Most birds that will eat other birds avoid targeting mature birds, but they will eagerly attack vulnerable fledglings, chicks, and eggs as an easy food source. As I’ve learned, it probably wasn’t. These are fledglings that typically hop on the ground. Because of this, you’ll need to be observant for any signs of illness. In the animal kingdom, parents adopt babies that aren’t their own, and even other species, says Jason G Goldman. Here’s how to do this: Look for the nest. Why do they do it? Cosmo came into Free Flight when his previous owners decided they could not handle the combined work load of having a newborn baby and a parrot. This is a behaviour inherited from their wild cousins, where hiding their illness or injury could save their lives. As a child, I was thrilled to be on my way toward becoming a wildlife rescuer, but years later I wondered if it was the right thing to do. If possible, a healthy nestling should be returned to the nest. Baby birds are unable to survive outside the nest, even if their parents are still feeding them. He settled in with our flock and became re-socialzed quickly. Many birds can recognize eggs they didn't lay and will reject them, but in other nests, the intruder birds will grow up with foster siblings of completely different species. Uninjured baby birds with feathers should be left alone. He was eager to be handled and given attention, which made him one of our visitors' favorite birds. If the baby bird does not have feathers, either put the baby back in the nest or make a substitute nest by poking holes in the bottom of an empty margarine tub and lining it with dry grass or pine needles. Some birds, such as the brown-headed cowbird and the common cuckoo, don't build nests but instead lay eggs in the nests of other birds. Many birds eat other birds, though they do not typically eat their own species. Browse through available baby birds and parrots for sale by aviaries, breeders and bird rescues. Bird and Parrot classifieds. Like the vast majority of baby birds that people encounter, Bluego was a weeks-old fledgling—not a newly born nestling. Birds can sometimes appear healthy, despite being very ill. Larger birds may prey on smaller birds, and raptors are commonly avivorous and will even raid other raptors' nests for chicks. If you do suspect anything, speak with your veterinarian immediately, as chances are, your bird has been unwell for longer than you realise. The parents are probably nearby. Once you find it, look in the nest to find out if other babies are there who look the same as the one you found.