Rescuing Orphaned Blue Jays: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you find a baby blue jay chick that appears to be orphaned, it is important to first assess whether it is, in fact, orphaned. Fledgling blue jays often leave the nest before they can fly, and the parents will guard and feed them on the ground. If the chick is injured, it may be best to separate it from the rest of the group. If the nest has been destroyed, you can attempt to make a new one, place the chick back inside, and observe whether the parents return. If you are certain that the chick is orphaned, it is recommended that you bring it to a wildlife rehabilitator. If this is not possible, there are several steps you can take to care for the chick, including feeding it a blend of plant and meat sources, such as worms, and keeping it warm and safe.

Feeding: worms, oatmeal, berries, and water

If you find an orphaned blue jay chick, it is recommended that you contact a trained wildlife rehabilitator. However, if you cannot find one, you can feed the chick to ensure its survival.

Feeding

Blue jay chicks have a varied diet, including seeds, nuts, and insects. If you are caring for an orphaned chick, you can feed it worms, oatmeal, berries, and water.

Worms are a common part of a baby blue jay's diet. Earthworms, in particular, are a good option, but be sure to consider the size of the worm and the chick's ability to eat it. You can also feed the chick mealworms when it is older. Slugs are another option, but they should be fed with caution as they may carry parasites harmful to birds.

Oatmeal is a suitable food for baby blue jays, but it should be cooked and mixed with water or milk. This mixture can be fed to the chick using a syringe.

Berries are a good source of nutrition for baby blue jays, but it is important to ensure that they are safe for the chick to eat. Some berries can be toxic to birds, so it is crucial to properly identify the type of berry and its safety before feeding them to the chick.

Water is essential for keeping the chick hydrated. Bottled water is recommended over tap water to avoid any potential chemicals. Warm water can be used, and it can be fed to the chick using a syringe.

Quantity: 2-4 worms every 3 hours

If you have found an orphaned blue jay chick, it is important to first contact a qualified bird rehabber. In many states, only certified rehab specialists are allowed to be in possession of wild birds. If you are unable to find a wildlife rehabilitator, you can feed the chick 2-4 worms every 3 hours. It is important to ensure that the chick is getting enough water, so consider giving it small drops of bottled water, as tap water may contain chemicals. Additionally, you can feed the chick cooked oatmeal with milk, moist dog or cat food, or commercially sold baby bird food. It is recommended to feed the chick small portions at dawn and continue with intervals throughout the day. As the chick grows, you can introduce small bites of fruits, nuts, and seeds. Remember, your goal as a caretaker is to prepare the bird for a successful release back into the wild.

Diet: plant and meat sources

Blue jays are omnivores, meaning they can eat a blend of plant and meat sources. In the wild, they eat worms, slugs, and insects, as well as berries, seeds, and nuts.

For orphaned baby blue jays, it is important to replicate this diet as closely as possible. Berries are a good option, as they are rich in nutrients and low in calories. Good berries to feed a baby blue jay include blueberries, cherries, and grapes. These can be selected from your backyard or purchased from a store. It is important to grind or blend the berries to achieve a smooth texture and add water to soften the food. A baby food dropper with a tip that resembles the beak of a mother blue jay can be used to feed the bird.

In addition to berries, baby blue jays can be fed small pieces of protein such as cooked oatmeal with milk, softened dog or cat food, or insects like mealworms. It is important to feed the bird in slow movements and to avoid giving it large pieces of food that could cause choking.

While it is possible to feed a baby blue jay a diet of plant and meat sources, it is always best to contact a trained wildlife rehabilitator for advice and support if you find an orphaned chick.

Health: strong bills, need protein

Baby blue jays require a balanced diet with enough protein and nutrients to grow properly. In the wild, blue jay parents feed their chicks a variety of soft foods, including insects, berries, seeds, and grains. Insects are ideal as they are soft and high in protein and fats.

If you are caring for an orphaned blue jay chick, it is important to provide a similar diet to ensure the chick's nutritional needs are met. You can feed the chick moistened dog or cat food, softened with water and fed through an eyedropper, or commercially sold baby bird food. You can also offer the chick cooked oatmeal with milk and a small amount of bottled water.

As the chick gets older, you can introduce other soft foods, such as blueberries, cherries, grapes, and worms. It is important to ensure that the chick has access to fresh water at all times and is fed regularly throughout the day.

Regarding bill health, a bird's bill can provide clues about its diet and feeding habits. While there is no specific information about blue jay chick bills, ensuring the chick has a healthy and varied diet will contribute to the overall health of its bill.

Socialising: group birds, need company

Blue Jays are group birds, and they tend to migrate in flocks. They are known for their intelligence and complex social systems, with tight family bonds. They migrate in loose flocks and can be recognised by their steady flight, rounded wings, long tail, and white underside. They are also known to feed peacefully with family and flock members, lowering their crests as they do so.

Blue Jays are often found in groups, and without a group, they can become lonely. They are social birds that migrate together and feed together. They are also known to dominate other birds at feeders, preventing them from obtaining food.

When it comes to orphaned Blue Jay chicks, it is important to consider their need for social interaction and company. While they may be able to survive on their own, they are social birds that benefit from being around others of their kind. If you are caring for an orphaned Blue Jay chick, consider finding others to form a group or flock. This can provide the social interaction and company that Blue Jays naturally seek.

Additionally, if you are unable to find other Blue Jays to form a group, you can try to provide social interaction and company in other ways. This may include spending time with the chick yourself, offering it opportunities to interact with other birds, or even introducing it to other orphaned Blue Jay chicks to form a new group.

Overall, Blue Jays are social birds that thrive in groups. When caring for an orphaned Blue Jay chick, it is important to consider their need for company and social interaction and try to provide them with a suitable flock or group to ensure their well-being.

Frequently asked questions