Print
Orphaned birds
Now and again partly developed sparrow chicks fall from the nest. If possible, the chick should be returned to the nest. Otherwise the chicks survival depends on human care. Intervene only if the chick is not fully feathered.
Hand-rearing is time-consuming and difficult, and the chance of success very low; attempt it only as a last resort. Usually orphans should be passed to an expert rehabilitator.
Young house sparrows leave the nest when fully feathered, but many are not able to fly for a couple of days. Since the parents continue to look after it for a fortnight, a fledgling is extremely unlikely to be abandoned.
If the fledgling is in an unsuitable place such as a busy footpath, move it a few feet out of harms way. Fledglings should almost never be rescued, but should be left well alone in the care of their parents.