EDITOR’S NOTE: As of 5-27-26, we are no longer seeking handmade nests. Thank you to everyone who made a nest for our wildlife babies. Please check back, as this can change based on current needs. Thank you!

Baby season is busy at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) on Sanibel Island, and one of the organization’s biggest current needs is handmade wildlife nests.

CROW is asking crocheters and knitters to create soft but sturdy nests for orphaned and injured baby animals receiving care at the clinic. These nests are used every day to help support baby birds and small mammals during feeding, recovery, and growth.

If you crochet or knit, this is an easy project that directly helps wildlife rehabilitation efforts in Southwest Florida. (A quick YouTube search offers additional help. The downloadable instructions below are a guide.)

Most Needed Wildlife Nest Sizes

Right now, CROW especially needs:

• 8-inch diameter nests
• 10-inch diameter nests
• 12-inch diameter nests

All nests should be approximately:

• 2 inches –3 inches deep

Taller nests are completely fine too since rehabbers can simply roll the sides down as needed.

Smaller nests are also useful for neonatal and tiny patients (also 2 inches to 3 inches deep):

• 2-inch diameter
• 4-inch diameter
• 6-inch diameter

What Animals Use These Handmade Nests?

These nests are commonly used for:

• baby birds
• squirrels
• rabbits
• opossums
• other orphaned small wildlife

The nests help provide:

• warmth
• support
• safer positioning during feeding
• comfort during recovery

Wildlife rehabilitation centers go through a huge number of nests during baby season because they must be changed and washed constantly.

Best Yarn for Wildlife Rehabilitation Nests

CROW recommends nests that are:

• tightly stitched
• machine washable
• soft but supportive
• sturdy enough to hold their shape independently

Recommended Yarn Types

✅ Cotton yarn
✅ Wool or wool blends
✅ Washable acrylic blends

Please Avoid

❌ Fuzzy yarns
❌ Eyelash yarn
❌ Loose/open stitching
❌ Large holes
❌ Decorations or embellishments
❌ Anything that could snag tiny claws or toes

Using 2–3 strands of yarn together helps create a denser, more supportive nest that stands up well to repeated washing and daily use.

Wildlife Nest Pattern Guide for CROW Donations

To help volunteers create nests that work well in rehabilitation settings, the following guide includes:

• crochet instructions
• a magic ring tutorial
• detailed knit instructions
• sizing recommendations
• wildlife-safe construction tips

The guide covers nests ranging from:

• 2-inch diameter
• 4-inch diameter
• 6-inch diameter
• 8-inch diameter
• 10-inch diameter
• 12-inch diameter

These measurements are intended as general guidelines rather than exact requirements. Handmade nests naturally vary slightly depending on yarn type, stitch tension, hook or needle size, and whether the nest is knitted or crocheted.

The most important goal is creating a nest that is:

• soft but supportive
• tightly stitched
• machine washable
• safe for tiny claws and toes
• able to hold a bowl shape independently

Larger nests should generally be around 2–3 inches deep, though taller sides are perfectly fine since they can easily be rolled down during use.

👉 Download the Wildlife Nest Guide Here

Where to Donate Handmade Wildlife Nests to CROW

Drop Off & Mail Donations

CROW Visitor Education Center
3883 Sanibel Captiva Road
Sanibel, FL 33957

All donations are greatly appreciated and tax deductible (request form if needed)

A Simple Crochet or Knit Project That Helps Wildlife

Handmade wildlife nests may seem small, but they make a huge difference during rehabilitation. Every donated nest helps CROW provide safer, cleaner, and more comfortable care for vulnerable baby animals during one of the busiest times of year.

If you have yarn sitting in your stash, this is the perfect project to put it to good use — and help baby wildlife at the same time.