I found a baby dove in my yard. What should I feed it until it is ready to fly?

Answer 1

Bird flu is not going around!
The best solution if you can, is to return it to its nest, or fabricate a nest for it in a safe place where the parents can get to it. They will take care of it.
If you can't do this, you can take care of it.
You don't say how old it is. If it can eat for itself, feed it birdseed. Doves are seed eaters.
If it can't feed itself, you need to get a syringe. Pet stores sell a baby bird formula that you mix with water.
Good luck.

Answer 2

If the bird seems fully feathered and just look a little small it might be a fledgling in which case it's perfectly normal for it to be on the ground; it is simply learning how to fly and may spend some time on the ground, in this case its usually a good idea to leave it alone as the parents are still taking care of it, if you're worried about the neighbours cat place it a little higher in a shrub or a tree.If the baby dove is small, full of down and doesn't have any wounds on it, place it back in the nest if you can. Then keep an eye on the nest from a distance (otherwise the parents won't come back) and see if the parents return, if you haven't seen them within 4-5 hours, call a local rehab center and they'll tell you what to do next. Place the bird in a cardboard box and cover it, don't peek in all the time just to look; it's stressfull for the bird. If you're in the US this link can help you find the closest rehab center http://www.southeasternoutdoors.com/wildlife/rehabilitators/directory-us.html

Answer 3

Try some crushed dry cat or dog food. If the bird pecks for the food, you can also use a mixed millet seed diet, much like what people feed parakeets. In the event the bird doesn't peck for the food, try watering down the cat or dog food. If the dove still doesn't eat, further moisten this mixture and feed the bird with a dropper. Because doves are seed eaters, these two food items will be very adequate in getting the bird to the feathered stage, where it is ready for a life of its own outdoors. It's also a smart move to contact wildlife rescue. To locate a local licensed wildlife rehabilitator, contact your veterinarian or Audubon Society office. Also, make sure to carefully look over the bird and call the veterinarian immediately if you spot any obvious physical wounds.

Answer 4

If the baby is fully feathered then a nice bowl of cockatiel seed or wild bird seed will be just fine! Also include a nice swallow bowl of water for the dove to drink. Keep the cage away from cats and dogs and other animals that would try and bother it.

Is it a wild dove or a ring neck dove that might of gotten loose from his coop? Doves make wonderful pets if you are considering keeping it. I love mine! Very soothing cooing.....

Answer 5

I have found baby birds in the past and managed to keep them alive long enough for them to be release...but with the new bird flu going around I really don't think you should take a chance ...take the little guy to a vet...they will know what to do with him...just put him in a box and cover the box with a cloth..than wash your hand really well with anti bacterial soap.. and don't have to much contact with him .....I know it sounds cruel but you don't want to catch something that might kill you....

Answer 6

Not a pro, but I would say fresh pieces of sliced bread and see how that works. Also, contact a pet-co, or affiliate. You should be able to get better direction. In the mean while, try to enjoy your new little friend for It Is an odd gift. Happy new year, Steve.

Answer 7

frequently whether a wholesome infant falls out of the nest the mother and dad will proceed to guard it even on the floor so it somewhat is ultimate which you place it lower back the place you got here across it. the mother and dad won't reject it as a results of fact of your scent as birds have an exceedingly poor experience of scent. it somewhat is unquestionably unlawful so which you would be able to have the chook. it somewhat is a federal regulation (migratory chook act) it somewhat is enforced via fish and interest so it is not going a community regulation enforcement officer could recognize it. So lower back you will desire to positioned it lower back the place you got here across it or barring that turn it over to an approved rehabber as your possibilities of conserving it alive without experiance are slender

Answer 8

If you cannot find its nest , but it already has feathers, go to your local pet store and get EXACT handfeeding formula. MAKE SURE that someone there shows you the proper way to warm, mix and feed it. DO NOT feed it cat or dog food, this is not good for it.

Answer 9

theres a reason for it being on the ground and picking it up and trying to save isn't the answer.

you need to contact a local bird sanctuary or rescue/rehab or call the local zoo.


don't touch it
it will die

Answer 10

first tell a animal place that you found one.
second ask them what they eat. you can usally get those numbers in the yellow pages or phone book that should solve your Q