What to do if one is thrown out of nest?

[Shankapotomus]

A bird (not sure what kind) made a nest under my sis's porch (pic included) and proceeded to have baby chicks. It might be a finch.

I was going to say I saw around 3-4 chicks but after a second look while typing I definately see five heads, although one could be the mother (if she is small too).

As they get bigger, are these chicks going to start fighting over elbow room until one of them gets thrown out of the nest?

I'd hate to see any of them lost to sibling rivalry.

How would anyone of you handle this if one were kicked out? I don't really know anything about caring for birds.

Here is the best pic I could get (didn't want to get too close):



Thanks.

P.S. That's not my gas guzzling SUV in the background.

[My Good Babushka]

1. You can put it back in the nest

Birds can't smell and won't reject a bird that's been touched.

[Shankapotomus]

2. Awesome

Thanks...hope I don't have to resort to that, though.

[Lochloosa]

3. It depends. 5 is a lot for most birds. There is a good chance one or two will be kicked out.

As far as taking care of one that is kick to the curb, understand you will be feeding this bird every 3-4 hours. Day and night.

It's a big commitment. They make a gruel for feeding pet birds. You just squirt it in their mouths with a syringe.

I've raised a couple of macaw's that were just a few weeks old. It's grueling.

[Shankapotomus]

6. Eek!

Well, let's hope the "put it back in the nest" suggestion works first!

[Yo_Mama]

4. House wren?

I wouldn't worry too much.

When they are getting ready to fly, you may see them on the ground for a bit, but there are trees and cover very near.

Just watch for cats - they are smart and try to get the birds when they first get out of the nest.

[Shankapotomus]

5. No worries

I don't think many neighbor's have cats around here...I haven't seen one around in all my visits here...

[DrDan]

7. Not sure why ... But this post seems so appropriate here

[Shankapotomus]

8. Because of the Sanders/Clinton infighting?

Probably...baby chicks got to be babies.

[underahedgerow]

9. If you see them on the ground and they're fully feathered, please leave them alone.

They need a good day or so on the ground to figure out how to fly, at the 'branching' stage. And, frankly, it's nature's way of making sure the strongest survive.

Enjoy the nature theater and let nature take its course!