How can I tell if this precocial baby needs help?

Although much more advanced in their development at hatching, precocial birds still remain in the care of their parents until they are more mature by following them on foot or in the water. It would not be normal to find, for example, a baby duck or goose still completely or mostly covered in down (with no feathers or few feathers) wandering around by itself—a parent should be very close by at all times protecting its baby from predators.

If you have found a precocial baby bird and no parent is in sight (or none that seem to be watching out for the baby), place the baby in a box in a warm, dark, quiet place away from people and pets and contact Toronto Wildlife Centre at (416) 631-0662 and leave a message to tell us you have found a precocial baby.

It is critical for the baby that it receives care as soon as possible from a wildlife rehabilitator. Not only do baby birds have specific dietary needs, but if they “socialize” with the wrong species—including humans—at a young age, this can impair their ability to ultimately survive in the wild.

How do I care for the precocial baby until I reach someone at Toronto Wildlife Centre?

Although precocial babies look very capable, they are extremely sensitive to the effects of stress (such as contact with predators like humans) at young ages. For this reason the baby should have as little contact with people as possible—this is also important because for proper social development. Baby birds “imprint” on their parents shortly after hatching, a process of identification with their own species. A baby that imprints on the wrong species will be seriously compromised in the wild.

Until you speak to our hotline staff, the following temporary care (for several hours or overnight) would be appropriate for a precocial baby:

• Keep the baby in a closed box with small airholes.

• Place a heating pad on the “LOW” setting underneath half of the box to give the baby an extra source of heat—normally, precocial baby birds gather together under a parent bird’s wings for the night to keep warm.

• If the baby is active and walking around, you may offer a shallow dish of water (not large enough for the baby to swim in). Do not offer any food. If the baby is not standing or is falling over, do not offer water. Always remove any water dishes from the box prior to transporting it anywhere.

• Do not give the baby water to swim in. Babies appear capable but can easily get waterlogged and become cold or drown.

Call Toronto Wildlife Centre at (416) 631-0662 and leave a message to tell us you have found a precocial baby. Our hotline staff will call you back as quickly as possible. If you call after 6pm when our centre is closed, our hotline staff will call you in the morning when your message is retrieved. The baby should not need food within that period of time, and the wrong type of food can be harmful.