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NESTLINGS:
Newborn - 2 Weeks
Before assuming the responsibility of caring for a baby bird determine
the most appropriate means of helping. In most cases, this will be to
return the baby bird to it's parent's care. It is an unfortunate myth,
that parents will reject their babies if touched by human hands. This is
untrue, as birds have no developed sense of smell.
If
the baby bird is uninjured, make every effort to return to the original
nest. If this is not possible, place the NESTLING in a substitute nest
lined with tissue. (not cloth, as the toenails may become entangled) A
small wicker Easter basket works well since it will allow drainage. The
basket should then be hung in the area where the baby was found. If near
a tree, select a small outer branch and securely fasten the basket under
a leafy area to protect from the afternoon sun and rain. Do not hang
from large limbs that would be accessible to cats or other climbing
predators.
If
the baby was found in an area containing no trees, use your imagination
and a little logic. Securing the basket to a single nail under the eaves
or overhang of a house provides protection from the weather and
predators!
Leave the area and watch from a distance until you are certain the
parents have found their baby.
Lending a helping hand is most often all that is necessary to reunite
baby birds with their parents. So before you remove or kidnap a healthy
baby from its family, please consider what is best for the birds!
Should a successful reunion not be possible, due to injuries or other
circumstances, read instructions on "Caring
For Nestlings".
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