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Q: If I handle a baby bird, will its parents reject it because they can smell a human presence?

Most birds have a poor sense of smell and will not reject their babies if you handle them. With nestlings (featherless baby birds with pink skin) that have fallen out of their nests, you have to handle them. It's important to get nestlings out of harm's way and back into their nest or into a makeshift nest you make. The parents will never know.

Q: Can I give the baby bird I found food or water?

It's natural to want to provide baby birds with food and water but doing so could cause more harm than good. Not all birds eat worms, grains and bugs. You can give all songbirds (except doves) live, small meal worms available at pet stores. That willl help hydrate the baby bird, but it's best to call us first. If in doubt, don't give it anything to eat or drink.

Only a licensed rehabilitator or veterinarian should give water to a nestling. If it's done incorrectly, water could go into the nestling's lungs. If the baby bird has internal injuries (nestlings and fledglings), giving it water could cause further injury. 

Q: Baby birds, baby squirrels and baby rabbits are so cute. Can I keep it and raise it as a pet?

No. Wildlife belong in nature with their parents who will teach them how to find the proper food, avoid danger, find a mate and, ultimately, teach their own babies how to be successful.


It's difficult raising baby mammals, especially rabbits. Baby squirrels and rabbits need to be fed special formula and fed every 2 hours. Please call us if you find orphaned baby mammals. We've successfully raised squirrels and rabbits and released them back into the wild.


Birds (and all wildlife) are protected by federal and most state laws. Keeping and attempting to raise a baby bird is breaking the law. 


Shelley: 727-365-4592 or Linda: 904-703-2815

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