What do baby birds eat?

Baby birds eat insects provided by their parents in their early days, although this diet changes as baby birds get older. Insects provide the protein-rich diet that birds need for early development.

If birds need to be hand-fed because they have been abandoned, they can eat hard-boiled eggs or dog and cat food that is moistened. These foods should be moistened and mashed until they reach oatmeal-like consistency. Baby birds should not be fed birdseed, bread, milk or food designed for pet birds. Baby birds need to be fed every 30 minutes during the day, although they sleep through the night without feeding.