Help for a baby robin! (1 Viewer)

Hello bird lovers!
My sons have been diligently caring for a baby American Robin since he was found close to death by our neighbors. He was tiny, featherless and had not opened his eyes, so we put him on a heating pad in a box and they have been feeding him worms, insects and berries ever since. We've had him two weeks now and he's thriving. We need advice on how to get him back into the wild. We've tried putting live big worms in the box with him but he's not pecking at them yet. Perhaps it's too soon? He gets lots of outside time and we set him on low shrub branches where he perches and chirps. He's hopping around a bit, and flapping his wings a bit too. How do we help him learn to fly and look for his own food? We would appreciate any advice!

Hi Flossie and on behalf of the entire staff here at BirdForum.net, a warm welcome to you.

Sounds as though you have done all the right stuff up til now. It just may be too early for the young Robin to fledge although, it has probably inprinted on your sons so actually turning it back into the wild might be a bit harder for the bird than had it been pushed out of the nest by a parent. I'm sure someone will be along shortly to give you more ideas on the transition. Keep us posted.