What to Feed a Newborn Bird: Expert Guide

When determining what to feed a newborn bird, it's essential to understand that baby birds have highly specialized dietary needs based on their species, age, and development stage. In most cases, the best thing to feed a newborn bird is food regurgitated by its parents—typically insects, seeds, or partially digested plant matter depending on the species. For orphaned or injured nestlings found on the ground, feeding them inappropriate substances like bread, milk, or dog food can be fatal. A proper substitute in emergency situations may include commercially available hand-feeding formulas designed specifically for baby birds, or a temporary mixture of moistened puppy chow and hard-boiled egg, but only as a short-term solution until professional help is obtained.

Understanding Newborn Bird Biology and Nutritional Needs

Baby birds, also known as nestlings, are born in one of two developmental states: altricial or precocial. Altricial birds—such as robins, sparrows, and hawks—are born blind, featherless, and completely dependent on parental care. These species require frequent feeding (every 15–30 minutes during daylight) with high-protein diets primarily composed of insects and other invertebrates. Precocial birds—like ducks, quails, and pheasants—hatch with down feathers, open eyes, and the ability to walk and feed themselves shortly after hatching, though they still rely on parental guidance.

The digestive system of a newborn altricial bird is extremely delicate. Their stomachs cannot process human foods such as bread, rice, or dairy products. Feeding these items can lead to malnutrition, crop impaction, bacterial infections, or even death. Instead, their natural diet consists of soft-bodied insects like caterpillars, grubs, and mealworms, which provide essential proteins, fats, vitamins, and moisture necessary for rapid growth.

Common Misconceptions About Feeding Baby Birds

One of the most widespread myths is that baby birds can eat the same foods as adult birds or common household pets. This is false. While adult finches may thrive on seed mixes, newborn finches require insect-based protein. Similarly, feeding a baby bird milk or breadcrumbs—often seen in cartoons or backyard anecdotes—is not only ineffective but dangerous.

Another misconception is that any pet food, such as kitten or puppy formula, can serve as a suitable replacement. While moistened high-protein puppy food mixed with boiled egg can act as an emergency substitute under expert supervision, it should never be considered a long-term solution. Kitten milk replacer, for example, contains lactose and nutrients tailored for mammals, not avian species, and can cause severe digestive distress.

What to Do If You Find a Baby Bird

Finding a baby bird outside its nest can be distressing, but immediate intervention is not always necessary. The first step is to determine whether the bird is a nestling (featherless or partially feathered) or a fledgling (mostly feathered, capable of hopping). Fledglings are often learning to fly and are still being fed by their parents nearby. In such cases, the best action is to keep pets away and leave the bird undisturbed.

If the bird is a true nestling—naked, helpless, and clearly out of the nest—observe from a distance for at least one hour to see if the parents return. If no parent appears, gently place the bird back into its original nest, if visible and accessible. Contrary to myth, most birds have a poor sense of smell and will not reject their young due to human touch.

If the nest is destroyed or cannot be located, create a makeshift nest using a small basket or container lined with dry grass or paper towels (avoid cotton fibers, which can entangle tiny feet). Place this substitute nest in a sheltered location nearby—preferably in the same tree or bush—and monitor for parental return.

Emergency Feeding Guidelines for Orphaned Nestlings

If you confirm that a baby bird is truly orphaned and cannot be returned to its parents, temporary feeding may be required until it can be transferred to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Remember: feeding a wild bird without proper training and permits may be illegal in many regions, including the United States under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

In emergencies, use the following guidelines:

• Do not force-feed: Attempting to stuff food into a bird’s mouth can cause aspiration pneumonia, which is often fatal.
• Hydration first: Dehydration is more immediately life-threatening than hunger. Use an eyedropper to offer small drops of water or unflavored Pedialyte at the corner of the beak, allowing the bird to swallow voluntarily.
• Appropriate food options: For insectivorous birds (most songbirds), mix 75% moistened high-quality puppy kibble (soaked in warm water until soft) with 25% finely chopped hard-boiled egg. For granivorous species like doves or finches, a commercial hand-feeding formula is preferred.
• Feeding frequency: Newborn birds typically need to be fed every 15–20 minutes from dawn to dusk. This mimics natural parental feeding patterns.
• Temperature regulation: Keep the bird warm using a heating pad set on low under half the container, or a sock filled with microwaved rice (ensure it’s not too hot).

Bird Type	Natural Diet	Emergency Substitute	Feeding Frequency
Songbirds (Robins, Sparrows)	Insects, worms, grubs	Puppy food + boiled egg	Every 15–20 min
Raptors (Hawks, Owls)	Small mammals, birds	Raw lean meat (chicken, mouse)	Every 30–60 min
Doves/Pigeons	Seeds, 'crop milk'	Commercial hand-feeding formula	Every 30–45 min
Waterfowl (Ducks, Geese)	Aquatic plants, insects	Chopped greens + hard-boiled egg	Every 1–2 hours

Species-Specific Dietary Requirements

Different bird species have evolved distinct nutritional needs during early development. Understanding these differences is critical when considering what to feed a newborn bird.

Insectivores: Most passerines (perching birds) fall into this category. Nestlings consume thousands of insects during development. Caterpillars alone are rich in carotenoids and amino acids crucial for feather and eye development. In captivity, live or rehydrated freeze-dried mealworms can supplement emergency diets.

Granivores: Finches, sparrows, and pigeons primarily eat seeds. However, even seed-eating adults feed their young insects during the early nestling phase. Doves produce “crop milk,” a nutritious secretion similar to mammalian milk, which cannot be replicated at home.

Raptors: Hawk and owl chicks require whole prey items—bones, fur, and all—for proper calcium intake and digestion. Ground meat lacks indigestible material needed for casting pellets, leading to health complications.

Nectarivores: Hummingbird chicks are fed a mix of nectar and tiny insects. Homemade sugar water should never be used for nestlings—it lacks protein and essential nutrients. Specialized hummingbird formulas are available through wildlife suppliers.

Why Commercial Formulas Are Preferred

Wildlife rehabilitators use scientifically formulated diets such as Roudybush Hand Feeding Diet, Kaytee Exact, or Zupreem Bird Food for Babies. These products are balanced for pH, osmolality, and nutrient content, reducing the risk of crop stasis or infection. They are especially important for species like parrots, songbirds, and raptors raised in care.

Homemade diets, while sometimes necessary, carry risks of nutritional imbalance, contamination, or incorrect consistency. Always consult a veterinarian or licensed rehabilitator before attempting long-term feeding.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

In many countries, including the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., it is illegal to keep native wild birds without proper permits. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 protects over 1,000 bird species, making it unlawful to possess, transport, or care for them without authorization.

Even with good intentions, untrained individuals may inadvertently harm birds through improper feeding, stress, or disease transmission. The safest and most ethical course is to contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center as soon as possible.

How to Locate a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

To find professional help:

• Contact your state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or Fish and Wildlife agency.
• Visit websites like National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA) or Wildlife Rehabilitation Information Directory.
• Call local animal control, veterinary clinics, or nature centers—they often have referral networks.

When transporting a baby bird, place it in a ventilated box with a soft lining, keep it warm and quiet, and avoid handling it unnecessarily. Do not offer food or water unless instructed by a professional.

Prevention and Public Education

Many baby bird rescues result from well-meaning but misinformed interventions. Educating the public about fledgling behavior, nesting cycles, and ecological roles helps reduce unnecessary human interference.

Spring and early summer are peak nesting seasons. During this time, communities can benefit from outreach programs explaining how to coexist with urban wildlife. Simple actions—like keeping cats indoors, avoiding pesticide use, and preserving green spaces—support healthy bird populations and reduce orphaning incidents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I feed a baby bird water?

Yes, but carefully. Offer small droplets at the beak edge using an eyedropper or small spoon. Never pour or force water, as it can enter the lungs and cause drowning.

What happens if I feed a baby bird the wrong food?

Improper food can cause crop impaction, malnutrition, bacterial overgrowth, or organ failure. Symptoms include lethargy, bloating, regurgitation, or refusal to eat.

How long can a newborn bird survive without food?

Nestlings can deteriorate within 24 hours without proper nutrition, especially in cold conditions. However, hydration status and ambient temperature significantly affect survival time.

Is it safe to touch a baby bird?

Yes. Birds have limited olfactory senses, so human scent won’t cause abandonment. However, minimize handling to reduce stress and risk of injury.

What should I do if I can't find a wildlife rehabilitator?

Contact a local veterinarian for guidance. Some clinics work with rehabilitators or can provide temporary care. Avoid prolonged home care, as it increases legal and health risks.

In summary, knowing what to feed a newborn bird involves understanding species-specific biology, recognizing the limits of home care, and prioritizing professional intervention. While emergency feeding techniques exist, they are not substitutes for expert care. The best outcome for any orphaned or injured baby bird is swift transfer to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator who can provide appropriate nutrition, medical treatment, and eventual release into the wild.