How to make an artificial bird’s nest
Here’s an artificial intelligence depiction of an artificial nest—artificial all around! Click on the above image for more instructions on how to make an artificial nest.
If you find a baby bird in the nestling stage out of the nest, but aren’t sure where the nest is (or the nest is out of reach or has been destroyed), you can still reunite baby with its parents with an artificial nest.
Despite the changes in nest, bird parents will usually continue to care for the baby—and staying with its parents is always a baby animal’s best chance of survival.
To make an artificial nest:
Find a durable plastic container, such as a butter tub or Tupperware. Hanging baskets also work great! Important: Do NOT use cardboard or any material that will retain water or deteriorate if it gets wet.
Poke holes in the bottom so water will drain out of it if it rains.
Line the nest with dried leaves, grass or the original nesting material if available. Again, do not use paper or cardboard.
Choose a location near where you believe the original nest to be.
Secure the nest to a tree or structure close to where the nest was. Tie or attach it to the tree, ensuring it stays even and won’t tip over.
Place the baby bird in the center of the nest
Leave the area and monitor from afar to see if the parents are returning to feed the baby.
If the parents have not returned after an hour, they may not be coming back. In this case, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator (like Heights Wildlife Center) as soon as possible to discuss next steps. For more information, give us a ring or text us at 216-232-3270.
