Can You Save a Baby Dove? A Comprehensive Guide to Caring for Fledglings
Yes, you can save a baby dove! However, success depends on proper identification, immediate action, and dedicated care. This guide, backed by expert veterinary advice, provides a comprehensive plan for increasing the likelihood of a baby dove’s survival.
Understanding the Situation: Identifying a Baby Dove in Need
Before you rush to rescue a baby dove, it’s crucial to assess whether it actually needs rescuing. Doves, like many birds, go through a fledgling stage, where they leave the nest but are still cared for by their parents. Mistaking a fledgling for an abandoned bird is a common mistake.
- Fledgling vs. Nestling: A nestling is very young, typically featherless or sparsely feathered, and completely dependent on its parents. A fledgling, on the other hand, has most of its feathers and can hop or even fly short distances.
- Signs of Distress: Obvious signs of distress in a baby dove include visible injuries (bleeding, broken wings or legs), being cold to the touch, being persistently alone in an exposed location for an extended period (several hours), or appearing lethargic and unresponsive.
- Observe First: If the baby dove is a fledgling and doesn’t exhibit signs of distress, observe from a distance (at least 30 feet) for an hour or two. The parents are likely nearby and will return to feed it.
The Rescue Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve determined that a baby dove needs rescuing, follow these steps:
- Gentle Capture: Approach the dove slowly and gently. Use a soft cloth or towel to pick it up, minimizing stress.
- Initial Assessment: Carefully examine the dove for any injuries. If there are serious injuries, contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately.
- Warmth and Comfort: Place the dove in a warm, safe container lined with soft towels or cloth. A cardboard box or plastic bin works well.
- Hydration: If the dove appears dehydrated (sunken eyes, wrinkled skin), offer it a small amount of unflavored pedialyte (NOT tap water) via an eyedropper. Give only a few drops at a time to avoid aspiration.
- Contact a Rehabilitator: The most crucial step is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. They have the expertise and resources to provide the necessary care for the dove’s long-term survival.
Caring for the Baby Dove (Short-Term Until Transfer to Rehabilitator)
While waiting to transfer the baby dove to a rehabilitator, you can provide temporary care.
- Housing: Keep the dove in a warm, dark, and quiet place. This minimizes stress.
- Feeding: Baby doves require specialized crop milk produced by their parents. Replicating this is difficult but possible with a commercial hand-feeding formula for baby birds, or a homemade mix (see table below). Consult with a rehabilitator for the best option.
- Feeding Schedule: Young doves need frequent feedings, usually every 2-3 hours during daylight.
- Hygiene: Keep the dove’s enclosure clean. Gently clean any droppings from its feathers with a damp cloth.
Homemade Baby Bird Formula Options (Consult Rehabilitator First)
| Ingredient | Option 1 (Emergency) | Option 2 (More Nutritional) |
|---|---|---|
| ———————– | ———————– | ——————————– |
| Kitten Milk Replacer | 1 part | 2 parts |
| Unsweetened Applesauce | 1 part | 1 part |
| Baby Cereal (Rice) | N/A | 1 part |
| Unflavored Pedialyte | To thin consistency | To thin consistency |
Important Notes:
- The homemade formulas are not ideal long-term. They are meant for temporary use until you can get proper formula from a rehabilitator.
- Never feed a baby dove bread, milk, or seeds. These foods can cause digestive problems and even death.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Attempting to save a baby dove can be fraught with challenges, and well-intentioned actions can sometimes be harmful. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Overhandling: Excessive handling can stress the baby dove and reduce its chances of survival.
- Improper Feeding: As mentioned, feeding the wrong foods is a major mistake.
- Releasing Too Soon: Releasing the dove before it is fully independent can be a death sentence. Only a qualified rehabilitator should make the decision about release.
- Neglecting Veterinary Care: Even if the dove doesn’t appear injured, it’s essential to have it examined by a veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator. Internal injuries or parasites may not be immediately apparent.
- Assuming the Parents Won’t Return: As mentioned above, observing the bird from a distance first is critical. The parents likely are nearby.
Conclusion: Maximizing the Baby Dove’s Chance of Survival
Can you save a baby dove? Yes, with the right knowledge, resources, and most importantly, the assistance of a qualified wildlife rehabilitator, you can greatly increase its chances of survival and eventual return to the wild. Your quick thinking and compassionate action could make all the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I find a wildlife rehabilitator near me?
The best way to find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator is to contact your local animal shelter, humane society, or state wildlife agency. They will be able to provide you with a list of authorized rehabilitators in your area. You can also try searching online using keywords such as “wildlife rehabilitator near me” or “bird rescue.” Contacting a professional immediately is always the best course of action.
What if I can’t find a wildlife rehabilitator right away?
While you search, keep the baby dove warm, safe, and quiet. Offer it a small amount of unflavored pedialyte to hydrate it, but do not attempt to feed it solid food without guidance from a professional. Continue your search diligently and be prepared to transport the dove as soon as you find a rehabilitator.
Is it illegal to keep a wild baby dove?
Yes, in most jurisdictions, it is illegal to keep a wild bird without the proper permits. Wild birds are protected by law, and keeping them without authorization can result in fines or other penalties. Furthermore, it’s crucial to remember that you don’t have the skillsets or the ability to provide what the baby dove truly needs, which is the support of a wildlife rehabilitator.
How do I tell if a baby dove is dehydrated?
Signs of dehydration in a baby dove include sunken eyes, wrinkled skin, and lethargy. You can gently pinch a small area of skin; if it doesn’t snap back quickly, the dove is likely dehydrated. Offer small amounts of unflavored pedialyte to help rehydrate it.
What is crop milk, and why is it important?
Crop milk is a nutrient-rich secretion produced by the parents of pigeons and doves. It is essential for the healthy growth and development of baby doves and contains proteins, fats, and antibodies that help protect them from disease. Without crop milk, baby doves struggle to thrive, highlighting the necessity of specialized hand-feeding formulas.
Can I just release the baby dove back into the wild if it seems healthy?
No, releasing a baby dove before it is fully independent is not recommended. Baby doves need to learn essential survival skills from their parents or a qualified rehabilitator. Releasing them too early significantly reduces their chances of survival.
How long does it take for a baby dove to become independent?
It typically takes several weeks for a baby dove to become fully independent. During this time, they learn to fly, forage for food, and avoid predators. A wildlife rehabilitator can assess the dove’s readiness for release and provide any necessary support.
What should I do if the baby dove is injured?
If the baby dove is injured, contact a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian immediately. They will be able to assess the extent of the injuries and provide appropriate medical care. Do not attempt to treat the injuries yourself unless instructed to do so by a professional.
Can I feed the baby dove worms or insects?
No, baby doves primarily eat seeds and grains. Feeding them worms or insects can cause digestive problems. Stick to specialized hand-feeding formulas or a homemade mix recommended by a wildlife rehabilitator.
How do I clean the baby dove’s enclosure?
Clean the enclosure daily with warm water and a mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly and dry before placing fresh bedding. This will help prevent the spread of disease. Maintaining a clean environment is critical for the dove’s health.
What if the baby dove won’t eat?
If the baby dove won’t eat, try warming the formula slightly. Use an eyedropper or syringe to gently place the formula into the dove’s mouth. Be patient and persistent, but never force-feed the dove. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator if the dove continues to refuse food.
Is it safe to handle a baby dove?
While it is generally safe to handle a baby dove, it’s essential to wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling it. This will help prevent the spread of disease. Avoid touching your face or mouth while handling the dove. Also, minimize handling time to reduce stress for the bird.