To feed a baby bird properly, the diet and feeding frequency depend on the bird's age and species, but here are key guidelines:
What to Feed Baby Birds
- High-protein foods are essential, especially insects such as finely chopped worms, grasshoppers, and mosquito larvae, which mimic natural diets for insect-eating birds
- Warmed, tinned cat food can be used for insect-eating birds as a substitute
- Soft fruits like chopped blueberries, strawberries, or ripe cherries can be introduced gradually for some species, especially as they grow feathers
- Cooked eggs (fully cooked and mashed) provide good protein and nutrients
- Specialized baby bird formula or bird rearing formula is ideal for balanced nutrition and can be purchased at pet stores
- For seed/fruit-eating birds, warmed fruit-based baby cereal or formulated bird rearing formula is recommended
- In emergencies, moist dog or cat food (without seasoning) can be used temporarily
- Avoid feeding milk, bread in large amounts, junk food, or sweet baked goods as they are harmful or nutritionally poor
How to Feed Baby Birds
- Feed every 2-3 hours for very young nestlings (6-10 times per day), including during the night for the youngest birds; older chicks require less frequent feeding (every 5-6 hours)
- Food should be soft, at room temperature, and not dripping wet to prevent choking or drowning
- Use a syringe or a small spoon to feed; stimulate the bird’s natural feeding reflex by gently touching the corners of its mouth
- Feed only until the crop (a pouch on the side of the neck) appears full, but not overfilled
- As the bird grows, introduce natural foods and encourage self-feeding
Summary
- Feed a high-protein, soft diet appropriate to the bird’s species (insects, cat food, baby bird formula, soft fruits).
- Feed very young birds frequently (every 2-3 hours), tapering off as they grow.
- Use proper feeding tools and techniques to avoid injury or choking.
- Avoid harmful foods like milk, bread in excess, and junk foods.
These guidelines help ensure baby birds receive the nutrition they need to grow healthy and strong until they can eat on their own
