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Baby bird food

Baby Bird Food

Baby birds are very delicate and require special care and attention.



They need to be kept in the proper conditions and given appropriate bird food. Just like any infant, they must be fed at regular intervals. In case you come across a baby bird that has fallen out of its nest, you can call a veterinarian. If you prefer to care for it on your own, there are some points that you need to keep in mind.





There are many brands of baby bird food available in the market. It is advisable to consult your local veterinarian or pet store about the right type of food to give a baby bird. Some birds have special fat requirements and hence it is important to ensure that they are being given the proper bird diet. Bird formula may be combined with water and mixed into a thick consistency.



This must not be very watery as the bird could get diarrhea from it. It should also not be too thick since the baby bird may choke while eating it. Baby birds prefer food that is hot. But if it is too hot or too cold, they may not eat it. The ideal temperature of food should be between 102 and 108 degrees F. The best way to check the temperature of food is to see if you are able to comfortably touch it. Before mixing the formula, you should warm up the water. Once feeding is done, throw away the leftovers. Reheating is not advisable for many formulas. Pre-mixed bird formula may be refrigerated. In case of emergencies where you do not have any bird formula, you may grind some bird pellets and mix with hot water. You can also combine four teaspoons of water and one teaspoon of sugar and feed to the baby bird. This will improve the bird’s chance of survival until you are able to feed it proper bird food.

Baby birds must never be fed seeds and other foods that adult birds usually eat. While feeding a baby bird, you may gently open its mouth using your fingernail. You can place some food at the back of its mouth using a syringe. Keep the mouth open for only as long as you need to feed the bird and allow it to swallow. A baby bird must never be placed on its back while feeding as it could lead to choking.

 
  Submitted on May 20, 2010