Expert: Roger Lederer - 5/25/2009

Question
My mom found a mourning dove baby in my neighbors driveway about 2 weeks ago. It was breathing funny and starting to get covered with ants. Plus there are A LOT of cats in this area. I couldn't find a nest anywhere so I took it in. It just started getting pin feathers and looked to be in pretty bad shape. I managed to get it to eventually start eating dog food that I softened up. He eats like a horse! Now all of his feathers are in and today he flew from the floor onto my head as I was getting his breakfast ready! So now what do I do? How do I teach him how to eat on his own? I was planning on releasing him into the wild... I have been staying away from him so he wouldn't get too attached but that didn't work because he loves me!!! What should I do? and how should I care for him now?

Answer
Good job on raising him! Best thing to do is let him go immediately. The longer he stays with you the less likely he will be able to survive in the wild. It is illegal to keep him as a pet, so do the thing that is best for both of you and release him. He will eat on his own just fine. Thanks for your concern.