What to Do If You Find a Baby Bird on the Ground

Here at the SPCA of Texas, we have a lot of people reach out to us when they find a wild animal in need. While we care for all sorts of species that wind up at our animal care centers, we turn to professional wildlife rescuers when we come across non-companion animals.

One of those organizations that we frequently reach out to is Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, which specializes in wild birds. If you live in North Texas and find an injured or orphaned bird, give Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation Center a call. Are you the type of person who can’t help but try to save critters large and small? Check out the tips below!

Emergency Care for Orphaned or Injured Birds on the Ground

*Disclaimer: these are general tips intended only as emergency or overnight care for birds after normal operating hours. Please get in touch with a wildlife rescue specializing in wild birds immediately.

How to pick the bird up: Toss a towel or cloth over the bird and gently pick it up.

It’s okay to pick up a baby bird! If it’s injured or alone, its best chances for survival from predators and the elements are with professional wildlife caretakers.

Where to put the bird: On a towel in a cardboard box with a lid and air holes.

Keeping the bird warm: Use a heating pad or electric blanket on the lowest setting to keep the bird warm, especially if it is a baby.

Feeding: If a baby bird is begging for food, you can give it dry dog or cat food softened in water. Do not force feed the bird, feed it at night or continue feeding it once it stops begging.

Water: A shallow bowl is sufficient. Do not give adult or baby birds water with eye droppers!

What to do next: Bring the bird to a wildlife rescue like Rogers Rehabilitation Center as soon as possible.

For more detailed information on emergency wild bird care, please visit rogerswildlife.org.

Thanks to our friends at Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation Center for providing us with this helpful information!