I can’t tell you how many times I’ve found baby birds on the ground.  This is a guaranteed panic attack for my eight year old daughter.  “Where is the Mommy?!”  The cat will get it!!  We have to save it!”  But honestly, nine times out of ten the bird will be fine.

Baby birds usually leave the next several days before they can fly.  These fledglings hop around on the ground, jumping onto low branches as they wander. During this time, the parents continue to feed the baby bird.  So if you see a fairly large baby bird on the ground, it is best to leave the bird alone.

If you find a bird that does not have parents feeding it, there may be a wildlife rehabilitation specialist in your area that can help.  Furthermore, a veterinarian may agree to either help or provide you with a phone number for a local bird specialist.

A baby bird that is obviously too small to be out of the nest is probably very near it’s nesting home.  Look up in the trees and in the bushes.  Walk away and see if you can spot a mother bird swooping down to protect the it’s baby.  This will give you an idea of the nest location.

Baby birds can be placed back in the nest, despite old wives tales that say otherwise.  Birds have a poor sense of smell and will not stop feeding babies because “they smell like humans.”  If you cannot find the nest, place the baby bird in a basket lined with leaves and hang the basket on a tree.  Watch to see if the mother begins feeding the bird in the nest.

If you have come to an end of bird care resources, it is possible to take on the challenge of feeding a baby bird.  Baby birds need protein.  For a good baby bird food, mix 1 teaspoon cottage cheese, ¼ cup wet dog food, ¼ of a hard boiled egg yolk, ¼ cup ground beef, 1 teaspoon turtle food and 1 teaspoon sand or grit.  You can freeze what you are not using within a day or two to keep it fresh.  When the baby bird gets older you can feed it cut up bugs and worms.

To feed the bird, make sure the food is at room temperature.  GENTLY lift the baby’s head up and tap the bill.  The baby should open his or her beak wide.  Feed small bits to the baby.  When the baby is full the mouth will not appear gaping anymore.  If you need to, you can gently place your hand over the back of the baby’s back and wings.

Keep the baby bird in a warm place, such as a small box with disposable soft paper such as paper towels.

Keep in mind, it is hard to hand feed a wild baby bird.  Baby birds eat every fifteen minutes or so – so be ready and have lots of time.  This is why it is best to call a rehabilitator or a veterinarian.  You might also look up local bird breeders, who might volunteer to take on this responsibility.

Pet Food Recall

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Menu Foods, one of the largest pet food manufacturers, is recalling dog and cat food that is sold under 48 different brand names. Some of the widely distributed brand names include Nutro, Eukanuba and Iams. These can be found at Safeway, Kroger, Food Lion, Wal-Mart, Petsmart and many other well known stores.

Ten cats and dogs have died from eating the recalled food, while an unknown number of others have suffered from vomiting and kidney failure.

The manufacturer has posted a recall list at http://www.menufoods.com/recall and has two phone numbers consumers can call – 866-463-6738 and 866-895-2708. According to Menu Foods, the cause of these serious health problems is a rat poison found in the wet food.

Please visit the link supplied to determine if the dog or cat food you have is tainted. With over 48 brand names, you just might have a can, pouch or bag that is potentially life threatening to your pet.