Home >> Science & Nature >> Nature

How to Feed a Fledgling Sparrow

A fledgling is a baby bird that's left the nest. Although they may leave before they can fully fly, a fledgling is safest when left untouched by humans. You may feel the need to feed this "orphaned" baby, but rest assured the parents are looking out for it and its nest mates -- which may be scattered around your property and your neighborhood. The best way to protect and feed fledgling sparrows is to ensure that the parents have enough food to eat. Fledgling sparrows still require a special food from their parents; untrained humans can rarely feed and hand-raise baby sparrows with success.

Things You'll Need

Sparrow feed (seeds and fruit -- commercially available)
Sunflower seeds
Cracked corn
Millet
Fresh and dried fruits

Instructions

- 1
  Install a bird feeder in the near vicinity of your fledgling sparrow. Sparrow adults will feed from platform feeders.
- 2
  Place sunflower seeds, millet and cracked corn in your feeder or purchase a commercially available seed with this mixture. Add dried and fresh fruits as well to attract more sparrows.
- 3
  Pick the fledgling up gently and check to see if it will grasp one of your fingers with its toes. If it can grasp strongly, place it on a tree branch that is low to the ground and leave it be.
- 4
  Keep pets leashed and away from the fledgling if there is a chance they might get to it and eat or otherwise harm it.
- 5
  Call a wildlife rehabilitationist only if the fledgling is injured.

Nature