baby sparrow found

sarahdykes · #1 (**permalink**) 15-07-2011, 08:24 PM

hi looking for advice, my son found a very young sparrow , hardly any feathers, what looks like he has had a bang to the head has very week neck, and the mother dead. i am feeding it every 2 to 3 hours raw mince, which he seems to like, bread dipped in water for fluids and a microwaveable beany to keep it warm.i have been looking after it for 4 days so far , its going to the toilet ok eyes have openend in the last 2 days and feathers developing. am i doing the right thing , i have only just found this site so hope you can help. thanks from sarah.

Farplace · #2 (**permalink**) 15-07-2011, 08:44 PM

If you have kept it alive 4 days so far, you must be doing something right. Is there a wildlife rescue centre nearby who can either take the bird in, or advise on future care?

sarahdykes · #3 (**permalink**) 15-07-2011, 08:51 PM

no idea if there is one , do you think it is possible to raise this myself or not

Farplace · #4 (**permalink**) 15-07-2011, 09:03 PM

Carry on as you are doing - seems to be working. You may need to change the diet slightly as it grows. keep it warm, but not too warm.... make sure it has enough to drink.... feed often.
PM me if you need advise.
Jan

sarahdykes · #5 (**permalink**) 15-07-2011, 09:23 PM

thanks so much for replying so quick, what is the best food for it and is it supose to have such a week neck or will it improve as it gets older, i am guessing it is about 6 days old from picture i have seen.

Farplace · #6 (**permalink**) 16-07-2011, 10:46 AM

Sparrows are seed eaters, but at this age they eat invertibrates. They need a lot of protein. they also need calcium and vitamins.
Recipies vary, but our general diet for tiny birds like yours is as follows:
Egg-food;
Crushed dried mealworms;
suet;
chopped and soaked dried fruit (sultanas, currents etc)
And as they get older, mix with millet or similar small grains.

There are other things you can feed - baby rusks, mushed digestive biscutes etc.
As for the weak neck, it is to be expected at this age. Worry however, if it cannot move the neck/head, or gape for food.

sarahdykes · #7 (**permalink**) 16-07-2011, 11:57 PM

hi there again, thanks again for your response, as it stands he is sat in my hand supporting his head a bit more as i type this. his feathers are growing more each day and always pleased to see me. you didnt mention if it was ok for me to give him raw mince, hope it is as he seems to like it.ill try some fruit tomorrow and see if he likes it. speek again soon from sarah.