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Birds--General/What to feed a 1 month old dove?

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Expert: - 4/22/2006


Question
Hi,

I came home to find a baby dove on my back yard grass. The baby is one of two that were in a nest off my garage. The parents are gone as is the other baby dove. I put it in a little cage inside the house for warmth. It is very strong but doesn't seem to eat bird seed or water. What may I feed the bird. I had to bring it in as there are many cats in the neighborhood.

Please help. Thank you

Answer
Hi, Carlos.  Thanks for posting.

A one-month old dove can eat pigeon grain.  If you can't find pigeon grain, wild bird food should do.  However, the baby probably won't eat the sunflower seeds (some birds do, some don't).  It may not be eating because it doesn't like the type seed you are offering.  If it isn't eating anything at all, it might be sick.  You can handfeed it with baby parrot handfeeding formula and a handfeeding syringe in order to keep it alive if it won't eat on it's own.  Information on handfeeding is available on my website:

http://www.angelfire.com/falcon/birdinfo/index.html

Come back if you need to.  Thanks.

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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