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How to Handle Young Birds That Have Fallen Out of a Tree

Baby birds are sometimes pushed out of nests by siblings. This is nature's way of allowing only the strongest birds to survive. Caring for a young bird until you are able to bring it to a wildlife center can be an interesting time to get up close to nature, but you shouldn't handle the bird more than necessary. Not only is the bird under a lot of stress but also it may have been injured during the fall. Only a professional wildlife worker will be able to nurse the bird back to health.

Instructions

- 1
  Try to place the bird back into its nest. There is a myth that says a mother won't care for its young if it is touched by a human, but this is not always true.
- 2
  Line a small container, such as a shoebox, with paper towels or tissues. Ensure that the lining is white, unscented and free of chemicals. Place the bird in the container.
- 3
  Tuck the baby's legs gently underneath its body. You don't want them to be flailing. Do not handle the bird more than is absolutely necessary. It is already stressed enough.
- 4
  Put the container in a warm, quiet, dark area. Do not let pets or children around the baby bird.
- 5
  Be quiet and turn off the television, music and radios. Baby birds are extremely sensitive to sounds.
- 6
  Call a wildlife rehabilitation center for advice on what to do next. Do not try to feed the bird or give it water without instruction.

Nature