Expert: Roger Lederer - 3/14/2010

Question
My son found a baby desert dove near our house as we live in saudi arabia they r very common here. Could u please tell me what i can feed it at home as there r very few specialized bird pet stores here and we have to rely mainly on our own wit out here in these matters. I think the little guy is about 21 days old as he is quite covered in feathers but he is not very agressive as yet, does not bite or attempt to fly away.
i will try to get pigeon feed as that is available here but if he cant peck yet can i feed him some oatmeal cornmeal paste do you think.Thanks for ur much appreciated help.

Answer
The best thing to do is release the bird. I can't in good conscience encourage you to keep him. Any bird that becomes domesticated is taken out of the gene pool and will not be able to breed. If you don't have experience raising birds he may not even survive. If he is 21 days old he should be old enough to take care of himself. I know you mean well and have concern for the bird, but his parents are probably looking for him as they take care of their young until they can fly, so the best thing to do is let nature takes its course.