Found Baby Finch After Owl Attack

[duckylover2201]

Tonight while I was taking my dog to go to the bathroom I heard the distress calls of a mother trying to protect her baby. I assumed she was okay so I just went back to my dog. Next thing I knew what looked to me from far away like a hawk and I saw the parents pecking at it as it flew to the ground. I then proceeded to run over two yard and yell at the owl in hopes of scaring it away which I did. After that I heard some rustling around where the owl had landed under a bush. When I looked under, to my surprise there was a tiny little baby finch (all feathers except a few on his head grown in) I then ran home and examined him to make sure he wasn't injured. After I saw that he was injury free I went back to where I found him and tried to find a nest in the bush or his parents. When I didn't see either I put him in a little shoe box with some holes poked in the top and soon remembered a nest that another finch had built about 2 months before that she never laid in. I went outside and got it and he is now laying in it sleeping after I gave him some water. What do I feed him in order to get him the proper nutrients and how often do I have to feed him?
Thanks in advance and God Bless!

 

[Talithahorse]

If it is a finch it is a seed eater. The best food to get them is to go to the pet store and get the parrot baby food. Then you just mix it with water to the right consistency. (pea soup). A large syringe (no needle of course) works well to feed the baby. If it is mostly feathered out it should be able to go about 2-3 hours between feeds during the day (you don't feed very much at each feeding). To get them to eat, I would put their beak between my fingers to stimulate them as the mother would put their beak into her mouth to regurgitate the seeds. (If the bird just opens its mouth, then it is more than likely an insectivore in which case dry dog food softened to mashed potato consistency works well. At that age I do not feed them overnight as Mom would not look for food overnight. If the bird is able to stand up and is nearly ready for flight, Mom will more than likely feed it where it is if she can find it. Taking the old nest and putting it in the approximate location and keeping an eye on the baby should work. You can go in and feed it a bite or two and then back out and watch (if you are worried). Mother will not care if you handled the baby she will still accept it back.

Good Luck

 

[Talithahorse]

Oh, if you can't get to the store, you could take a little bit of chicken food and soften it for now. I wouldn't do that full time but that will keep it full until you can get to the store.

 

[duckylover2201]

Ok! Thank you so much!!!