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Songbirds
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
Description
European Starlings 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 many native species.
European Starlings are not a protected species. That means that anyone can raise one. Starlings raised as pets should not be returned to the wild. Keep in mind that starlings can live up to 20 years.
Starling Care
Naked or with Pin Feathers
Feeding: Use Baby Starling Diet; 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 Starling Diet; feed every 2 hours. Leave small dish of food in the cage between feedings, changing frequently to prevent spoilage. Give water in a shallow jar lid filled with marbles. Also, give a small dish of mealworms.
Housing: Small bird cage; use a heating pad at night. Cover ½ of the cage during the day; cover completely at night. Exposure to sunlight is critical, but do not allow overheating.
Immature, Adult
Feeding: use Adult Starling Diet, mealworms, fruit, water in a small bowl (no marbles)
Housing: bird cage
BABY STARLING DIET
1 c. Science Diet Canine Growth soaked in 1 c. cold water
1 jar (4-1/2 oz.) strained bananas
1 tsp. Superpreen bird vitamins
Mix in food processor and store in the refrigerator
ADULT STARLING DIET
3 c. Science Diet Canine Growth, soaked in 1-1/2 c. cold water
2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and finely chopped
½ c. fruit, finely chopped
1 tbs. Superpreen bird vitamins
Mix well and store in the refrigerator
This information was provided by Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing the best possible care to injured or orphaned wild animals in order to release them back to the wild. Thanks to the Lindsey Wildlife Museum for contributing to this fact sheet.