I See Juvenile Birds Feeding Each Other

I rescued some white-winged doves from certain death and rehabilitated them. This article goes through the steps of how I cared for them.

Found a wild baby bird? Here's how you can feed and care for it.

Free-Photos / 9089 images from Pexels via Canva.com

Have You Found a Wild Baby Bird?

In spring and fall of each year, baby birds are found by well-meaning folks. Most of the time, the fledgling was simply learning to fly, and mom was nearby. But there are instances when birds are either lost or abandoned, and people with extra big hearts feel the need to care for them.

Below you will find in-depth instructions for housing and feeding a baby bird.

White-winged dove that I rescued from certain death and rehabilitated.

What to Know Before Attempting to Raise a Baby Bird

The professionals will tell you not to interfere with nature. If you do, then you need to contact your local wildlife rehabilitation center instead of attempting to care for it yourself.
If you do attempt to raise the bird, you must have a good heart and a caring nature. Any experience with babies or baby animals is a plus (for you and the bird).
In most states, it is illegal to have certain wild species of dove (dead or alive) in your possession without a license. However, several species that are deemed appropriate are sold in pet shops.
If the baby has any feathers whatsoever, it will be very difficult to begin feeding because, at this stage, the bird is already used to receiving its mother's milk from her crop.

Now that we have that out of the way, let's discuss what you will need and how you can assist mother nature in your little one's progress.

Items You Will Need

Housing

Box (small to medium)
Paper towels
Heating pad (optional)
Heat lamp (a regular light bulb will work, but not an energy-saver bulb)

Formula

You can use any of the following:

Kaytee Exact Formula
A mixture of baby rice cereal, finch seed (it is a very small seed), and cornmeal

Feeding Supplies

Medicine dropper with the very tip trimmed off (measured in cc or ml)
2 plastic cups (small to medium)
Good tap water or bottled water
Notepad to track feedings
Good observational skills
Tenderness
Patience

The baby rice cereal, cornmeal, and finch seed formula will work for any bird that is a seed eater. If you have one that is primarily an insect and/or worm eater, such as a mockingbird, you should add mushed-up worms to the formula. Kaytee Exact has formulas for all types of baby birds, and you can use it instead of the homemade formula.

How to House Your Baby Bird

1. Ensure Baby Will Have a Warm, Dry Place to Sleep

Take a small to medium box, and pack it with waded paper towels. The top level of paper towels can be molded into a nest shape to keep your baby secure.
This is also your baby's diaper and can be changed out as necessary (usually every day or so in the beginning).
You will also use this "diaper" to observe the baby's urine and feces. Always be sure there is a white substance included in the poop. This is a sign that everything is okay.

2. Find a Good Location for Baby's New Home

It should preferably be in a quiet corner.
Keep the baby's new home away from any drafts, such as windows, fans, or air conditioner vents.
Kitchens do not make a good place for the baby. Also note that Teflon nonstick pans are hazardous because they give off a fume that is deathly toxic to a small animal's lungs.

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How to Feed Your Baby Bird

1. Decide on a Regular Place to Feed Your Baby

You should use a table or desk where you can comfortably sit while you feed the baby.
You will feed it on this table, and then place it back into its box.
Babies can easily get cold, so please turn off any fans or air conditioners, and close any windows during feeding time.
Right after feeding, you can gently hold the baby close to your chest to warm it.

2. Prepare the Formula (or Use Kaytee Exact)

The measurements for the formula are approximate, so you can adjust it. I mix approximately ¼ cup cornmeal, ¼ cup baby rice cereal, and less than a teaspoon of the finch seed into a plastic cup. (Keep some cornmeal and some finch seed in a resealable plastic bag for convenience).
Turn your faucet on, and get it to a temperature that is warm but not hot (a little bit warmer than lukewarm). You want the temperature to imitate that of the mother's milk.
Put a teaspoon of water at a time into the dry mix. Stir with the medicine dropper. Keep adding water until you are able to suck it up in the dropper and squirt it out. You want the consistency to be like pudding.

3. Place All Feeding Supplies on Your Table

You will need the cup of formula, the dropper, two paper towels, and a cup that is half full of water. Place one paper towel on the table for the baby to stand on and one nearby to dry your hand.

4. Carefully Remove the Baby From Nesting Box

Speak to it gently to console and reassure it.
Carry it close to your chest to keep it warm and secure.
Place it on the paper towel.

5. Use a Feeding Chart

Below is a chart that will tell you how much your baby needs to eat based on its age. Find the age and note how many cubic centimeters you will need to feed it. This is important because the baby doesn't know when to stop eating. Note: 1cc = 1ml.

6. Learn to Feed

These first few feedings are a learning experience, not only for you but the baby, too.

To begin feeding, place one hand slightly over and around the baby, with two fingers around its head. Fingers should be touching the beak; this causes the baby to naturally open its beak and "chug." Chugging is when a baby bird opens wide and bobbles its head up and down to quickly take in food. When a baby is in chugging mode, its airway is closed properly, and there is little chance of aspiration.
At this time, you can squirt the formula into its mouth a little at a time using the dropper. Dispose of all leftover food.

Important:

Do not force open the beak and force-feed the baby as it could aspirate.
Do not overfeed it either. When a baby's crop is full, you will still be able to see its neck. The crop should not bulge out above the shoulder area. Feel the crop area gently; it should feel a bit like a balloon.

7. Feeding Time Can Get a Bit Messy

Maintaining the baby's hygiene is very important:

Use the half cup of water to clean your hand(s) and to get your fingers a bit wet so you can clean off the baby's beak and crop.
Don't rub it hard. Be gentle.
Pat it dry with a paper towel, and then place it in the palm of your hand to warm it up before you place it back into its box home.

8. Have Patience

The first feeding may not go as planned, and the baby may not take in much food. If this is the case, wait an hour and try again.

Feeding Schedule and Food Quantity


Bird's Age	Amount of Food	Feeding Frequency
2-3 weeks old	4-5 cc	4 times a day
3-4 weeks old	5-7 cc	4 times a day
4-6 weeks old	7-12 cc	4-3 times a day. It should be 3 times a day as you get closer to the 6-week mark.
6-9 weeks old	12-15 cc	2.5 times a day

Giving Treats and Cleaning

Treats

You can also give your little friend treats like millet spray (found at pet shops) or fruits and vegetables (finely diced).
Frozen vegetables work great.
Peeled peas, carrots, spinach, and pealed fresh grapes are also good choices.
Remove and/or replace all uneaten food within three hours to prevent bacteria or mold growth.

Cleaning

Clean and replace water and seed feed every other day.
Remove soiled paper towels every three or four days, and replace with fresh ones.

How to Wean a Baby Bird

At around six weeks, you are ready to begin weaning. Again, follow the feeding instructions in the chart above. By now, the baby should be moved into a cage.

To make weaning easy, slowly stop feeding it with the chugging process and medicine dropper.
Instead, squirt the formula into your cupped hand. This way, it will learn to take food by itself.
Doves are ground feeders, so remove the bottom of the cage so they can walk on the floor of the cage.
Line the floor with paper towels rather than newspapers, which can make their feet dry.
Supply a deep dish that is at least two inches deep (doesn't have to be wide), and fill it with water.
Put finch seed in a shallow tray or dish, and show/offer it to your bird once in a while.
Once your baby bird is completely weaned, you will notice some differences in its feces. Texture and color change may occur.

Tips for Caring for Your Baby Bird

Birds are notorious for pooping in their water and food. You can get creative with their feeders and water dishes by using butter dishes as feed containers and plastic bottles for covers to keep your bird from roosting on top of the water or food containers.
Keep water and food dishes clean and free of any feces or urine.
When washing water dishes, be sure to use a brush to remove the film that builds up after a few days. Fully rinse away any soap residue.
Do as much research as possible about the species of dove you have. Learn about their habits, what they eat, their habitat, etc.
Observe your baby.
Observe droppings, and be sure there is always a white substance in the feces.

Things to Be Aware of When Raising Birds

Never force-feed your baby.
Teflon nonstick pans are hazardous to any bird's health as they give off a fume that is deathly toxic to the bird's lungs.
Do not use your self-cleaning oven. Ovens also have Teflon and will give off toxic fumes.
Strong perfume or cologne should not be worn around birds. They have small lungs, so what is strong to us is overpowering to them.

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author's knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

Questions & Answers

Question: How can you tell the age of a bird?

Answer: By the growth of its feathers. When they are first born they do not have feathers - they look like tiny plucked chickens. Little spears appear, and feathers start growing out of them. Also, their first few days their head is very wobbly. Within a week+ they will be fully feathered, and they have much better control of their head. At two weeks they look like a mini dove and are fully in control of their movements, but still a bit crazy with fluttering their wings about when time to eat! I hope this helps. I'm not an expert and am only reporting from memory!

Reyvenisis on September 03, 2020:

Hi,

We had a big storm and next day my husband found a white wing dove in there work yard. It's a fledgling, still figuring out how to fly and bc he knows there are wild dogs about he scooped him up and brought it home.

I'm on day 1. I didn't know what to do so for food. My husband bought parrot bird seed mix. I took a bit of that and grinder it, mixed a bit of kitten formula and a bit of grits with warm water and have been giving it 6-12 cc of this mix. I fed it twice today. It's pooping and yes it has some white so I know he's at least not starving and digesting fine. I have to wrap it up with a hand towel when I try to feed it with a dropper or it tries to flap and get away. Poor thing is scared. I have him in a small box for now but hoping to get a cage this weekend for it.

Anyone, have any other tips I'll be super grateful.

Amrita on September 01, 2020:

Hi, thank you so much for the informative post. I live in India and there are no legal issues here. After a thunderstorm we found two baby birds in the garden and recued them from predators outside. I am worried about how we can rehabilitate them safely. There are many predators (cats, dogs, hawks) outside. I had also rescued a kitten who I am keeping in a separate wing of the house but this also makes me feel that I will not be able to keep both of the birds permanently especially if I want them to be able to fly a bit. Any tips on how to keep their natural instincts alive?

Angela on July 22, 2020:

Hi um i recently found a baby dove but it doesn't seem to want to so anything other than rest is it a sign that its still healing or is it bad? Bc mine is injured from either falling or cats but im just making sure its fine

Diane on July 11, 2020:

What to do for a older baby bird with stuffy nose

Ari+kriste on August 26, 2017:

Thank you so much cause we found 2 baby doves in hurcane Harvey the nest was to high and we took them in

easymgmt on August 15, 2013:

Now I'm wondering whether or not I did the right thing with the baby pigeon from my garden - feel free to view my lens "The Pigeon That Wouldn't Fly" and leave a comment. http://www.squidoo.com/the-pigeon-that-wouldnt-fly

patti-e-beasley on September 03, 2012:

Thanks for asking about the White Wing Dove. We named him Chico. I managed to raise him in my house with a curious Mini dauchshund and a Siamese cat. I took Chico to work everyday and he learned to fly in the house I work in. We cleaned up after him all day and it was worth it to see him grow. He was very attached to me and whistled at me when he heard my voice. I released him back into my parents yard where I found him. He sleeps in a hanging basket plant, comes when my parents call him and follows them around the yard. Everyone loves Chico and looks out for him. My parents even sit in on the patio and hold him. If mom stops petting him he whistles and flaps him wings to remind he to not stop. This has been an extreame rewarding time for my family. Chico has a following on my Facebook.

Brady800 on September 03, 2012:

@patti-e-beasley: Hi Pattie I was wondering how your WW dove is doing. Right now I have 2 I am raising. I also have two ring neck doves.

darrah-williams-9 on August 22, 2012:

My grandpa found a baby Mourning Dove yesterday, and as usual, he brought it to me knowing that I love animals. That was about lunchtime yesterday, and he's doing good so far. However, this morning, when I gave him his morning feeding, I found little worms on the towel he's on. I have no idea what kind they are or where they came from. They're little and mostly gray with white tips. Any idea what they might be and where they come from so I can get rid of them?

patti-e-beasley on August 11, 2012:

I got a baby white wing dove after a big windstorm and 4 hours of no momma bird showing up to claim him. I got the baby bird food from the local pet store and it didn't take long for me and the bird to figure out how to best feed him. He is anxious to eat and I already see him gaining strength as only hours have passed since we got started. I look forward to seeing him grow up big and strong. Thanks for the information in your post. It was very helpful!

obabosheva on July 31, 2012:

found a baby dove near my house. it's small but has feathers, it also looks like the wing is damaged and also turns out that my neighbor found the bird 2 blocks away from my house on a busy street and placed by my house where it is safe then i found and i couldn't leave it behind because i noticed the wing is damaged. i brought home put it in a box with a heating pad on low with a blanket covering the heating pad and a paper towel over the blanket, the only thing i had to feed is nutrament(it's a shake like ensure) itt actually drank out a dropper and pooped white green poop and its sleeping now breathing is calm, i don't know what do to now? it's late at night and the vets are closed, what kind of food should i feed the baby? i feel really bad for it i would 've left it alone but as i saw the wing is hurt i couldn't because we have cats and really mean kids in my neighborhood and i couldn't find a nest to place it in. Did i do the right thing or what is the right thing to do? HELP!!! i keep checking it and it looks fine...for now

ccc123828 on July 07, 2012:

Thankyou so much I have learned a lot from this site. I love animals and this site helped me a lot with my new baby white wing dove

Tina Hesskew (author) on June 08, 2012:

@fatimamurphy527: I wish I had seen this earlier :)... this one wouldn't have made it without intervention and u could have used just the cornmeal; the seeds are cereal are for when it is older. You can also call wildlife rescue for your area.

Tina Hesskew (author) on June 08, 2012:

@raymelhamor: if it has feathers, i would leave it; it is probably learning to fly and the mommy is nearby

raymelhamor on June 07, 2012:

i've found a baby robin alone in the ground

fatimamurphy527 on May 05, 2012:

hi i found a baby bird nest on my porch its about 7 feet high in the air one of the babys fell out its about 4 days old its still pink n have very little fuzzes in one spot we put it back it fell twice i am very soft hearted when it comes to animals i would hate for this bird to die i have the heat the cornmeal but not baby cereal or seeds what should i do it needs to eat

Fcuk Hub on June 25, 2011:

What a nice lens. Worth a title LOTD :)

pawpaw911 on June 03, 2011:

Very useful information. Nice lens

Carol Goss on September 28, 2009:

Great lens. I do always feel bad for a young bird learning to fly. There are so many things tht can happen to them.

mlkemk on September 28, 2009:

Great first lens! Great information, really well laid out. If you get a chance (after you headache goes away) I'd like your feedback on my most recent lens. You could probably use a little wine after finishing that first lens.

http://www.squidoo.com/great-wines-under-20

hayleylou lm on September 28, 2009:

Excellent lens, will really help anyone in this situation. 5 stars for a great first lens

sciencefictionn on September 28, 2009:

Helpful and complete lens, a valid tool for whoever has to raise a baby bird...

Very nice. 5*

RinchenChodron on September 28, 2009:

The info on avoiding a teflon pan seems quite important and was something I did not know. Great first lens - keep up the good work. Five Stars!

SpellOutloud on September 26, 2009:

NIce job! We're always finding baby birds by our house. Nice to know what to do if we ever needed to.

anonymous on September 26, 2009:

What a wonderful lens! I give you a 5* rating ^_^

Merlinx from Southern California on September 26, 2009:

I just finished my first lens, too. I'll be posting it in the Critique Me forum soon. So I just wanted to say great Job on this lens! Lots of useful information.

biddingt on September 26, 2009:

Thank you for a great lens! I saw a baby bird on the ground this spring and just hoped that his/her mother was around watching.

jjj1 on September 25, 2009:

An excellent lens - especially for a first lens. Well done. I've given it 5 stars!

KellydeBorda on September 25, 2009:

I love this lens! We frequently find Pacific doves near our home, and haven't had much luck. Hopefully we'll do better with the information you have here.

Deb Kingsbury from Flagstaff, Arizona on September 24, 2009:

This is great information. I used to work at a wildlife rehab center in upstate New York (an internship during college), and I remember people bringing in baby birds by the dozens. The problem was, there was a particular type of bird that nested on the ground, so people would come across the babies and think they'd been abandoned. We really tried to educate the public and stop them from picking up the chicks. What a summer that was!

moralesprietim54.blogspot.com

Source: https://pethelpful.com/wildlife/feedababybird