Baby Robin

[stepnstone]

Not a squirrel, life threatening just the same...

Baby Robin on the ground, momma is around, can't see/find nest. Neighborhood has roaming cats, what can or should I do? Hang some type bucket or nest like item in tree and put it in it? I have a large off the ground cage outside, should I place him in that and just leave the (big) door open?
Any suggestions?

[djarenspace9]

Is it a fledgling? Fully feathered including tail, hopping on the ground?
If it is, then it would be on the ground to learn to fly
and it's parents are monitoring and supplying food.
It takes several days for them to learn.

This is the info we give at the rehab center that I volunteer at:

If the baby is not fully feathered try placing it back in the nest if possible.
If the nest is too high you can hang a grass-lined basket or a plastic container
(with holes poked in the bottom for drainage in case of rain) in the same or a nearby tree.
Watch from a distance for about 20 minutes and if the mother is OK she will return to care for it.
If this fails, contact a rehabilitator.

If the baby IS fully feathered, has tail feathers and is hopping on the ground, it is a fledgling.
This is a normal learning stage and the mother is very likely nearby feeding it.
You may place the bird back in the nest if it is within reach, but chances are he will hop right back out.
This is a very necessary stage at which the young bird learns how to fly, how to find food and to watch out for predators.
The birds mother can teach him these things much better than we can, so please leave these birds be.
Fledglings will be flying within a couple of days, so if you have cats, perhaps they could stay inside for a short time.

We always say there's a fine line between rescuing and bird-napping. :D
Use your judgment...but try to help them continue their process.
Rehabbers can't teach the babies as well as their mamas can!

[stepnstone]

Thanks for the info, I'm assuming from the looks it is a fledgling. I've just let it be but will watch out for cats, I can't see where it went now but figure it is still in the area as I can still see momma gathering worms. :thumbsup

[squirrelsrule&bunniestoo]

Looks like a fledgling, so you are doing the right thing leaving him be :thumbsup.

[UDoWhat]

Boy, this one is close? I don't know if fledging or in a day or 2 from it. If it is still there by night fall I'd bring it in and reunite with momma robin in the early morning. Really, really close to the line on this one. What do you think? :thinking :dono (leaning toward fledge)

Marty

[mugzeezma]

Not a squirrel, life threatening just the same...

Baby Robin on the ground, momma is around, can't see/find nest. Neighborhood has roaming cats, what can or should I do? Hang some type bucket or nest like item in tree and put it in it? I have a large off the ground cage outside, should I place him in that and just leave the (big) door open?
Any suggestions?

He would jump out of anything you put him in

Toss it in ground cover or shrubs...they call to mamma and she will feed it
He is about 1-3 days from flying like a pro

He's a fledge

[2ndHandRanchRescue]

I get lots of those around here - little learning fledlings. I'm glad the above instuctions mention the HOLES in the container. ( I have 3-4 ready at any time in my barn) many years ago I forgot the holes. What a dummy I was - went out after a rain and found that I had KILLED the 2 babies - I still feel bad. I've been trying to make up the bird Karma ever since!!! Cute photo too!

[UDoWhat]

Any news on this little one? Do you need help or any other info? All info is great. Hope it is ok.:thumbsup

Marty

[stepnstone]

Any news on this little one? Do you need help or any other info? All info is great. Hope it is ok.:thumbsup
Marty

I watched momma gathering mouthfuls of worms and disappearing under our large hosta plant in the flower garden, I assume that's where the little one is.
I haven't tried to interfere, figure they are safer in my yard then straying outside of it so didn't want to make momma nervous and move baby elsewhere. I have always allowed Logan to chase stray cats from the yard so it's very rare if at all anymore that a cat will come anywhere near here so I think it should be o.k.

[scoobysnack]

Definitely a fledgling! You should see when the Carolina Wrens fledge in my barn. It's pandamonium.