As the weather warms up in spring, you may start to see baby birds appearing in nests, being fed by their attentive mothers. But what would happen if the mother disappeared or was unable to care for her babies? How long could the baby birds survive on their own without their mother’s care?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: most baby birds can only survive 1-3 days without being fed by their mothers. Exact survival time depends on the species, age, weather conditions, and whether other adult birds help feed the orphaned chicks.
Factors That Determine How Long Baby Birds Can Survive Without Their Mother
Species of Bird
The species of bird plays a major role in determining how long a baby bird can survive without its mother. Larger bird species like hawks, eagles and owls tend to have a lower mortality rate when abandoned as chicks compared to smaller songbirds.
Larger chicks have more energy reserves and can go longer without being fed. Smaller songbird chicks have higher metabolisms and can only survive 1-3 days alone. Size matters when it comes to survival odds!
Age of the Chick
The age and development stage of a baby bird also affects its survival chances if the mother suddenly disappears. Newly hatched chicks are completely dependent on the mother for warmth, protection and food. They will only last a day or two alone.
As chicks grow, they gain the ability to thermoregulate and move around the nest. Older nestlings (7-10 days old) can survive longer unfed, sometimes up to a week before succumbing to starvation.
Weather and Environmental Conditions
The weather and habitat conditions play a huge role in a chick’s survival. Cold temperatures, rain, or hot sun can quickly lead to hypothermia or overheating in babies lacking parental care. Nestlings stay alive longer in moderate weather with the protection of a nest.
Environmental factors like predators, parasites, and competition for food resources also impact survival. Chicks in safer habitats with plentiful insects fare better than those exposed to harsh elements and limited resources when abandoned.
Presence of Other Adult Birds
If other adult birds of the same species are nesting nearby, they may foster abandoned chicks by feeding and caring for them. This altruistic adoption greatly improves survival odds for orphaned babies. However, some adult birds will ignore or even attack unfamiliar chicks in their territory.
Having foster parents or helpers present makes a big difference in how long chicks can go without their real mother. Community support is crucial!
Survival Times for Common Backyard Birds
Robins – 2 to 4 Days
Robins are a familiar sight in backyards across North America. The fluffy, spotted baby robins rely on their attentive parents to provide food and protection in the nest for 10-14 days after hatching. If something happens to the adult robins during this vulnerable time, the nestlings can only survive on their own for 2 to 4 days before succumbing to starvation, exposure to the elements, or predation.
Blue Jays – 5 to 7 Days
The bright blue and crested blue jay is a common backyard bird in many areas. Blue jay chicks are blind, naked, and helpless when they hatch. They remain in the nest for 17-21 days, relying completely on their parents to bring them food.
According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, if blue jay parents disappear or die during this time, their chicks can survive unaided for 5 to 7 days.
Cardinals – 4 to 6 Days
The red cardinal is well-known for its distinctive crimson plumage and songs. Cardinal hatchlings need constant care and feeding from their parents in the nest for 9-11 days before fledging. The Cornell Lab reports that without this parental care, baby cardinals can only endure for 4 to 6 days before succumbing from elements exposure, starvation, accidents or predators.
Chickadees – 1 to 2 Days
These tiny, hyperactive birds are fixtures at backyard bird feeders across North America. Chickadee chicks hatch blind and naked in nests, where they are fed by both parents for 16-18 days. Compared to larger songbirds, chickadees are more vulnerable and less developed when they hatch.
The Cornell Lab states that without their devoted parents bringing food, baby chickadees will perish in just 1 to 2 days.
Steps to Help Orphaned Baby Birds Survive
Contact Wildlife Rehabilitator Quickly
If you find a baby bird that has fallen from its nest or been abandoned, it’s crucial to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible. Professional rehabilitators have the proper training, facilities, and resources to give orphaned chicks the best chance at survival.
Try to locate a rehabilitator in your area by searching online or contacting local animal control agencies. Once you’ve found one, call right away to make arrangements for the chick’s care. The sooner the baby bird can be assessed and treated by a rehabilitator, the better its prognosis will be.
Keep Chick Warm
Baby birds are unable to regulate their own body temperature, so it’s vital to keep orphaned chicks warm until they can be transferred to a wildlife rehabilitator. Create a makeshift nest by lining a small box or basket with soft cloths or towels.
Place the chick gently inside and put the whole thing on a heating pad set to low. Make sure the box doesn’t get too hot and monitor the chick closely. Keep it in a quiet, dark place away from loud noises, children, and pets.
Maintaining proper warmth will help stabilize the chick until professional care can be provided.
Avoid Handling Chick
It’s understandable to want to help an abandoned baby bird by holding and comforting it. However, wild animals do not see interaction with humans positively. Excessive handling can stress the chick, making its situation worse.
The best thing is to limit contact and keep the chick in its makeshift nest as much as possible. If you must handle the bird to transfer it into the nest, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly first and avoid touching it any more than absolutely necessary.
The less it is disturbed, the lower its heart rate will be.
Create Makeshift Nest
An orphaned chick’s best chance of survival is being returned to the nest, if possible. If the nest can’t be located or is unsafe, create a substitute nest to keep the chick in. You can use a small basket, box, or container lined with soft fabric like fleece or cotton t-shirts.
Place a heating pad underneath, set to low. Make sure the nest is several inches deep so the chick can’t wriggle out. Monitor it frequently and redo the nest if materials get soiled. A well-made substitute nest keeps the baby warm, secure, and stable until a wildlife rehabilitator takes over care.
Conclusion
In summary, most baby birds can only survive a very limited time without their mother’s care, usually just 1-3 days depending on species and conditions. Their best chance of survival is receiving help from a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible after becoming orphaned.
With quick intervention, many orphaned chicks can still be rescued and survive into adulthood. If you find baby birds that appear to be orphaned, be sure to contact a local rehabber right away to give them the best shot at life.