
What to Feed a Baby Bird
If Feeding Is Necessary
If you find a baby bird that needs to be fed but are unable to contact a bird or wildlife rehabilitator, it is important to know what to feed a baby bird that will provide similar nutrition to its natural diet. While every wild bird has a different diet, several types of food can serve as emergency rations when necessary. At the same time, it is critical to understand that baby birds have very different nutritional needs than adult birds, and the foods you would normally feed to your backyard birds are not appropriate for young fledglings.
Acceptable foods for baby birds:
Moist dog food
Raw liver
Hard boiled eggs
Dog biscuits
Dog or cat kibble
What NOT to feed baby birds:
Water
Bread
Whole birdseed
Milk
Pet bird food
Worms
The more mature a baby bird is, the more "adult" food it can consume without harm, and the longer it can go between feedings.
Tips for Feeding Baby Wild Birds
If it is necessary for you to feed a baby bird, remember…
Offer food that is spongy in texture, not dripping with water that could cause choking or drowning. All dry food should be softened before being offered to a baby bird.
Food should be offered at room temperature only.