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Pets and Animals
Birds
Wild Birds
How to Find and Take Care of Wild Bird Eggs Download Article Co-authored by Roger J. Lederer, PhD
Last Updated: July 4, 2025 Fact Checked
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Avoiding Legal Trouble
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Caring for Eggs
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Expert Interview
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Q&A
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Tips
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Warnings
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This 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. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 383,554 times.
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
Method 1 Method 1 of 2:
Avoiding Legal Trouble
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1 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]XResearch source
2 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]XResearch source
Never take an egg from a nest.
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3 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.[3]X Expert Source Roger J. Lederer, PhDOrnithologistExpert Interview
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.
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Caring for Eggs
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1 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.[4]XResearch source
2 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.[5]XResearch source
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.
3 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.[6]X Expert Source Roger J. Lederer, PhDOrnithologistExpert Interview
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.
4 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.[7]XResearch source
5 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. Wild bird diets vary a great deal from species to species, so make sure you have the right kinds of food on hand.[8]X Trustworthy Source The Cornell Lab of OrnithologyResearch lab of Cornell University dedicated to interpreting and conserving the Earth's biological diversity through research and education about birds Go to source
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.[9]XResearch source
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Community Q&A
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Question Is there any way a cracked egg will survive? Community Answer If 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 18 Helpful 179
Question What if I don't have an incubator? Community Answer Put 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 19 Helpful 258
Question How do I know if the bird in the egg isn't dead? Community Answer It 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 34 Helpful 196
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Tips
Remember that wild birds are the best caretakers of wild bird eggs. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
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.
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Warnings
Always wash your hands before and after handling an egg. Thanks Helpful 46 Not Helpful 1
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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.
Co-authored by: Roger J. Lederer, PhD Ornithologist This 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. This article has been viewed 383,554 times. 10 votes - 80% Co-authors: 67Updated: July 4, 2025 Views: 383,554 Categories: Bird Breeding and Nesting | Wild BirdsArticle SummaryX
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!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Dana B.
May 16, 2022
"The specifics on slightly different situations around the finding of an egg is exactly what I needed, but thought searching for the exact answer would be next to impossible. Thank you, wikiHow!"..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Roger J. Lederer, PhD Ornithologist Co-authors: 67Updated: July 4, 2025 Views: 383,55480% of readers found this article helpful. 10 votes - 80% Click a star to add your vote
Dana B.
May 16, 2022
"The specifics on slightly different situations around the finding of an egg is exactly what I needed, but thought searching for the exact answer would be next to impossible. Thank you, wikiHow!"..." more
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Jun 20, 2016
"This article really helped me care for my egg I found today! I'm pretty sure the egg is some kind of sparrow: a house or song sparrow."..." more
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May 29, 2019
"My sister and I found 2 baby bird eggs, and we hope to be proud parents very soon! Thank you for all of your amazing help!"..." more
Anonymous
May 16, 2017
"If the baby hatched, its eyes will be closed because it is too young and weak to open its own eyes."
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Co-authored by: Roger J. Lederer, PhD Ornithologist This 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. This article has been viewed 383,554 times. 10 votes - 80% Co-authors: 67 Updated: July 4, 2025 Views: 383,554 Categories: Bird Breeding and Nesting | Wild Birds Article SummaryX
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1 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] 
2 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. 
3 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.[3] 
1 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.[4] 
2 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.[5] 
3 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.[6] 
4 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.[7] 
5 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. Wild bird diets vary a great deal from species to species, so make sure you have the right kinds of food on hand.[8] 
Community Answer If 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 18 Helpful 179 
Community Answer Put 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 19 Helpful 258 
Community Answer It 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 34 Helpful 196 