Wild bird egg care should be left to these animals, but sometimes people can help too. If you find an egg that looks abandoned, follow the instructions in this article to take care of it.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Avoid Legal Issues
Step 1. Leave the eggs alone if possible
In many countries it is illegal to remove bird eggs from their natural habitat. In Italy, for example, it is not allowed to take and keep eggs, nests and newborn chicks of wild fauna, except in the specific cases provided for by law; you could be heavily sanctioned or in some cases even commit a crime punishable by jail.
Step 2. Put the egg back in its place
If you come across a wild bird's egg and notice that there is an empty nest nearby or one that contains other similar eggs, you must try to put it back inside; if you do not see nests, do not search and never assume that it is an abandoned egg.
- Some types of birds nest on the ground; the plover, for example, prefers to nest on gravel!
- Never collect an egg from a nest.
Step 3. Look for a wildlife recovery center
In these facilities you will find qualified and trained staff to take care of orphaned or injured wild animals. If you see an egg and you are concerned that something serious has happened, contact the center near your area or do an online search to find a qualified and authorized agency to intervene in these cases.
- Don't bring the egg yourself to the center; instead provide the operator with all the instructions to reach it.
- Keep in mind that these centers are only interested in retrieving eggs from endangered species.
Method 2 of 2: Caring for Eggs
Step 1. Identify the species
If you decide to take care of a wild bird's egg, you need to know the incubation period of the species and know how to feed the chick as soon as it is born; fortunately it is quite easy to spot it.
Step 2. Purchase an incubator
If you don't already have one, buy an electronic model with adjustable settings and a built-in fan. The incubation protocol for wild bird eggs is still somewhat unknown, so you have to stick to the one for "hatching" domestic poultry eggs.
- Set up the incubator in an area away from direct sunlight and drafts.
- Before putting the egg (or eggs), turn on the appliance for a couple of hours by putting the water in the tank of the device; this allows to stabilize the internal atmosphere.
Step 3. Be persevering
The success of the operation depends on four factors: temperature, humidity, ventilation and rotation. The temperature is the most important aspect and you should keep it constant at 38 ° C for the duration of the "hatching".
- Always keep the water tank full; indoor relative humidity should be around 60%.
- Ensure good air circulation and rotate the eggs half a turn at least 3 times a day; this way, you make sure they are heated evenly.
Step 4. Don't be disappointed
Most wild bird eggs you find in the wild will never hatch. The incubator may be malfunctioning or the inner membrane of the eggs may have been damaged; in these cases the embryo dies.
Step 5. Be prepared
If the "hatching" is successful, you will need to feed the baby bird every 15-20 minutes from sunrise to sunset for about 2 weeks. The diet of these creatures varies widely by species, so you need to make sure you have the right type of food available for what you found.
