Need information on baby cliff swallows fast!

gingerscool · New member Joined: 14 May 2005 Posts: 2

Hi, my brother-in-law knocked down a cliff swallows nest thinking the babies had matured and where no longer in thier nest. This happened on May 11, 2005. They are almost ready to fly. I wouldnt know how far along they are and what is the best thing to feed them. I tried some food selections: baby parrot food mix, mixing eggs and baby rice, and insects. They wont to eat anything so i had to force feed them. I am now confused because they are trying to eat each others heads. When they do that i just stick food in there mouth. Im not sure if they want to eat or attack the sringe. If anyone has exprience with these birds please help because I dont want them to die Crying or Very sad

someday · Posted: Sat May 14, 2005 5:52 am Post subject:

I'm not sure about cliff swallows, but I just rescued a baby sparrow and am feeding it the following recipe I found online for starlings and sparrows and it seems to love it

1 cup moistened kitten chow(soak in warm water until very soft, then drain off excess water)
1 boiled egg white mashed up
1 TB plain yogurt
1 can chicken baby food

It also ate a hard boiled egg yolk mixed with a bit of water before I could get out to get the stuff for the recipe...
hopefully this will help!...I would certainly try to contact someone about the correct food when you can though...I am by know means an expert, or even very knowledgable about birds..

charmedagain · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 2247 Location: uk

Hand feeding a wild bird is hard enough when its still small, But is even harder if they are about to fledge.

Persistance is the key they eventually will take it, Since the parents will have fed worms and bugs i would suggest trying fresh live worms and see what happens.

Also the recipe that someday is using is doing her little one the world of good and is thriving.

Mike

Mockingcat · Posted: Sat May 14, 2005 1:33 pm Post subject:

If you still run into problems, you could try contacting a wildlife rehabilitator nearby. Smile

gingerscool · New member Joined: 14 May 2005 Posts: 2

I let one bird go and he flew...but then was attacked by other swallows Neutral

. I hope that he makes is. I read that they depend on thier parents for quite sometime Crying or Very sad

. Now its just two more to go.