What to Feed a Baby Dove Out of Nest: A Comprehensive Guide
If you’ve found a baby dove outside its nest, you’ll need to provide it with specialized care. What do you feed a baby dove out of nest? The ideal diet consists of a hand-feeding formula specifically designed for baby birds, mimicking the crop milk produced by the parent doves.
Understanding the Needs of a Baby Dove
Baby doves, also called squabs, are altricial birds, meaning they are entirely dependent on their parents for survival in their early stages. Understanding their dietary needs is crucial to successfully raising a baby dove that has fallen out of the nest. In the wild, parent doves feed their young a substance called crop milk or pigeon milk, a protein- and fat-rich secretion produced in the crop of both male and female parents. This specialized diet is essential for the rapid growth and development of the baby dove.
Mimicking Crop Milk: Hand-Feeding Formulas
Since you can’t replicate crop milk perfectly, the best approach is to use a commercial hand-feeding formula designed for baby birds. These formulas are typically powdered and need to be mixed with water to create a slurry-like consistency. Popular brands include Kaytee Exact Hand Feeding Formula, and similar products formulated for passerines or pigeons. What do you feed a baby dove out of nest, then, is essentially a scientific approximation of what nature provides.
Preparing the Formula
Proper preparation of the formula is essential to avoid digestive issues and ensure the baby dove receives the necessary nutrients.
- Read the Instructions: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the package for mixing ratios.
- Use Warm Water: Mix the formula with warm, not hot, water.
- Consistency: The formula should be smooth and slightly thicker than milk, similar to yogurt.
- Test the Temperature: Before feeding, test the temperature of the formula on your wrist. It should feel lukewarm.
Feeding Methods
Baby doves don’t naturally gape open their mouths the way some other baby birds do. You’ll need to be patient and gentle when feeding. Here are a few methods:
- Syringe Feeding: This is the most common and effective method. Use a small, blunt-tipped syringe (without a needle) to gently deliver the formula into the baby dove’s mouth. Place the tip of the syringe at the side of the beak and slowly express the formula.
- Spoon Feeding: If the baby dove refuses the syringe, you can try offering the formula from a small spoon. Be careful not to pour the formula too quickly, as this can cause aspiration (inhaling the formula into the lungs).
- Feeding Tube (Crop Needle): This method is best left to experienced bird rehabilitators or veterinarians. It involves inserting a flexible tube directly into the baby dove’s crop to deliver the formula. Improper use can cause serious injury.
Feeding Schedule and Amounts
The frequency and amount of feeding will depend on the age of the baby dove. Generally, very young squabs need to be fed every 2-3 hours, while older ones can be fed every 4-6 hours.
| Age (Days) | Frequency | Amount per Feeding |
|---|---|---|
| :———- | :———– | :—————— |
| 1-3 | Every 2 hours | 2-3 ml |
| 4-7 | Every 3 hours | 3-5 ml |
| 8-14 | Every 4 hours | 5-7 ml |
| 15+ | Every 6 hours | 7-10 ml |
- Observe: Watch the baby dove’s crop (the pouch at the base of the neck) to make sure it is filling properly but not overfilling. The crop should feel soft and pliable.
- Adjust: Adjust the amount of formula based on the baby dove’s appetite and growth.
- Cleanliness: Always use clean syringes, spoons, and feeding containers.
Transitioning to Solid Food
As the baby dove grows older, you can start introducing solid food in addition to the formula. Softened bird seeds, crushed nuts, and small pieces of fruit can be offered. Observe the baby dove carefully to see if it is eating the solid food. Gradually reduce the amount of formula as the baby dove eats more solid food. Eventually, the baby dove will transition entirely to solid food.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfeeding: Overfeeding can cause crop impaction, a serious condition where the crop becomes blocked with undigested food.
- Underfeeding: Underfeeding will result in stunted growth and malnutrition.
- Feeding Cold Formula: Cold formula can cause digestive problems.
- Using Human Milk Replacers: Human milk replacers do not provide the necessary nutrients for baby doves.
- Ignoring Hygiene: Failure to maintain proper hygiene can lead to bacterial infections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I know if the baby dove is hungry?
A baby dove that is hungry will often beg for food by opening its mouth and making chirping sounds. They may also bob their heads and flap their wings. Pay close attention to these cues to ensure you’re feeding them at the right intervals.
Can I feed a baby dove bread or crackers?
No, you should never feed a baby dove bread or crackers. These foods lack the necessary nutrients and can cause digestive problems. Stick to the specialized formula and gradually introduce appropriate solid foods later on.
What if the baby dove refuses to eat?
If the baby dove refuses to eat, try warming the formula slightly or offering it from a different angle. If the baby dove continues to refuse to eat, it may be sick or injured and you should seek the advice of a veterinarian or bird rehabilitator.
How do I clean the baby dove after feeding?
Gently wipe the baby dove’s face and feathers with a damp cloth after feeding to remove any spilled formula. Hygiene is critical to prevent infections.
How warm should I keep the baby dove?
Baby doves need to be kept warm, especially when they are very young. Provide a heat source, such as a heating pad set on low or a heat lamp, and monitor the temperature closely. The ideal temperature for a baby dove is between 85-90°F (29-32°C).
How do I know when the baby dove is ready to be released?
A baby dove is ready to be released when it is fully feathered, able to fly strongly, and able to feed itself independently. Ensure it’s prepared before releasing it into a safe environment.
Can I raise a baby dove as a pet?
While it’s possible to raise a baby dove as a pet, it’s important to consider the ethical implications. Doves are social animals and thrive in flocks. Keeping a single dove as a pet may not provide the social interaction it needs. Furthermore, in many jurisdictions, it’s illegal to keep native wild birds as pets without proper permits.
What do I do if I find an injured baby dove?
If you find an injured baby dove, contact a veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator immediately. They have the expertise to provide the necessary medical care.
How often should I change the bedding in the baby dove’s enclosure?
The bedding in the baby dove’s enclosure should be changed daily to maintain hygiene and prevent bacterial infections. Cleanliness is key to their health.
Is it normal for baby doves to make a lot of noise?
Baby doves often make chirping and cooing sounds, especially when they are hungry or seeking attention. This is a normal behavior. Expect vocalizations as part of their development.
What kind of enclosure should I use for a baby dove?
A cardboard box lined with soft cloth or paper towels works well for a baby dove enclosure. The enclosure should be large enough for the baby dove to move around comfortably but not so large that it gets lost or injured.
What should I do if I can’t care for the baby dove anymore?
If you are unable to care for the baby dove, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator or animal shelter. They can provide the necessary care or find a suitable home for the bird. Knowing what do you feed a baby dove out of nest is the first step, but long-term care is also critical.