Temporary Bird Care
Unsure of the bird's age? Follow the guide for "Baby Birds."
House Wren (Troglodytes aedon)
Adult Birds
Step 1
Keep the bird dark and quiet in a box with soft bedding. Keep it in a room without people or pets to reduce stress.
Step 2
If the bird can stay upright, you may put a small lid of water, like from a peanut butter jar, and some food in the box with them. They can have mealworms, diced fruit (berries, grape, melon), suet, nuts, and even soaked pet kibble (please offer regular wild birdseed to Doves).
*If unstable, do not put in a water dish. Fruit can provide moisture.
Step 3
Contact us by phone for assistance! (Please do not use the Contact Us form.) If this is outside of our helpline hours (9am-6pm) please go to Animal Help Now for birds and other wildlife help.
Baby Birds
Step 1
Keep the bird warm, dark and quiet in a box with soft bedding. Put the box on a heating pad set to LOW.
*If you don't have a heating pad, make a warm rice sock (cup of raw rice in a long sock, tie it in a knot, microwave 30 seconds or until warm), place the rice sock in the box, but not up against the bird.
Step 2
Please, NO water or anything liquid from a dropper or syringe. Baby birds can aspirate very easily. They will get moisture from food. It's better to use tweezers or a toothpick to feed. You can give them crushed live mealworms, diced fruit like berries or grapes, or even soaked pet kibble. Pieces should be no bigger than their beak. They should be fed every 30 minutes for 12 hours a day. Let them rest all night.
Step 3
Contact us by phone for assistance! (Please do not use the Contact Us form.) If this is outside of our helpline hours (9am-6pm) please go to Animal Help Now birds and other wildlife help.