I’ve found an orphaned baby bird that I’d like to try raising. How should I care for it?

Baby birds will always receive the best care from their parents, even though to us, life in the wild may seem dangerous for them. Follow the links above to determine whether the baby is in need of help before intervening.

If the baby is in need of help, it is important for several reasons that the baby receives professional care from a wildlife rehabilitator. Baby birds have very specific dietary requirements that vary according to each species. Because these babies grow so rapidly, improper nutrition can cause problems in their development that is not always apparent until it is too late. Wildlife rehabilitators trained to raise baby birds are able to provide species appropriate food, and the right kind of care facilities (e.g. access to large, secluded outdoor flight cages to exercise and develop normal behaviours before release).

In addition, baby birds MUST be raised along side other birds of the same species in order to develop normal social behaviours that enable them to survive in the wild. Birds that do not learn how to detect and avoid predators, for example, and communicate with others of their species, have a poor chance of survival.

Because of their specific requirements, Toronto Wildlife Centre does not recommend trying to care for wild birds without proper training in wildlife rehabilitation, appropriate permits, and the caging required to meet the needs of the birds. Almost all wild birds are also federally or provincially protected and it is also against the law to care for them without proper permits.

Ways You Can Help Baby Birds

• Keep your cat indoors. Cats are the #1 cause of injuries to baby birds.
• Pass the word. Let your neighbours know about nestlings and fledglings.
• Avoid using pesticides, especially between April and August.
• Do not trim trees between April and August, as this can disturb nests. It is against the law to disturb nesting birds.
• Do not remove nests / baby birds from vents, behind signs, etc. without seeking information and / or expert help first
• Donate to TWC or another wildlife centre to help care for orphaned and injured birds.
• Become a volunteer with TWC or another wildlife centre

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