Dove Questions

[Nutkin]

Just rescued a young dove from almost being cat chow. It either fell off my roof or flew into the side of my house, not sure which. Got it before the cat did Any advise on how old, should it be on its own, should I keep it for a while before releasing - if so anything special other than seeds and meal worms? Thanks a bunch!

[Apple Corps]

Nutkin - just water and some bird feed for a day or so. We have them fly into our glass walls weekly - usually low speed - they recover pretty quickly - usually within the day.

[Nutkin]

Thanks so much! Any idea how old it is?

[jungrrlist]

maybe you can ask them on this forum?

http://www.whatbird.com/forums/

theyre pretty knowledgeable
and i apologize if this is in any way against any rules here...

the bird looks pretty young to me though

[Nutkin]

Thanks! I have put a post on and will wait to hear back from them. Meanwhile, little dove will spend the night here.

[Apple Corps]

Nutkin - that is a different looking dove from what we have in our yard - almost looks like it is molting. I'd set it on the ground in the morning and see if it takes off to nature. It does not "look" injured - probably trying to figure out who and what you are :jump :jump

[chadfromphilly]

Nutkin, go to pigeon talk... here is the link... http://www.pigeons.biz/forums/
The board is EXACTLY like TSB so you will be familiar with how to use it... The people on there know EVERYTHING about pigeons/doves. I am certain you will get all the answers you are looking for. On a side note... My pigeon of 4 years recently became ill and someone from that board who I never spoke to offered to pay the vet costs... It doesn't get any nicer then that! You will also run into a few folks from here who use that board... Goodluck! Chad
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=39589&stc=1&d=1212899431





I miss you So much Alphabet, I know you are flying high wherever you are... I'm sorry I couldn't fix you...

[Nutkin]

Thanks so very much for the links. I will try the pigeon/dove board in just a minute. The link that jungrrlist provided was helpful. This is a fledgling mourning dove. They recommended finding a rehabber. I called Oak Mt. wildlife center this morning and they would not take it. It is not injured, but I am hesitant about releasing it here. We have SO many cats around - people keep them to keep down mice and rats since we live in a heavily wooded area. Anyone know of a local, Birmingham area, rehabber for birds that might offer a safer release environment? If not, I think I'll let it stay around for a while and then release it when it's older and has a bit of a better chance.

[squirrelfriend]

Not sure what to feed a baby one but I think this might be a baby.

[Loopy Squirrel]

Has the bird eaten anything yet? Sometimes scattering some wild bird seed on the bottom of the container you have him in will encourage it to self feed. It is instinctual for them to pick at things on the ground. If that doesn't work you can either use seed mix or the kaytee exact hand rearing formula, put the seed or hand rearing formula (mixed w/ water) in a prescription pill bottle, cover it w/ first aid elastic tape (they sell it in the drug store), cut a small slit in the center of the tape and slide the birds bill into the bottle. Since doves & pigeons don't gape like other song birds they feed by putting their bill into their mothers mouth. This pill bottle example makes them automatically feed when they feel the tape around their bill. Hopefully this will work. Then just start reducing the feedings through out the day and scatter seed in the cage. The bird will get hungry and start to forage on the ground. Doves usually can go for four hours between feedings depending on their age. You can tell if the bird has food in the crop by feeling at the front of the neck. You should feel a bulge after they have eaten. It will feel bumpy if they have eaten seed.

[Nutkin]

Little one has eaten some seeds. I love the idea about the pill bottle. I will file that one for future reference or if things get tricky here. Thanks!

[Loopy Squirrel]

I thought it was crazy too until I tried it and it actually worked. I have even used it on day old chicks. It's either that or tubing them.