Wildlife Rehabilitation & Release

Songbirds

What is a Songbird?

Stages of Development

Caring for Babies

Injured Adults and Juveniles

Non-native Birds

Swallows

Hummingbirds

Frequently-Asked Questions

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

Description House Sparrows are not native to the United States and have caused harm to populations of native birds.  They are fierce competitors with many native species such as bluebirds, wrens, flickers, woodpeckers, swallows and other birds that use nesting cavities or small nests.  This competition has led to the drastic decline in the numbers of our native species. House Sparrows are not a protected species.  That means that anyone can raise one.  House sparrows raised as pets should not be returned to the wild.   Keep in mind that house sparrows can live up to 23 years.

House Sparrow Care

Naked or with Pin Feathers

Feeding:  Use Baby House Sparrow Diet (see below); feed every 15 minutes.  Use the crop as a guide.  If the crop is still full, lengthen the time between feedings.  Refrigerate the food to prevent spoilage, but feed at room temperature.  Clean bill and feathers well after feeding.

Housing: A small margarine container lined with toilet paper makes a good nest. Put the nest in a three-gallon ice cream bucket lined with paper towels. Place a heating pad (low setting) under the bucket.  Provide most air by placing a small damp sponge or a damp cotton ball in a jar lid next to the nest.  Change the nest and bucket lining after each feeding.  Temperature should be kept at 80-85 degrees F.

Feathered, Fledgling

Feeding:  Use Baby House Sparrow Diet; feed every 2 hours.  Leave a small dish of food in the cage between feedings, changing frequently to prevent spoiling.  Give water in a shallow container filled with marbles.  Also, give a small dish of wild bird seed.

 Housing:   Small bird cage; use a heating pad at night.  Cover ½ of the cage during the day; completely cover the cage at night.  Exposure to sunlight is critical, but do not allow bird to overheat.

Immature, Adult

Feeding:  Use Adult House Sparrow Diet, wild bird seed, water in a small bowl (no marbles).

Housing:  Bird Cage

BABY HOUSE SPARROW DIET

1 c. Science Diet Canine Growth soaked in 1c. cold water
1 jar (4-1/2 oz.) strained bananas
1 hard-boiled egg, peeled
1 tsp. Superpreen bird vitamins
Mix in food processor and store in refrigerator

ADULT HOUSE SPARROW DIET

3 c. Science Diet Canine Growth, soaked in
1-1/2 c. cold water
2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and finely chopped
1/2c. fruit, finely chopped
1 tbs. Superpreen bird vitamins
Mix well and store in refrigerator

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