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Birds--General/white dove
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Question
I took a white dove from one of my cats. I cleaned a small wound and administered antibiotic liquid from the pet store, and it seems to be OK (a week later). My question is, that it appears to be tame. I steps up on my finger and I can bring it close to me and has never tried to bite. Also, it doesn't appear to be nervious around people in general. I want to let it go, but if it is tame, will it survive, and if I should release it, any suggestions on the best way, like time of day? Thank you.
Hi, Debbie. Thanks for posting.
Are you sure this is a dove and not a white pigeon? Often times, an injured wild bird that has been cared for by a human becomes somewhat tame because of the one-on-one interaction between the human and the bird during the convalesant period. If this is a tame dove/pigeon that has escaped from it's human owner, it may not survive outside because it doesn't know how to find food on its own. At this point since neither of us knows its previous history, i.e., where it came from, I can't answer your question specifically. It's survival in the wild will depend on if it can find food and water on its own (as long as a predator doesn't get it).
If I have a bird to release back into the wild, I feed it up good in the morning and let it out in the morning so it has all day to get acclamated to the outside again.
Chrys
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Answers by Expert:
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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