How much to feed a baby sparrow?
Feeding Frequency
- Newborn to 1 week old: Feed every 15 to 20 minutes from dawn until dusk.
- 1 to 2 weeks old: As the sparrow starts growing feathers and opens its eyes, you can extend feeding intervals to every 30 to 45 minutes.
- 2 to 4 weeks old: Once the bird begins hopping around, feed it every hour.
- 4 weeks and older: You can start leaving small amounts of food for it to eat on its own, transitioning to feeding every 2 to 3 hours as it becomes more independent.
What to Feed
- Protein-Rich Foods: Baby sparrows require protein for growth. Suitable options include:
- Soaked cat food (ensure it’s soft and mushy).
- A mixture of cat food with hard-boiled eggs and applesauce can provide essential nutrients.
- Commercial baby bird formula designed for hand-feeding can also be used.
- Preparation:
- Soak dry cat food in water until it becomes mushy.
- Mix in a small amount of applesauce and chopped hard-boiled egg for added nutrition.
- Ensure the mixture has a consistency similar to cooked oatmeal for easy feeding.
- Hydration:
- Do not provide water directly; baby birds get their hydration from the food. Adding moisture through the formula is sufficient. Avoid giving drops of water as this can lead to drowning or pneumonia.
Signs of Proper Feeding
- The baby sparrow should gain weight daily, indicating that it is receiving enough nutrition.
- If you notice a lump forming in its throat while feeding, this is normal as it indicates food is being stored in the crop before digestion.
Weaning Process
- At around 4 weeks, begin leaving small bits of food around for the sparrow to explore on its own.
- By 6 to 8 weeks, the bird should be fully weaned and able to eat independently, transitioning to an adult diet consisting primarily of seeds and insects.
Important Considerations
- Avoid feeding baby sparrows pasta, bread, or dairy products as these can cause digestive issues.
- If the bird refuses to eat or shows signs of distress, consult a veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitation center for assistance [1][2].
Following these guidelines will help ensure your baby sparrow receives the proper care and nutrition for healthy development.
Citations:
[1] https://pethelpful.com/wildlife/Raising-a-baby-sparrow
[2] https://animals.mom.com/baby-sparrows-diet-11430.html