I have a beutiful Mourning Dove healing in my room...What should I do tell I see a vet?(it's in a cardboard box with food and water and a towel-nest.)
2006-10-17 13:52:01 · 6 answers · asked by mountaingoat 2 in Pets ➔ Birds
(healing from a wing snapped in half at one point.)
2006-10-17 13:53:34 · update #1
Yes, take it to the vet, or a nearby animal sanctuary. It's nice that you had the heart to help save an injured animal.
2006-10-17 14:00:24 · answer #1 · answered by almostdead 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It will need to see a vet. A wing cannot heal properly unless the vet sets it after x rays. It will not be able to fly if it does not heal properly and then it won't be able to be re-released into the wild. Birds go into shock an die quickly so you may not have much time. Keep it warm until you get it to the vet.
Also, keep in mind that per Federal law it is illegal for you to possess a native wild bird species. I am pretty sure that mourning doves are a native wild bird species which means that only a licensed wildlife rehabilitator would be allowed to keep it. If it were a common pigeon which is NOT native to this country but introduced from Europe, you could keep it legally. I would call your local game commission, wildlife center, veterinary office, check phone listings, etc, to find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area. This is best for all involved.
2006-10-18 03:18:04 · answer #2 · answered by Rags to Riches 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you’re in the US then the law prevents any non-licensed individual from keeping any native wild animal. The ones allowed to do this are licensed rehabilitators. The web site you can check for a local rehabber in your area is http://www.tc.umn.edu/~devo0028/contact.htm
I would avoid calling a vet directly unless a rehabber directs you towards a specific one. Not all vets are trained or equipped to handle birds and the bird could be mishandled or mistreated between seeing the vet and going to a rehabber.
Another site you can check for any other birds you might encounter is http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/intrnltr/mbta/mbtandx.html#alpha1 This is the complete list of federally protected migratory birds in the USA. Mourning Doves are listed under the “Doves” section.
In the meantime, another Web site that has tips and advice on caring for doves is http://www.pigeons.biz/forums/index.php Although they specialize in Rock Doves (Pigeons) many people there can give you the advice you really need. You can learn how to feed them, care for them, set broken wings and bandage wings all on their forums.
To offer some advice on getting you started:
Doves, especially Mourning Doves, are very high-strung birds. Keep it warm and secluded in a spot with plenty of sunlight. Try placing it in a corner rather than the center of a room (less for it to stress over).
A primarily seed diet consisting of finch seeds and very small pieces of chopped fruit is a good replacement for its natural diet.
If it has any external injuries, try to avoid using any petroleum based topical products and stay with creams/water soluble products.
2006-10-18 06:33:11 · answer #3 · answered by lerxstwannabe 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like so far your doing good! if he looks bored you can give him a mirror!! they love to look at themselves and think its another bird! we saved a morning dove after it fell out of its nest in a thunder storm... we took it to the vet but it ended up dieing. it was healthy but it died because it was loneley and missed its mate (who died in the storm) so be careful!! and give him a mirror or bells to play with! they really like that...
2006-10-17 14:06:49 · answer #4 · answered by christine 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My best approach in this situation would be to consult a vet.
2006-10-17 14:15:49 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
keep him comfortable feed him watter him
2006-10-17 14:01:42 · answer #6 · answered by casper 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋