We have had a family of blackbirds nesting near our front door for a few months. They successfully raised 3 little chicks in Dec and now are on their second round. My 2yo daughter has been keenly wathcing.
Unfortunately probably due to the heat last night this morning we see the nest has been ruined and one of the baby chicks is dead on the footpath. I searched through the garden and found 1 hiding in the bush. He still seems pretty feisty.
I don't know where Mum and Dad are and was wondering should I leave it or attempt to help.
The Moo.
Use a small plastic container (not too big for the size of the chicks) and line it with soft cloth or something similar. Put it back in the bush where the original nest was. Worth a try. But got to act quick. :)
By the way, the parents will probably NOT come anywhere near you. Blackbirds are (at least around my place in Sydney) very, very shy. Observe from a distance.
Before you put the little one out, carefully hold it and use an eye dropper to offer drops (ONE DROP AT A TIME) of water on the tip of the bill. See if it drinks. Usually works. DO NOT force the bill open and squirt water, it will likely drown it!
Thanks,
Had to bring it in for the night because of weather and night time vulnerability. Think he hurt himself dropping out of the nest. Shame his brothers didn't survive. Think it was the bloody neighbourhood cat.
Have given him some water and he is having a big sleep. Did not eat anything.
Should I try to put him outside tomorrow or look after him till he's stronger?