Found a baby gull

Baby gulls (or seagulls) leave the nest when they're a few days old and move to a 'safe' location nearby. Seagull parents will continue to feed the baby until they're five to six weeks old. Gulls only feed their babies a handful of times a day, so if the infant looks healthy and alert it's likely being fed by its parents.

Bird flu warning

Due to the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) currently in place across the UK, some baby birds can't be handled. Please follow our bird flu and baby bird advice to check which species can be handled and what to do.

Bird flu and baby bird advice

When to help a baby gull

It's not unusual for baby gulls to fall from a cliff or rooftop nests. Uninjured baby gulls should be left where they are in the care of their parents. People and animals need to stay away and you shouldn't feed the baby gull any food.

If the gull chick is very young (very small, still covered in a fluffy down and prefers to run rather than fly away), then you can return it to a roof or adjacent high spot (like a fence or wall) if it's in danger. Only do this where possible and safe to do so. It's best to monitor them to ensure the parents are still attending.

After 24 hours, if the gull chick's condition has worsened take it to a nearby vet or wildlife rehabilitator.

Be careful - concerned parent gulls may swoop and try to protect their chick if you approach it.