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Birds--General/DOVE (fat chicken)

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Expert: - 12/12/2007


Question
My daughter found a dove a couple of months ago. We called the local animal shelter and checked the paper, to see if anyone had lost the bird. It was wearing (and still is),a leg band which looks as if has a month and numbers that follow. We decided to keep it, and I gave it the name fat chicken. I read a male has a flat head, so I finally know my fat chicken is a boy. I've been feeding him wild bird food and he has his preference of seeds. How do I know whether he is getting enough grit to digest the seeds? Are the seeds enough? Also, is toasted bread okay on occasion? Is there anything unhealthy for him that he shouldn't eat? I have kids, and fat chicken will try to eat potato chips(crumbs), drink out their cereal bowls, and steal your fish sticks if you let him.

Answer
Hi, Talaya,

I picked your question up from the question pool.

Your dove will eat the amount of grit is needs to grind up its seed.  You should feed your dove dove grain.  Wild bird seed is OK in a pinch, but contains some seeds doves usually don't eat.  Any type of food you can get your dove to eat is OK!  Birds are lactose intolerant, but a sip of milk occasionally never killed a bird.  Use your best judgment as to what not to feed the bird.  In other words, if you wouldn't give it to your kids, don't allow the bird to eat it either!

Chrys

Birds--General

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Chrys Meatyard

Expertise

I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.

Experience

Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.

Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.

Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.

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