What is the first priority upon receiving a young sparrow that is poorly feathered and out of its nest for some time?

• A. Feed immediately
• B. Warm to normal body temperature
• C. Clean and re-nest
• D. Provide a heat source only

Answer: (B)

A nestling that is poorly feathered and out of the nest cannot regulate its own temperature, so bringing its body temperature back to normal is the immediate priority. When a bird is cold, its metabolism slows, it can develop hypoglycemia, and its ability to digest food or recover declines rapidly. Warming stabilizes its physiology, making subsequent steps like feeding or re-nesting appropriate and safer. To do this safely, place the bird in a small, comfortable container with soft bedding and provide a safe heat source, ensuring the heat is not directly applied and that you can monitor the bird and adjust as needed. Once warmth is established and the bird is alert, you can proceed with feeding and other care as indicated. Feeding a cold bird right away can lead to aspiration or poor digestion, and re-nesting or cleaning are not urgent first steps when the bird is not thermally stable; warmth sets the stage for effective, later interventions. A heat source alone isn't enough without proper containment, monitoring, and gradual warming.