Expert: Roger Lederer - 7/24/2007

Question
We have been caring for a mourning dove chick for about a week and a half now.  It seems to have adopted us because it follows us around on the ground as we work in our yard.  Other mourning doves seem to be rejecting it.  It is able to fly, but still has fledgling feathers.  It was having difficulty finding safe water to drink, so we started setting a water dish in front of it and feeding by hand.  Its favorite food seems to be Nyjer.  Is this okay. What size of gravel does it need for digestion.

Answer
Niger seeds do not provide enough protein, so you need to supplement it with some protein source - meat, mealworms, insects, etc. Gravel is not necessary, but nice. A variety of small grave can be offered. Best thing to do is contact your local wildife rehab center for advice, if you have one, or go to www.ornithology.com/rehab.html for more information