You can feed baby birds a diet that mimics what their parents provide, mainly focusing on high-protein and easily digestible foods. Here are some recommended options and guidelines:
What to Feed Baby Birds
- Insects and Protein: Most baby birds primarily eat insects for rapid growth. You can offer small soft insects like mealworms or a high-protein baby bird formula. Cooked egg yolk, finely chopped turkey, or mashed scrambled eggs are also good protein sources
- Pellets and Soaked Food: A mixture of mynah bird pellets or dry dog food soaked in warm water, combined with a bit of baby food, turkey, and cooked egg yolk, can provide balanced nutrition. The consistency should be similar to oatmeal
- Wet Cat or Dog Food: For insectivorous birds, warmed canned cat or dog food (without additives) can be used as a substitute, as it is high in protein. Remove any jelly or gravy and feed only the meat portion
- Fruits and Seeds: As baby birds grow (fledglings), introduce natural foods like finely crushed seeds, fruits, and vegetables to encourage self-feeding. Omnivorous birds can have a balanced diet of insects, seeds, fruits, and small amounts of meat
Feeding Tips
- Feed baby birds every 20-30 minutes during daylight hours when they are very young, reducing frequency as they grow
- Avoid feeding milk or bread, as these can cause digestive issues
- Use a small syringe, tweezers, or a popsicle stick to feed them gently, ensuring not to overfeed. Feed only until the crop (a pouch on the side of their neck) appears full
- Provide a few drops of water only if the bird is dehydrated, but generally, the food mixture should supply enough hydration
- Keep feeding utensils clean and disinfected to prevent infections
Foods to Avoid
- Milk and dairy products
- Bread or processed human foods high in salt, sugar, or fat
- Large seeds or hard foods that can cause choking
Summary
A suitable baby bird diet includes soaked pellets or dry dog food mixed with baby food and cooked egg yolk, supplemented with insects or high-protein soft foods like scrambled eggs or warmed cat food. Feed frequently in small amounts, avoid milk and bread, and introduce natural foods as the bird grows
. If unsure, contacting a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian is recommended to ensure proper care and nutrition.
