Do Birds Harm Babies

“Do birds harm babies?” is a question I have asked myself a million times. And every time I ask it, I get a different answer. Birds are not harmful to babies at all, but there are several instances when caring and understanding the behavior of birds can be dangerous for infants.
One of the best ways to care for your baby is to make sure he has enough food and clean water. But how do birds get access to these necessities? By feeding them! But what kind of feeding is appropriate? Is a bird going to peck at your baby’s feeding bottle or will it hover over the open mouth of the baby and gently pull the nipple until the baby begins to suckle?
Many people believe that any type of motion, even the slightest twinge of movement, can cause a baby to suck. But this is simply not true. It may seem like a lot of fuss over something so unassuming, but there is nothing harmful about babies sucking on a sugary treat. Babies can be affected by sugary treats, just as they can be affected by feathers. So, if you decide to feed your baby with a bird feeder, be sure to wash the feathers before and after use.
What about other animals? Do birds harm babies? Well, of course, babies are still in the fragile stage of development, and just like any other child, they too can be injured by a strange or threatening adult. But, while most birds are not harmful, some of the larger birds (like eagles and hawks) can be harmful. If a large bird comes into contact with your baby, it can possibly harm him by bruising his soft skin.
So, how does one decide what is safe for babies? It’s best to stick to feeding bird seed from a similar setting. Different birds, with different foods will produce very different results. Also, many birds prefer a variety of foods over just one or two, so it’s good to choose a feeder that allows them to mix and match.
If you’re looking to purchase a bird feeder, start out by knowing the size and species of birds you would like to attract in your area. Most bird watchers and breeders will have specific targets species in mind. For example, most birders will recommend that one or two varieties be used to attract finches, sparrows, nuthatches, woodpeckers, chickadees, and orioles. On the other hand, if you prefer a wider variety of song birds, consider purchasing a bird feeder that offers both red and yellow flocked flickers, doves, white-crowned sparrows, and cardinal birds. You can also select a feeder that offers smaller species of birds, if you are working with a smaller area or limited space.
Before purchasing an outdoor feeder, make sure that it is designed to keep the birds from falling off. Some are made with a platform that is too high, which makes for interesting bird fights. Others feature a lip on the platform, which prevents the birds from tipping over backwards.
In summary, while it may not be harmful for birds, you want to make sure the bird feeder has safety features in place to prevent accidental trauma. The platform should be sturdy enough to prevent the birds from tipping, as well as have a secure lip for baby birds. Look for warning labels on bird feeders to be aware of safety precautions. And, follow these guidelines to answer the question, “How does a bird feeder harm babies?”
First, when caring for your baby birds, they need fresh water. This becomes especially important during winter months when you may see your feeder sit empty for days due to loss of excess moisture. It’s important to refill your bird feeder regularly with clean water, especially if it’s a wooden feeder with droppings inside. Cleaning your feeder will help to remove any residue left by adult birds, and keep it healthier for your baby birds.
In addition, you’ll also want to take care to feed your baby birds the right foods at the right time. A good rule of thumb is that baby birds need nectar three to five times per day, and seed once every two to three days. You can offer your baby birds a variety of fruits, seeds, and vegetables, or just leave them in the same bowl all day long. But it’s important to vary the foods, so that new parents don’t become bored with the same foods that their babies are used to.
Finally, don’t be afraid to clean up. While we’re talking about cleaning up, you should make sure your feeder and its accessories are cleaned daily so that your bird population remains healthy. Leaving food crumbs around, or other uneaten food, can attract predators like hawks and rats, and these predators will eat your baby birds. Remember, that no matter how friendly your mother bird is, she still has a duty to fulfill, and doesn’t forget to do so! Make sure you give her a reward each time she does her job well, so she’ll continue caring for you and your family.