However, sometimes, there are instances that you may find a baby bird on the ground or the mother had left and never returned. If possible, a healthy nestling should be returned to the nest. Hand-raised babies grow up with no fear of humans or other potential dangers such as cats, dogs and young children. Although you mean well, you may be doing more harm than good by feeding a wild baby bird. Watch quietly for a few hours to make sure that a parent comes back to feed the nestling. 3. It is best to either leave him alone or transport him as soon as possible to a wildlife rehabilitation center. How to Save Orphaned or Injured Birds. Here’s how to do this: Look for the nest. If the parent doesn’t return, follow the steps below for saving an orphaned baby bird. What to Feed Baby Pigeons and Doves. Once you’ve identified an orphaned, injured, or ill nestling fledgling, follow these steps: 1. The hand-raised baby usually makes a better pet, as it has been completely socialized with humans. Do not assume you need to feed the baby bird. If the baby is well-fed, however, it will feel more confident and secure, and will be more likely to try out some of the new foods that you introduce. These are adverse situations for the bird and the baby, but why not, we do our bit? If you are still interested in taking on the responsibility of feeding baby birds, at least work with an experienced wildlife rehabilitator. Once you find it, look in the nest to find out if other babies are there who look the same as the one you found. If there are, place the baby gently in his nest. Baby birds are unable to survive outside the nest, even if their parents are still feeding them. A pair of birds produced a late (October) brood of chicks, but an early freeze caused the adults to stop feeding the chicks. Hand feeding baby birds is only a substitute for parent-raised birds, but it does have certain advantages. Many years ago, I kept a few homing pigeons. When baby birds are hungry, they seek comfort and food from their mother. In fact, many wildlife centers recommend that you not try to feed a wild baby bird. A lot of baby birds are taken care of the mother till a long duration of time, while some baby birds are left to fly within a few hours itself. Try offering a little solid food right after a formula feeding to encourage the baby bird to try it. Monitor the bird.