How do I care for this altricial baby until I can get it to a wildlife rehabilitator?

If you have reached a wildlife rehabilitator that is able to admit the baby, arrange a drop-off time and discuss any temporary care that may be necessary based on the specifics of the situation. Until that time, the following temporary care (for several hours or overnight) would be appropriate for an altricial baby:

• If the baby is not able to stand up and hop around on its own, create a “nest” for the baby by rolling up a small towel or other piece of material lengthways and curling it into a donut shape (tape the two ends together to keep the circular form) with a hole just large enough to fit the baby’s body. Place another soft piece of material overtop to create a small supported cup shape and tuck the baby inside this “nest” formation. Line a box with another piece of material, place the nest you have made with the bird on top, and cover the box to keep it dark. Place the box in a quiet spot on a heating pad on the lowest setting—nestling birds need help to keep their body temperature up, even in warm weather.

• If the baby is fully covered in feathers and able to hop around on its own, place it in a box with small airholes. Cover the box and keep it in a quiet place. Place a heating pad on the lowest setting underneath half the box to give the baby an extra source of heat.

• Do not give the baby any food or liquid. Baby altricial birds will often gape their mouths open for food. This is a normal response to movement for baby birds and does not mean, as many people assume, that the baby is starving. Baby birds can be seriously harmed by the wrong type of food or the wrong feeding method. Baby birds should NEVER be given liquid in their open mouths as they may aspirate (inhale) the fluid which can cause respiratory problems and even death.

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