Found Baby House Sparrow

[RATTIE2007]

I found a baby House Sparrow today in my yard so I put it in a 5'(w) x 4'(t) x 3'(d) cage because I have 4 dogs that will kill it. I put a lot of branches from the trees that the nest is in in the cage and on the top and sides of it to keep the sun out. The cage is under the tree that I think the nest is in. The baby can fly about 3" off the ground for about 3'. My dog killed one that he found and I will look for more every few hours. I plan on letting them go when they can fly better. The mom & dad have been going to the cage. I have finch seed and pellets in the cage for it.

 

[loraxchick]

ive worked for an environmental agency and we used to get all sorts of calls about wildlife in danger...it most likely just fledged and still earning to fly (as you suggested- if it werent attempting to "fly a few inches off the ground" id say just plop it back in the nest)...is there a safe place to move the bird nearby that is away from your dogs? just take it out of the cage and put it under a shrub or bush...the parents will find it)...or leash your dogs for a few days while it is learning, the parents continue to care for fledgelings for some time. and dont worry about touching it and getting human scent on it...it is a HUGE myth that parents will reject the babies if touched by a human. that is simply not true.
good luck!

 

[RATTIE2007]

Thanks, There is no were safe for the bird in any of the yards around me because every one has dogs and cats. I can't keep my dogs on leash when they are in the yard because there is always one of them outside. My dog found a younger one today but my mom got the dog before it got the baby. I put some crushed dog food in the cage and am making some baby bird food for if they don't eat the dry stuff. I will get some cat food later.

 

[afishdude]

I think you should put the bird back in the nest. If the parents are swooping down to the cage that means they want it back. It has a much better chance of surviving with the parents than in a cage.

 

[RATTIE2007]

I can't get to the nest because it is in a 50-75 foot tall tree.

 

[Amunet]

Awww, poor babies. I have absolutely no advice since I've never read up on something like this or experienced it before.
Just hope that the little birdies will be ok and you get to release them soon

 

[RATTIE2007]

Thanks.