hills, both are wet foods designed for cats and dogs but are suitable for baby birds as well, you can draw them into a syringe and feed this bird (many times a day!)

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

Found a baby bird with eyes closed, fell from nest. Should I feed it?

You can definitely try to feed it, you will need to buy wet canned cat food such as Recovery or A/D (from your local vet) as well as a syringe, you will need to feed it every couple hours during the day (no need to feed during the night).

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

I found a baby bird. How do I identify it and what should I feed it?

The best solution would be to contact a local wildlife rehabilitator. One in your area specializing in avians should be able to identify it. The bird looks to be healthy, so you've been doing a good job. The rehabber can confirm this then let you know when the bird can be released. Search online, contact a local veterinary clinic or check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website to find a rehabilitator.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why are the baby birds I'm feeding screaming and biting?

If you've found wild baby birds it would be best to try and find a local wildlife rehabilitation center in your area to turn them over to. The biting could be that they have an underlying illness or injury that needs to be treated, or they are hungry/not getting the right nutrition and so are becoming agitated. A wildlife rehab center can ensure they get the correct food, and can treat any injuries so that the birds can be released back into the wild once they are old enough.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

I found a baby bird that can't fly. How can I help it survive?

Hello, the little bird likely fell out of his nest. If it hasn't been too long, you can take it back to where you got him to see if his nest and mother is still there, which would be best case scenario. Otherwise, it may take him some time to learn to fly on his own and you'll have to wait until his flight feathers grow fully. In the interim, you may continue to feed him baby food, or you may start to offer seeds, fruits, and veggies. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

I found an unharmed baby bird. What should I do with the fledgling?

Contact the local veterinary clinic. Ask if the have contact information for a local wildlife rehabilitator. If you can get the bird to a rehabber, it will have an excellent chance at eventual release. House sparrows eat seeds and grains. In the meantime, you can offer a seed mix including millet and sunflower seed. Some moistened dry dog food can also be offered.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share