How to Save a Baby Dove: A Comprehensive Guide
Saving a baby dove requires careful observation, a safe environment, and proper nutrition. The process involves identifying if the dove truly needs assistance, providing warmth and shelter, and offering an appropriate food source to ensure its survival; follow this crucial guidance to give the baby dove the best chance at a healthy life.
Identifying a Baby Dove in Need
Before intervening, it’s vital to assess if the baby dove genuinely needs rescue. Many fledglings leave the nest before they can fly perfectly, and their parents continue to care for them on the ground. Intervention should only occur if the dove is clearly injured, orphaned (parents haven’t been seen for several hours), or in immediate danger (e.g., near traffic, predators, or extreme weather). Healthy fledglings are typically well-feathered, hop around, and react to their surroundings.
Creating a Safe and Warm Environment
A baby dove’s well-being hinges on a safe and warm habitat. A cardboard box lined with soft towels or paper towels makes an ideal temporary home. The box should be placed in a quiet, dimly lit area away from pets and children. Maintain a temperature of around 85-90°F (29-32°C) for very young, unfeathered doves. This can be achieved using a heating pad set on low, placed underneath half of the box, allowing the dove to move to a cooler area if needed.
Providing Appropriate Nutrition
Feeding is the most critical aspect of saving a baby dove. Doves produce “crop milk,” a nutritious substance regurgitated to feed their young. Replicating this requires a specialized formula. Pet stores often carry hand-feeding formulas for birds, or you can make a homemade substitute with baby bird formula mixed with warm water to create a thick, yogurt-like consistency.
- Feeding Tools: Use a small syringe (without the needle) or a feeding spoon.
- Feeding Technique: Gently open the dove’s beak and place the syringe or spoon near the back of its throat. Avoid forcing food, allowing the dove to swallow at its own pace.
- Feeding Frequency: Young doves need to be fed every 2-3 hours during the day, gradually decreasing the frequency as they grow older.
- Monitoring Crop: Check the crop (a pouch at the base of the neck) to ensure it’s emptying properly between feedings. A full crop indicates adequate feeding; an empty or sluggish crop suggests digestive problems.
Gradual Weaning and Release
As the baby dove grows, gradually introduce solid food, such as small seeds and grains, alongside the formula. Place the seeds in a shallow dish within the box. Once the dove is fully feathered and able to fly strongly, begin acclimating it to the outdoors. This can be done by placing the box outside for short periods each day, gradually increasing the time. Choose a safe location away from traffic and predators for the eventual release.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfeeding: Feeding too much can lead to crop impaction and digestive problems.
- Force-feeding: Forcing food can cause aspiration pneumonia.
- Using Milk: Never give cow’s milk or other dairy products, as doves cannot digest them.
- Neglecting Hygiene: Keep the feeding utensils and environment clean to prevent bacterial infections.
- Releasing Too Soon: Releasing a dove before it’s fully capable of flying and foraging can significantly decrease its chances of survival.
| Mistake | Consequence | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| —————— | ——————————————- | ————————————————————————- |
| Overfeeding | Crop impaction, digestive issues | Feed small amounts frequently; monitor crop emptying |
| Force-feeding | Aspiration pneumonia | Allow dove to swallow at its own pace; never force food |
| Using Cow’s Milk | Digestive upset, inability to digest lactose | Only use specialized bird formula or homemade substitute |
| Neglecting Hygiene | Bacterial infections | Regularly clean feeding utensils and environment with disinfectant |
| Releasing Too Soon | Starvation, predation | Ensure dove can fly strongly and forage independently before release |
Legal Considerations
It’s important to be aware of local laws regarding wildlife rehabilitation. Some areas require permits to care for wild birds, even temporarily. Contact your local wildlife rehabilitation center or animal control agency for information and guidance. It’s also illegal to keep a wild bird permanently without the proper permits. The goal is always to rehabilitate and release the bird back into its natural habitat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do baby doves eat in the wild?
In the wild, baby doves are fed crop milk, a nutrient-rich substance produced by both parent doves. This milk is gradually supplemented with regurgitated seeds and grains as the chicks grow. Replicating this diet in captivity is essential for successful rehabilitation.
How can I tell if a baby dove is dehydrated?
Signs of dehydration in a baby dove include lethargy, sunken eyes, and wrinkled skin. A simple test is to gently pinch the skin on the back of the neck; if it doesn’t quickly return to its original position, the dove is likely dehydrated. Provide a small amount of electrolyte solution or diluted unflavored Pedialyte to rehydrate the bird.
Is it safe to handle a baby dove?
While it’s necessary to handle a baby dove for feeding and care, minimize handling as much as possible to reduce stress. Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling the dove to prevent the spread of diseases.
How long do baby doves stay in the nest?
Baby doves typically stay in the nest for about 11-15 days before fledging. However, they may leave the nest before they can fly perfectly and continue to be fed by their parents for several days.
What if I can’t find a wildlife rehabilitation center?
If you cannot locate a wildlife rehabilitation center, contact your local veterinarian, animal shelter, or animal control agency. They may be able to provide assistance or connect you with someone who can help.
How do I know if the baby dove has been abandoned?
It can be tricky to determine if a baby dove has been abandoned. Observe the dove from a distance for several hours to see if the parents return. If the dove appears injured, weak, or has not been fed (crop is empty) for an extended period, it’s likely been abandoned or orphaned.
Can I keep a baby dove as a pet?
Keeping a wild dove as a pet is generally illegal and not recommended. Doves are adapted to live in the wild and require specialized care that is difficult to provide in a domestic setting. The best course of action is to rehabilitate the dove and release it back into its natural habitat.
What are the signs of a sick baby dove?
Signs of illness in a baby dove can include lethargy, ruffled feathers, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, or a swollen crop. If you suspect the dove is sick, seek veterinary care immediately.
How do I prepare the baby dove for release?
Before releasing the dove, ensure it can fly strongly, forage for food independently, and is not overly dependent on humans. Acclimate the dove to the outdoors gradually by placing its enclosure outside for increasing periods each day.
What time of year is it most common to find baby doves?
Doves typically nest from spring through late summer, so you’re most likely to find baby doves during these months.
How do I protect the baby dove from predators?
When caring for a baby dove, protect it from predators by keeping it indoors in a secure enclosure. When acclimating the dove to the outdoors, choose a safe location away from cats, dogs, and other potential predators.
What do I do if the baby dove won’t eat?
If the baby dove refuses to eat, try warming the formula slightly and offering it again. Ensure the feeding technique is gentle and avoid forcing food. If the dove still won’t eat, seek veterinary advice as there may be an underlying medical issue.