• I've Found a Baby Bird!

  Use this quick step-by-step guide to find out if the bird you've found needs help, and if so where to find assistance.

• What Should I Do...?

  Useful information on how to resolve some common situations involving altricial baby birds.

• How Can I Help?

  There are many ways that you can make a critical difference for baby birds. Please take action today!

• In My Neighbourhood

  A guide to the wonderful and varied baby birds you can find right in your own back yard!

• About T.W.C.

  Since 1993, Toronto Wildlife Centre has helped many thousands of wild animals in need. Find out more about the work we do.

HelpBabyBirds.ca

Copyright © 2010 Toronto Wildlife Centre.

Site by Kmprssn

I've Found a Baby Bird!

Raising babies

If the baby is in need of help, it is important for several reasons that the baby receives professional care from a wildlife rehabilitator. Baby birds have very specific dietary and environmental requirements that vary according to their species, and can be difficult to replicate. Because these babies grow so rapidly, improper nutrition or caging can cause problems in their development that is not always apparent until it is too late. In addition, baby birds must be raised alongside other birds of the same species in order to develop normal social behaviours that enable them to survive in the wild. Birds that do not learn how to detect and avoid predators, for example, and communicate with others of their species, have a poor chance of survival.

Because of their special needs, it is not a good idea to care for wild birds without proper training in wildlife rehabilitation, appropriate permits, and the caging required to meet the needs of the birds. Almost all wild birds are also federally or provincially protected and it is also against the law to care for them without proper permits.

If you are interested in raising wild baby birds and you have the time to commit to this activity for several weeks at a time (songbirds need to be fed about every 30 minutes, depending on their age), some wildlife rehabilitators have foster programs where they provide training and supplies for you to assist them by raising wild babies in your home. If you are interested in becoming a foster parent for baby birds, contact a wildlife rehabilitator to inquire if they have this kind of program. It is challenging and rewarding work.