rescued dove

kags · #1 (**permalink**) 10-03-2009, 10:11 AM

Does anybody know what we should do next with the dove that we have at home. My daughter who is a trainy veterinary nurse at a vets in our home town, brought home a collared dove that had been brought in by a member of the public. It was going to be put to sleep so we brought it home to bring on. We were at first hand feeding him/her with a syringe which we have now stopped as he/she seems to feeding on its own. Everyday we put it in the garden in a cage and every day it comes out of the cage for practice flights. It seems to be getting stronger but we are not sure when to let it go and whether it will feed itself. I feel as if it is getting more depended on us but it doesn't seem ready to go!!! HELP what should we do for the best?

Loganberry · #2 (**permalink**) 10-03-2009, 10:17 AM

Does the dove go back in the cage by itself? If it does then I imagine it is not ready for its freedom yet. Maybe once it is ready it will not go back in the cage. Perhaps your daughter could check with the vets? Well done for helping the dove.

kags · #3 (**permalink**) 10-03-2009, 10:26 AM

Thanks for your reply, we haven't let the dove go in the garden it has small flights in our hallway. Do you think we should let it have flights in the garden? What happens if we can't get it back in its cage? It's tail feathers are a bit raggy so I don't know whether it could get its self out of danger!

Pigeon feather · #4 (**permalink**) 10-03-2009, 10:51 AM

Hi Kags welcome to wab

I take it the dove is a young bird that is otherwise healthy but hasn't quite fledged yet and was found by a member of public rather than an injured adult bird? is it possible you can post a pic up so I can see how it looks? sounds like it is not quite ready to go yet, it's feathers should be in good condition before it is released, try and do your best to not let it get too tame, I know it's easier said than done! also what type of cage are you keeping it in? a plastic cat carrier is better than a cage for it's feathers, though it's good that you are letting it out for practise flights. I was an animal nurse for 7 years and have raised many young doves so have a fair bit of experience in their care, let me know if you need any more advise and don't forget to get a pic up for us!

Hedgehoggy · #5 (**permalink**) 10-03-2009, 11:13 AM

Hi there. Well done in giving the dove a chance of life

In the wild, collared doves will fledge from their nest at around 18-21 days and would be taught to fly by their parents (I've seen fledgling wood pigeons having flying lessons from tree to tree in my garden in the past!). The downside of hand rearing birds can result in the bird becoming too tame which is why it's always best wherever possible to hand them over to wildlife rescue centres because they have the facilities and experience to ensure they're kept as 'wild' as is possible.

As you've done the hard bit of rearing the dove to feeding independently, the dove would benefit from wildlife centre rehab to ensure successful release into the wild.

Of course, if there aren't any local wildlife centres near you, you could just continue with what you're doing until it can manage to fly 'upwards' at distances, then release into your garden. A good wing strengthening exercise is to hold the bird's body (firmly, but gently) above your head and then gently 'plunge' (couldn't think of a better word!) the bird down to about your waist level (still keeping hold of the bird's body!) - the bird will automatically flap its wings and this will help development. Do this several times a day.

Good luck

Pippa · #6 (**permalink**) 10-03-2009, 11:29 AM

We used to rescue Jackdaws many years ago but they were kept in an avary.We used to take them into the centre of a field and gently throw them up and they would automatically fly although a bit clumsy at first..As they got stronger we threw them higher.We also walked with them and they did learn to feed naturally.

When they were strong,flying properly and feeding themselves we would walk with them to the woods and if they wanted to come home they did but after a while they would fly off to a new beginning.

Welcome to WAB Kags

Good luck with the Dove,at least you have given it a fair chance.

kags · #7 (**permalink**) 10-03-2009, 03:24 PM

Thanks everyone for your help. All of your comments have made me feel a bit happier. I think we will probably continue what we are doing and hopefully a happy release will be soon! What would everyone recommend I feed it on?

at the moment we are giving breadcrumbs, wild bird seed, mealworm mixture and small pieces of fatballs. I will attempt to add photos of our bird, (probably with my daughters help when she gets back from work!)

diggleken · #8 (**permalink**) 10-03-2009, 04:30 PM

Hi Kags, welcome to WAB - your feed sounds pretty good and balanced to me -just to add, make sure it has sufficient water to avoid dehydration.
Well done, what a shame the vet wanted to put it down, good job doctors dont apply the same thinking.
Cheers
Ken

Pippa · #9 (**permalink**) 10-03-2009, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kags

Thanks everyone for your help. All of your comments have made me feel a bit happier. I think we will probably continue what we are doing and hopefully a happy release will be soon! What would everyone recommend I feed it on?

at the moment we are giving breadcrumbs, wild bird seed, mealworm mixture and small pieces of fatballs. I will attempt to add photos of our bird, (probably with my daughters help when she gets back from work!)

I wouldn't bother with the breadcrumbs Kags as there is no real goodness in it but they are easy to feed.They love pigeon food but the biggers seeds are soaked over night.Anyway ,you are doing great.Sunflower hearts go down a treat for them here.The water is important though.