Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 4/3/2006

Question
I have a pair of tame white doves that I have had for about two years. They have recently had a baby, it is about one month old.  They have started pushing him out of the nest, and he is learning to fly. My question is, should I remove him from their cage and if so what should I feed him. I am concerned that he is not getting enough to eat. He is constantly chasing them around when they eat trying to get food from them.  I feed them a variety of seeds, fruit, bread and I always make sure they have a bowl of grit and plenty of fresh water. Can the small bird eat this or should I hand feed him.  I have handled him frequently and he is getting used to it.  I have also noticed that he is losing some feathers around his beak. Any thoughts on why? Any info would be appreciated.  Thank You  Robin

Answer
Hi, Robin.  Thanks for posting.

The parents are trying to wean their baby.  This is why they are pushing s/he out of the nest and not feeding him as much.  They are trying to force the baby to eat on his/her own, and the baby is perfectly old enough to do so.  The baby will continue to beg from it's parents until it is completely weaned.  The baby will likely be a bit hungry during this process, and may lose some weight, but this is normal during the weaning process.  It's also normal for the baby to be losing some feathers around the beak.  I see this frequently in young pigeons.

You don't have to remove the baby from the parents' cage, as long as the cage is big enough for all three.  The male dove will continue to teach his offspring, while the female will prepare to go to nest again.  This is another reason why they want the baby out of the nest...the female is getting ready to lay again.  While she's incubating a new clutch, the father will continue to teach/wean the baby.  However, if the parents become mean/aggressive toward the baby (drawing blood, etc.), then you might want to separate them.  

Chrys