Emergency Bird Feeds

For birds which need to be taken into care, here are some Emergency Bird Feeds that you can use;

If you find an injured, distressed or dazed bird...  PLEASE DO NOT feed it on bread and milk, or tinned cat/dog food this will ultimately either kill it or leave it with severe deformities.

Recommended Options

(please read carefully all options before you attempt to feed any distressed bird)

OPTION 1

Three Owls Special Bread Mix (for use with fledged birds only)

Specfic Use

Song birds i.e. Blackbird, Thrush, Sparrow, Bluetit, Starling etc.

•  
  • 2 loaves of brown bread (wholemeal if possible)
  • 2 apples
  • 6 carrots
  • lettuce or cabbage
  • Prosecto** (add later)

 

Mixing Instructions

•  
  1. Grind up the above ingredients in a food mixer the finished product should be damp bread crumbs not wet
  2. Once mixed to this consistency, add the Prosecto at a mix 2/3 breadmix to 1/3 Prosecto
     
     Special Note:
     • The mixture can be frozen and used within 2 months, if kept fresh in a sealed container in a cool room or fridge it will last up to 4 days.

The above can also be use for Moorhens and Lapwings but Mealworms must be added.

Compatable Extras
Sultanas, Raisins, Ground peanuts, Blobs of raw mince, Mealworms and Waxworms.

** Prosecto is made from dried crushed insects and is jam-packed full of goodness for birds. It is available mail-order from John E Haith Ltd.

 

OPTION 2

Specfic Use

Magpies, Crow, Rook, Raven, Jackdaw, Jay etc.

•  
  • Dried dog food must be soaked in water until spongy right through
  • Fish or meat brawn
  • Raw red meat or chicken (not liver, sausage or bacon) cut up small or minced
  • Cheese
  • Hard boiled eggs
  • Small pieces of bread

 

Please Note: for adult birds use all 6 ingredients, for baby birds use the first 4 ingredients mashed together and fed using a pair of blunt tweezers (we use the blue plastic hospital tweezers). Dog biscuits are preferable to cat biscuits, as the latter sometimes contain elements which birds find difficult to process.

 

OPTION 3

Specific Use

Songbird and Carrion - Emergency Overnight Food.

 

• • Weetabix (mashed in water only) or...
  • Scrambled egg (no salt) or ...
  • Boiled egg (crumbled up)

 

 

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OPTION 4

Specific Use

For doves and pigeons, the best pick-me-up food is Red Band pigeon corn. This is a blend of smaller seeds with a red tinge and smells of aniseed; the birds love it and consequently makes feeding much easier. It is vitamin-rich and will quickly help restore an under-nourished bird back to health.

NB If you cannot locate any Red Band corn, then a equally good alternative (and 50% cheaper) is TK Conditioner from Bamfords; part of their Top Flight range.

 

 

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OPTION 5

Specific Use

For owls or birds of prey, any raw red meat but NOT liver, sausage or bacon. A piece of sheeps heart or steak is ideal, even raw mince would keep a young bird overnight.

 

 

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Birds have the greatest chance of survival if admitted to a sanctuary within 24 hours of being found. This is especially important if bones are fractured which could set in the wrong position, resulting in a bird needlessly being rendered unfit for release back to the wild.

Please, please ring/text/email our Helpline for advice if you have any doubts!"

When treating a casualty please bear in mind that it is ILLEGAL to keep ANY wild bird in captivity without a license - the current maximum fine for doing such is £15,000 PER BIRD, plus an optional 6-month prison term.