You can feed a baby bird a high-protein, soft-textured diet that mimics what their parents would provide. Suitable foods include:
- A mixture made from mynah bird pellets or dry dog food soaked in hot water, combined with a bit of baby food, cooked turkey, cooked egg yolk, and water until it reaches the consistency of oatmeal. This provides adequate nourishment and hydration
- Finely chopped insects such as worms, grasshoppers, or mosquito larvae, which are ideal for most baby birds due to their high protein content
- Fully cooked, finely mashed eggs are also a good protein source
- For insect-eating birds, warmed tinned cat food can be used as a substitute
- Soft fruits like chopped blueberries, strawberries, or ripe cherries can be introduced gradually, especially for species like pigeons and corvids
Feeding tips:
- Feed baby birds every 20 to 30 minutes during daylight hours, depending on their age, as they require frequent meals for rapid growth
- Use small tools like tweezers, a syringe, or a popsicle stick to feed them gently without forcing their beak open
- Do not feed milk or bread, and avoid junk food or sweet baked goods, as these are harmful or nutritionally inadequate
- Food should be served at room temperature and softened to prevent choking or suffocation
If you find a baby bird, it is generally advised not to feed it yourself unless you are prepared to care for it properly; contacting a licensed wildlife rehabilitator is recommended
. In summary, a homemade mix of soaked pellets or dog food with baby food and cooked egg yolk, supplemented with insects and soft fruits, is suitable for feeding a baby bird, with frequent feedings and careful handling
