Wild bird egg care will be best if done by the wild birds themselves. However, sometimes we can also help him. Follow these steps if you find wild bird eggs that appear to have been abandoned by their mothers.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Avoiding Legal Problems
Step 1. If possible, leave the eggs
In many places, it is illegal to remove bird eggs from their natural habitat. In the United States, for example, under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, it is illegal to take or possess body parts, nests, or eggs of wild bird species. The penalty is 6 months imprisonment and a fine of up to $15,000 (approximately 200 million Rupiah).
Step 2. Transfer the eggs
If you find a wild bird's egg and see a nearby nest that is empty or contains eggs that look similar, you can try returning them to the nest. If you don't see a nest, don't look for it and never assume that the egg was abandoned by the mother.
- Several types of birds nest on the ground. Killdeers, for example, prefer to nest in gravel.
- Never take eggs from the nest.
Step 3. Find a rescue animal
Animal rescue agencies are licensed to care for injured or motherless animals. If you find wild bird eggs and suspect that something is wrong, contact your local animal rescue agency or a licensed animal rescue that can be found online.
- Do not take the eggs to an animal rescue. Call and direct animal rescuers to the location of the egg.
- Remember that animal rescuers may only be interested in the eggs of endangered bird species.
Method 2 of 2: Taking Care of Eggs
Step 1. Identify the species
If you decide to care for wild bird eggs, you should know the incubation period of the species and what food to feed the chicks after the eggs hatch. Fortunately, wild bird eggs are relatively easy to spot.
Step 2. Use an incubator
If you don't have an incubator, buy an electric incubator with adjustable settings and a built-in fan. Most of the incubation protocols for wild birds are unknown, so you should follow the incubation protocol for domestic poultry eggs.
- Install the incubator in an area free from direct sunlight and cold air.
- Before storing wild bird eggs, turn on the incubator for a few hours by pouring water into the incubator pan. This is to stabilize the internal atmosphere of the incubator.
Step 3. Stay consistent
Successful incubation depends on four factors: temperature, humidity, ventilation and egg rotation. Temperature is the most important factor, and you should keep the temperature constant at 38°C during incubation.
- Keep the incubator pan full. The relative humidity in the incubator should be around 60 percent.
- Keep the air flowing, and rotate the eggs 180° at least three times a day. This is to ensure the heat is evenly distributed.
Step 4. Don't be disappointed
Most of the wild bird eggs found did not hatch. This could be because incubation is interrupted, or the inner membrane of the egg has been damaged. In a case like this, the embryo is dead.
Step 5. Get ready
If incubation is successful, you should feed the chicks every 15-20 minutes from sunrise to sunset for about two weeks. The diet of each wild bird species is different. So, make sure you have the right food supply.
