baby sparrow, fell from nest, pitiful, need help please

[grantgrace]

My daughter and I were at a flea market, we were getting ready to walk in the building and noticed a baby bird on its back, breathing heavy, picking it up , it chirped, and was able to move its wings, one leg looks hurt, we brought it home with us, and I googled information on what to feed it, we tried dog food soaked in warm sugar water, and infant cereal, little bits at a time, she whistles and it opens its beak, but seems to have a hard time swallowing, I just put tiny bits in its mouth because Im afraid of it choking, Id love to take it to a vet, but we are very strapped for money,, I dont know what to do about its leg, and does anyone have suggestions on how or what to feed him/her that would be better than what I'm doing now? We have made a makeshift nest out of tissue paper and a hat , put that inside a deep open box, and put inside my open closet, its very warm in my room, everytime I go up there to feed him I expect him to be gone(passed) but hes hanging on, poor thing,
Thanks ahead of time for any advice , suggestions or help.

[Charis]

Is the baby feathered?

[Charis]

Here's a link to another forum and is specifically about starlings and sparrows. You may even find someone near you that can take the baby.
In the mean time, the baby needs direct heat. That means a heating pad on the low setting or a sock filled with rice and heated in the micro wave. With the later you must be mindful to not let it cool down so the baby gets chilled. You don't want it to be so hot so as the baby is burned.
Baby birds are unable to process food unless they are kept warm enough.

http://www.starlingtalk.com/guide.htm

[TAWhatley]

Where in the US are you located? If you will let us know, we may have someone nearby who can assist you.

Terry