Here is a photo of some baby chicks from a nest that was inadvertently moved from a light fixture with them inside it. Because the parents did not return, one of the friends of this page is trying to raise them. They are probably Bananaquit or Lesser Antillean Bullfinch chicks. So far, we’ve gotten some good advice from local experts on what to feed them and how to take care of them, in particular, keeping them out of direct sunlight and not exposed to extreme temperatures.
Unfortunately, two of the four chicks have died. In many cases, young chicks of small birds are unable to survive without their parents, even under the best human care. If anyone has experience trying to raise baby birds or advice, definitely let us know!
If you have a bird nest in an inconvenient place, check to see if it is occupied before moving. Some of these small birds grow up very quickly. Bananaquit chicks, for example, are typically able to leave the nest 2-3 weeks after hatching, so it may be possible to delay moving a nest until it is empty.
I’m in the USVI post hurricanes Irma & Maria. I have a bananaquit nest that is used frequently outside my door, and after hurricane Maria I monitored nest and parents didn’t return. Babies were cheeping so I gave them sugar water (1:4 ratio) mixed with powder from bottom of a jar of dried crickets/mealworms/shrimp I had for aquatic turtle). Babies eating well, wings fully feathered, they are turning to defecate out nest.
Is there a better food choice? I noticed their feces are now quite clear due to the sugar water, so I’m guessing I need to up the insect content?
When they fledge–, do they need mom to show them how to forage? I didn’t want to keep them in a cage….
If you can connect me to someone who can help, Facebook /messenger is more accessible than email in island right now.