|
|
Replacement Nest | |
There are times when a healthy chick too young to be out of the nest, will be found on the ground. These are not the precocial type birds. See Identification page.
|
An additional nest is made because you cannot get to the nest. If the birds are sparsely feathered (still downy or naked) and need warmth of the parent at night, this will not be an advisable alternative. The parent cannot brood the young that are still in the original nest and the replacement nest at the same time. The only time this is advisable is if the original nest has been destroyed, or the chicks are old enough to be covered with feathers, making them able to stay warm at night without the mother. Therefore, the chicks should be brought in for rehab.
|
hummingbird nest |
|
If it is a replacement nest, the parent will only have one nest to brood at night and the young will be taken proper care of, including newly hatched birds.
If that nest is placed close enough to the original one, we have found that many times several species of birds will continue to care for the youngster or youngsters after discovering the new nest that has been provided by a human.
We love to receive calls from excited people who have gone to the trouble of placing a makeshift nest and see it become successfully accepted by the parent birds.
The substitute nest size should be at least twice as tall as when the bird is standing up and twice the wingspan, unless it is for a Hummingbird. Consider the differences in a Hummingbird nest, compared with that of a Mockingbird or Sparrow nest. If it is a bird of prey contact your local wildlife agencies or rehabilitator. (not sure-click here)
|
- The container should be a tightly weaved basket or something that can withstand water with rounded edges, if possible.
- Place a piece of cloth in the bottom that wicks away water or dries quickly. The cloth should have NO loose loops or loose string that the bird can catch toes or get the string wrapped around legs or neck. Cotton balls are not advisable.
- If it is a dove, pine needles can also be used for bedding.
- Use wide strips of a waterproof material to tie the nest to the tree. We don’t suggest thin wire because when the bird begins to sit on the side of the nest, it could get its feet caught between the branches or the container and the wire. We also don’t suggest string, for the same reason and it may degrade and break or fray with weather.
- Find a V in a branch that is strong, yet far enough out where cats won’t venture. Choose a location as close to where you believe the original nest was (or is) keeping in mind the location you choose is out of the sun (the nest must be in filtered shade, wind, and rain. Remember, when choosing a location, the parent or parents usually place the nest where predators (including humans) will not be attracted to the nest.
- Watch the nest from inside a building or far enough away that the mother will not fear your presence.
|
 |
|
Remember; Parent birds are frantic to find the youngster but will not approach the replacement nest if they think it will draw any attention to themselves or their young.
If the parents don’t come to care for the young birds in a reasonable amount of time or if the bird seems weak, injured or otherwise compromised, you will need to bring it into rehab. Place it in a cloth lined box, put it half on and half off a source of warmth (such as a heating pad), taking care to not get the youngster too warm. Call your local rehabilitation center or wildlife agency.
|
|
Copyright © 2005, Wild Wing Project. All rights reserved.
This site is powered by the staff at Virtual Influx
|
