what to feed a baby starling

2 min read 24-12-2024

Finding a baby starling can be alarming, but with the right care, you can help it survive. Knowing what to feed a baby starling is crucial for its health and development. This guide provides essential information on caring for these fledglings. Remember, it's always best to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator if you find an injured or orphaned bird.

Understanding Baby Starling Needs

Baby starlings, also known as nestlings, are entirely dependent on their parents for food and warmth. Their nutritional requirements are very specific. Improper feeding can lead to malnutrition, illness, and death. Providing the correct diet is paramount to their survival.

Identifying a Baby Starling

Before you start feeding, make sure you've correctly identified the bird. Baby starlings are often confused with other birds. They are typically covered in downy feathers and have yellow beaks. They have very little ability to move around on their own. If it's fully feathered and attempting to hop around it may be a fledgling and should be left alone unless in immediate danger.

What to Feed a Baby Starling

The best food for a baby starling closely mimics what its parents would provide: insects.

Ideal Diet:

Insects: This is the cornerstone of their diet. Offer a variety of insects, including mealworms, crickets, and soft-bodied insects like caterpillars. Avoid hard-shelled beetles.
Insect-based Commercial Food: Reputable pet stores sell commercially produced insect-based food designed specifically for insectivorous birds. This can be a useful supplement.

Preparing the Food:

Finely Chopped or Pureed: For very young nestlings, insects should be finely chopped or even pureed to make them easier to swallow.
Avoid Additives: Never add salt, sugar, or any other human food additives to their diet. This can be toxic to the bird.

What NOT to Feed a Baby Starling:

Bread, milk, or other human foods: These are highly inappropriate and can be deadly.
Hard seeds: Their digestive systems aren't designed to handle these.
Raw meat: This can contain harmful bacteria.
Cooked food: Avoid all cooked food items.

Feeding Techniques and Frequency

Feeding Frequency: Very young nestlings need to be fed every 15-20 minutes throughout the day. As they get older, you can gradually reduce the frequency to every 30-60 minutes.
Feeding Method: Use tweezers or a small syringe to gently feed the food into the baby starling's open beak. Avoid force-feeding.
Food Consistency: Adjust the food's consistency as the bird grows. Older nestlings can handle larger, less-pureed insects.

Hydration is Key

Providing clean, fresh water is as important as proper nutrition. You can use a shallow dish or a dropper to give the bird water.

Seeking Professional Help

Remember, caring for a baby starling is a significant undertaking. It's crucial to seek professional assistance from a licensed wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible. They have the expertise and resources to provide the best possible care.

Resources

Your local wildlife rehabilitation center: Search online for "wildlife rehabilitator [your location]" to find a center near you.
The National Wildlife Federation: Offers resources and information on wildlife care.

By following these guidelines and seeking professional help when needed, you can significantly improve the chances of a baby starling's survival. Remember, even with the best care, it’s always best to return the bird to the wild as soon as it is healthy and strong enough to survive on its own.