rescued dove

gardenexplorer · #1 (**permalink**) 04-09-2011, 03:38 PM

i have temporoarily rescued a fledgling dove from the cats outside, and was wondering what to feed it? the adults from the flock -where he came from, all eat grain from one of our barns.
many thanks

Dogghound · #2 (**permalink**) 04-09-2011, 07:05 PM

How old is it? has it been damaged?

werdnal · #3 (**permalink**) 04-09-2011, 08:51 PM

Is it able to fly/fend for itself? If so, it will eat normal bird seed, and they are quite partial to thawed frozen peas or tinned sweetcorn. It is has left the nest, it should take grain, but you may need to force feed it - using a small spoon, gently open it beak and literally tip a small amount of grain inside, then let it close and swallow. They will take quite a lot in one sitting! You can feel their crop (food pouch in the front of the breast) filling up. You may also need to give water. This can be difficult, as doves and pigeons breathe through a windpipe in the bottom of the beak, and it is easy to get water into the lungs. I have had some success with a short soft tube, on the end of a syringe, gently pushed into the throat and past the windpipe. Don't overdo the water as they can regurgitate it choke.

If it is in shock or has any puncture wounds from the cat, it may die of infection. You maybe better taking it to a wildlife rescue centre, who will adminster anti-biotics to help give it a better chance.

Just out of interest, is it a collared dove, or a white/domesticated variety?

Farplace · #4 (**permalink**) 04-09-2011, 09:14 PM

If you need to handrear, you might also try my formula. I use Wild Bird Mix, Chopped peanuts, Egg Food, Dried Mixed Fruit, and crushed dried Mealworms. I soak the lot in hot water for an hour or so, before feeding the dove / pigeon / wood pigeon etc. This means they also get enough liquid in the food, and dont need extra water.