Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Roger J. Lederer, PhD. Dr. Roger Lederer is an Ornithologist and the founder of Ornithology.com, an informative website about wild birds. Dr. Lederer has spent over 40 years teaching, studying, and writing about birds. He has traveled to over 100 countries to study birds. Dr. Lederer is an Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences at California State University, Chico, and has been a Department Chair of Biological Sciences and Dean of the College of Natural Sciences. He has written more than 30 research papers and 10 books on birds and a textbook entitled “Ecology and Field Biology.” Dr. Lederer has consulted the BBC, National Geographic, National Public Radio, ABC News, the Guinness Book of World Records, and numerous other organizations and publications.
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Caring for wild bird eggs is best left to wild birds, but sometimes we can help. Follow these steps if you find a wild bird egg that looks abandoned.
Steps
Leave the egg alone if possible. In many places, it's illegal to remove bird eggs from their natural habitat. In the U.S., for example, according to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, it is illegal to take or possess any part, nest, or egg of a wild bird species. You could receive up to six months of jail time and a fine of up to $15,000.[1]
Replace the egg. If you come across a wild bird egg and see a nest nearby that’s empty or contains similar looking eggs, you could try to return the egg to its nest. If you do not see a nest, do not go looking for one, and never assume that an egg is abandoned.- Some birds nest on the ground. The Killdeer, for instance, prefers to nest on gravel![2]
- Never take an egg from a nest.
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Find a wildlife rehabilitator. Wildlife rehabilitators are licensed to care for injured or orphaned wild animals. If you find wild bird eggs and suspect that something’s wrong, contact your local wildlife agency or search online for a licensed rehabilitator.- Do not take the egg(s) to a rehabilitator. Instead, be prepared to direct the rehabilitator to the egg(s).
- Be aware that a rehabilitator may only be interested in the egg(s) of endangered species.
Identify the species. If you choose to care for a wild bird egg, you will need to know the species’ incubation period and what to feed the nestling should the egg hatch. Fortunately, wild bird eggs are relatively easy to identify.
Acquire an incubator. If you don’t already have one, buy an electronic incubator with adjustable settings and a built-in fan. The incubation protocols for wild bird eggs are mostly unknown, so you will have to follow the protocol for domestic poultry eggs.- Set up the incubator in an area free from direct sunlight and drafts.
- Before setting the wild bird egg(s), run the incubator for a couple of hours with water in the incubator’s pan. This will stabilize the incubator’s internal atmosphere.
Be consistent. Successful incubation depends on four factors: temperature, humidity, ventilation, and turning. Temperature is the most important factor, and you should maintain a constant temperature of 100 °F (37.8 °C) for the duration of the incubation.- Keep the incubator’s pan full. Relative humidity within the incubator should be around 60 percent.
- Maintain air flow, and rotate the egg(s) a half turn at least three times per day. This ensures that the egg is warmed evenly.
Don’t be disappointed. Most wild bird eggs that you find will never hatch. Incubation could have been interrupted, or the egg’s inner membrane could have been damaged. In each case, the embryo dies.
Be prepared. If the incubation is successful, you will need to feed the nestling every fifteen to twenty minutes from sunrise to sunset for about two weeks.[3] Wild bird diets vary a great deal from species to species, so make sure you have the right kinds of food on hand.[4]- Keep in mind that hand-reared wild birds have a low probability of surviving: humans simply cannot teach wild birds to fend for themselves in the wild.[5]
Community Q&A
- QuestionIs there any way a cracked egg will survive?
Community AnswerIf there is liquidy gunk oozing from the crack, ten that egg is dead. If there is a crack with nothing oozing from, it then there is still a chance it could survive. - QuestionWhat if I don't have an incubator?
Community AnswerPut it under a heated lamp or something that will create substantial heat so that the chick won't freeze to death. Be sure not to suffocate it by putting it in a sealed container, either. - QuestionHow do I know if the bird in the egg isn't dead?
Community AnswerIt depends. If you waited more than 22 days for the egg to hatch, it would probably be dead. But it depends on what kind of bird it is too.
Tips
- Remember that wild birds are the best caretakers of wild bird eggs.Thanks
Tips from our Readers 
- Keep in mind that even if you successfully get an abandoned egg to hatch and hand-feed the orphaned chick, it likely won't make it when released to the wild because it misses out on crucial survival skills mom and dad birds teach. Often, it's better to call a wildlife rehabilitator instead.
- If you see a baby bird trying to hatch, hold off on helping, even if there's no progress. Only lend a hand once all peeking and wriggling totally stops, using a toothpick to gently pick at the stuck shell. Jumping in too soon can harm the delicate little hatchling.
- Do tons of homework before you attempt hatching any egg. Proper incubator conditions, plus extensive knowledge of the bird species' incubation timeline, diet, care requirements, and release protocols are mandatory to create a chance the baby survives.
- If you find an abandoned egg and want help from a wildlife rehabilitator raising it, don't take or move the egg yourself — that actually breaks federal law. Just give them clear directions to come assist the egg where it lies instead.
- If you incubate an egg yourself, keep the temperature, humidity, airflow, and rotation consistent and ideal for that species, according to research. Consistency is crucial — big fluctuations can kill the baby bird growing inside.
- Never ever relocate a nest with eggs in it, even if it looks deserted. Mama bird may come back still, and moving her nest somewhere else can prevent that reunion. Plus, female birds rarely bail on viable eggs.
Warnings
- Always wash your hands before and after handling an egg.Thanks
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about caring for birds, check out our in-depth interview with Roger J. Lederer, PhD.
References
About This Article
While it's tempting, finding and taking care of wild bird eggs is illegal in many areas, so try to leave them alone if at all possible. If you think the eggs have been abandoned, call a wildlife rehabilitator to come get the eggs and care for them. Alternatively, if you come across a wild bird egg and see a nest nearby that’s empty or contains similar looking eggs, try to return the egg to the nest. Make sure to only take the egg home if you can't find a nest or a wildlife rehabilitator who's willing to take it. Once you're home, make sure to get the right supplies, like an incubator and food for the nestling, if it hatches. To learn how to properly use your incubator, keep reading!
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