Lucky, The Baby House Finch

Lucky, The Baby House Finch

by Sandy
(Canton, Georgia)

A few weeks ago I noticed a couple of little birds building a nest in a flower arrangement I had on my front door.

I looked at pictures of native birds and determined they were house finches. When the nest was finished it wasn't long before mother bird had laid 4 small eggs.

Just over a week after that 4 fuzzy little baby birds hatched. Then a disaster happened.

I was watching television one night and I heard a thud at the front door. I looked out the window and saw a cat, I immediately went outside and found the nest on the ground.

Fortunately I found only one of the babies; at first I thought it was dead as it was so cold but I brought it inside and put it on a heating pad.

It perked up quickly so I put it in the nest and got on the computer to find out how to take care of it.

I found out there was a formula for baby birds so I went to the pet store the next day and picked some up.

When I first found the baby it was only about 5 days old, its eyes were not open yet and it was almost bald.

Anyway I have been feeding it the formula and she ( I think it is a girl, she is so spunky) has blossomed. She's probably about 3 weeks to a month old now and is beautiful.

She is out of the nest and has all her feathers. She cannot fly yet and she should be weaned about now but I can't get her interested in seeds.

I am going to call the National Wildlife people tomorrow and see if they can advise me. Much as I would love to keep her I intend to set her free as long as I know she can take care of herself in the wild.

It has been a wonderful experience and I am so glad I saved one baby bird's life.

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Lucky, The Baby House Finch

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May 21, 2011
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Baby House Finch
by: Joyce

8 days ago my dog found a baby house finch while out for her daily walk. I observed for any parents trying to find the bird and there were none. I brought the bird home, made a nest in a deep, square box and the first night fed it softened cat food.

The next day I bought NutriStart and bird vitamins. She has grown, has most of her feathers, except under her arms and neck. I have added softened (liquid) cat food to her diet and feed her with a very small syringe. She is now jumping around and is trying to fly.

I have put her in a bird cage, but know nothing abut weaning her and what food she will eat as an adult. Could you help me?

She is already imprinted I am afraid and she will have to remain in our home if at all possible. Thank you for any help you can give me.

jamesclancy5661@comcast.net

May 11, 2011
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NOT true.
by: Stranger

That's not true. It is fine if you touch her, and if you teach her how to do the things that a bird must do to survive (eat, drink, fly), she will be easy to release back into the wild.

There are several birds in my neighborhood that have been raised by me, and now that they have been in the wild, they are just as flighty and frightened as any other bird.

Believe me. Lucky will be able to return to the wild. No wild bird should be kept forever.

Jul 05, 2010
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HELP!
by: Peter

Hi there!... Terrific page! I'm writing from Eastern, Atlantic Canada, where I've found a baby House Finch. He's got almost all his feathers, save for his little poof of a nubby tail. He's peeping and hopping about, like mad, trying to get out of the tub I've put him in.

I've raised European Starlings, baby Grackles and even an injured Barn owl. But this is the first time I've ever even attempted to save a little peebler like my new Finchy mate. He/She doesn't want to seem to eat...... Yet. There was an overture at "begging" a little earlier last night, but for the most part the little fella' seems more intent on making good his escape.

Problem is, though... He REALLY can't fly. He's still his pin feathers and no "adult" tail feathers to speak of, so all It's attempts at liberation have involved pecking at the sides of the plastic wash-tub, and a whole lot of fluttering straight up... then down. He's(?) really quite bold and doesn't seem VERY afraid of me at all.

I'd love for him/her/it (whatever) to survive, but I honestly don't have a clue as to what I'm doing. We've no Aviary vets here, and the Humane Society (I've found) really isn't all that "humane" in dealing with tiny lives that are difficult to care for. So, I'm stuck... Albeit, somewhat gladly... But I need help.

Is there anything you could tell me about the care of partially fledged baby House Finches? Any information you can give me would be GREATLY appreciated!
Cheers,
Peter

Aug 15, 2009
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our newest family member Louie
by: naomi

we just found a baby finch on the ground while mowing the lawn. We have decided to keep him and try to get him to eat but had no idea what to give him. he has feathers but still has a few bald spots and that fluffy stuff on his head. I got him to take water out of a medicine dropper and eat a couple of small knats...but do not know what else to give him.

Jul 16, 2009
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what to do?!?!
by: new momma

hello, i loved this page that you wrote! I myself had found a baby house finch at our barn, and was wondering what to do with him. (he acts like a him) my family and i have been feeding him dog food soaked in warm water and have let him hop around for a few minutes on a towel. However we are still discussing if we should take him to a wildlife shelter or not. He's is doing fine for now, but what should we do while we discuss the shelter thing? Does he need anything else? Seeing that you have had one, I thought that maybe you could give me some advice.

Jul 16, 2009
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She!
by: Anonymous

I am not sure how this turned out. It is almost better to keep her, but most states will not even allow you to keep a feather or it is illegal, let alone a bird. I am sure you could secretly keep her though. It is so nice that you took care of her, and shame on that cat! Most birds do not make it on their own, especially after being cared for by a human. If you are caring for them you should never make eye contact, and never let them touch you, but to keep a warm blanket. Feeding is also tricky because it is very easy for a baby bird to aspirate. I hope that she made it, I would get her a comfy place in your home and heart though for the rest of your life. She is used to humans now and will never make it on her own because of it, she is too trusting, and we are not all nice.

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