The desire to nurture those fluffy balls of feathers can be strong, but it is important to understand the special needs of a fledgling's diet and know what to feed a baby bird for the best nutrition.

Avocado – this fruit contains a fungicidal toxin called Persin, which birds seem particularly susceptible to.

Respiratory problems are among the most common bird sicknesses and, unfortunately, the most serious. The following are indications that a bird may be sick or injured: The bird is quiet, dull, the eyes may be closed, and it has fluffed feathers (the bird looks “puffed up”). I know that force-feeding is bad, so I'm not going to do that. This can include problems such as an ectopically laid egg and cystic follicles. Honey 5% and hot water. What not feed wild birds. Occasionally a sick bird will appear to be eating but when the seeds are examined closely no shelled or cracked seeks are found. Such birds should be taken to a veterinarian immediately. If you find a baby bird that needs to be fed but you are unable to contact a bird or wildlife rehabilitator, it is important to know what to feed a baby bird that will provide similar nutrition to its natural diet. Forced Feeding – If your parrot is too sick to eat, it is vital to force feed it. Occasionally, a bird will have internal problems associated with egg laying. Immediately return the bird to the heated hospital cage / brooder. Glucodin 5% (glucose powder) and hot water. Palpation: I highly recommend handling your birds on a daily basis not only for their enrichment but also to detect signs of disease early. So, ..What foods should I feed my little finch, and how do I go about feeding him?

Chocolate – the theobromine and caffeine found in chocolate can affect a birds digestive system and in large enough doses cause increased heart rate, tremors and death. I'm in the process of getting them, however they will take some time to be delivered. Make sure to clean out the bottom of your bird's cage every day before you feed it. Pasta for insectivorous birds; Dry food for puppies; Dry cat food; One of these three products will serve as a basis for feeding the baby bird, and that will help provide all the necessary nutrients to help it grow strong. The following are indications that a bird may be sick or injured: The bird is quiet, dull, the eyes may be closed, and it has fluffed feathers (the bird looks “puffed up”). Be careful not to over feed the bird or give the food to the bird all at once. It may have an obvious wound, breathing problems, a drooping wing, or show lameness or an inability to stand. I have a small finch, who is showing signs of illness. Every backyard birder has seen the "starving baby" act by fledgling birds, when they flutter their wings and call piteously for attention from seemingly hard-hearted, indifferent parents. This provides an easy way to monitor food consumption, as well as changes in droppings. Polenta (corn powder) or rice flour and hot water.

Juvenile formula should be preferably used for hand-feeding sick animals with reduced body weight from species requiring higher fiber content in their food (Recovery and Neonate do not contain psyllium and are easily digestible in most animal species). With regards to what to feed a baby bird, you will require any of the following foods for your orphan baby bird's diet:.

Pet birds, too, like to share mealtime with their flock-mates – either other birds in the house or their human caretakers. For sick birds, Dr. Marshall recommends the following to hydrate and provide crucial nutrition to your bird patient.

It may have an obvious wound, breathing problems, a drooping wing, or show lameness or an inability to stand. Emergency Rescue Formula Alternatives . Use a dropper, syringe or a straw for liquid substances. Yes, I know that he needs antibiotics. It … [3] It … 8. In areas where access to natural sunlight is limited (such as in the northern hemisphere during the winter months), full-spectrum lamps can be used to provide UVA and UVB rays. As social eaters, wild birds feed in flocks of hundreds to even thousands in the wild. While every wild bird has a different diet, several types of food … In that time, I need to know what to feed him. In addition to a bird that is feeling and acting sick, you may notice fluid build up in the birds abdomen. Open-Mouthed Breathing . In sick birds, the light exposure helps in remeding any immediate need for vitamin D, as well as boosting the mood of a sick bird -- another important healing factor. Also, pay attention to drinking as either increased or decreased water consumption may indicate a problem. Birds with chronic pin feathers, pox lesions, liver problems, allergic dermatitis has been known to be cured by Echinacea.