You are here:

Birds--General/Found an albino dove, was tame at first but wont let us hold her anymore.

Advertisement

Expert: Marie Charon - 10/29/2009


Question

Albino Dove
My dad found an albino dove while he was working that was leaning up against a telephone pole. He picked it up so a loose dog in the neighborhood wouldn't get it and brought it home. She was very tame, would let us hold her and ride our shoulders. We bought her a cage and some food, she eats good and seems to be healthy. She will fly around sometimes but she just runs into things. But as of the last couple days she doesn't want us anywhere near her. She puts her wing over her head and will freak out and try to get away if we put our hand in the cage. We can't figure out why she all the sudden is acting wild.
We assumed at first that she might have been someone's pet because she was so tame. We planned on keeping her as a pet since she had taken up with everyone but we don't know what to do know that she is being so crazy. I don't want to let her go because i'm afraid she won't be able to fend for herself. She seems young. Just wondering what you think! Thank you !!

Answer
Well it is hard to say but I will take a guess that she was sick when you found her, and that was why she was so calm and didn't fly away, and let you guys handle her. Now that she is feeling better she is acting like what she probably is, a wild dove. I could be wrong, but I think this is a safe bet.

Now you have to two options, let her go, or work on taming her. If she has become dependent on you for food, then she will likely not make it in the wild again. If you really like her are inclined to do so, keep her as pet and hand-tame her.

If you decide to keep her, you need to take her to a vet so she checked out, and you might take her to a vet even if you plan to let her go to see what a veterinarian thinks.

Blessings,
-m

Marie Charon

Expertise

Questions I can answer 1. rehabilitating an abused or troubled pet bird, behavioral issue's, cage and cage care, feeding questions, , most general questions, providing quality care for your bird, and guide you in taming your bird.

Experience

I run a not-for-profit exotic bird rescue, and an animal daycare/boarding service. I also have experience in resolving common behavioral issues such as biting, screaming, feather plucking, aggression, jealousy, anxiety issues, and cage bound birds.

Organizations
NCA Member

Education/Credentials
I have a B.S in Communications and Technical Writing.

Awards and Honors
Dean's List & H.S Society.

Past/Present Clients
Along with Feathered Friends Rescue, I also run Ann Arbor Pet services. This service provides dog daycare, I also provide boarding for dogs, cats, birds, and other small animals. I offer equine services, and exotic bird rehabilitation.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.