Expert: Marie Charon - 10/23/2009

Question
Three months ago, one of a pair of doves chose my garden to die. We buried it while noticing its mate was staying nearby. The next day, in another part of my garden, I observed three very small doves being "scolded" by an adult dove.  Thereafter, the baby doves were left in that particular spot where they remained for about six hours. Since that time, these three baby doves have chosen my walled-in garden to live.  I've noticed two of the doves stay together while isolating the third one.  The isolated dove spends much of the day on my property.  I feed them all very good bird food and they are flourishing.  Am I doing the right thing?  The three doves appear to feel safe, partly due to no cats nor dogs in area.

Thank you for any advice you may offer.

Portia

Answer
That is very kind of you. As to doing the right thing I don't think you are doing anything wrong by caring for them. Just be sure to not tame them by spending any time with them, if they are to live wild then they need to learn to care for themselves and keep their fear of humans.

My advise is to spread the seed throughout your garden so they will have to forage for it like they would do in the wild, unless you are willing to care for them their entire lives.

Blessings,
-m