Helping Baby Native Birds

Here are some key points about helping baby native birds.

What do I do if I’ve found a baby bird?

First of all, stop and think. While some baby birds may be sick or injured and need our help, many are not – but are “rescued” by well-meaning members of the public nonetheless.

In fact, a healthy baby bird’s chances of survival are much better if they are left to be raised by their parents.

Reuniting the bird with its parents

Please make every attempt to replace an uninjured baby bird with its parents, either by returning it to the nest, placing it in a makeshift nest, or putting it somewhere safe where its parents can find it (if it’s not a nesting species). Find out more here.

But if I touch the bird, won’t its parents reject it anyway?

No! This is a myth. A bird has better chances of survival being raised by its parents.

How do I know if a baby bird needs rescuing?

• if the bird has injuries or has been in the mouth of a dog or cat
• if the bird is cold and/or lethargic
• if you notice the parent(s) dead nearby
• completely or mostly featherless baby birds that you can’t return to the original nest

In these cases the baby bird may need to be brought to the vet or to a wildlife carer – remember you can always call us if you’re unsure.