Caring for Baby Doves: Nesting, Feeding, and Keeping Them Safe

The beautiful and gentle mourning dove is a common sight in many parts of the world. These birds are known for their distinctive cooing sounds and graceful flight. If you come across a baby dove that seems to be in need of help, it's important to know how to handle the situation correctly.

Firstly, if you can locate the nest nearby, the best course of action is to simply place the nestling back in the nest. This is the most natural and ideal environment for the baby dove to grow and develop. If you are unsure of the exact location of the nest, observe the area for a while. The parents are likely to return and resume their care for the nestling. It's important to note that your scent will not deter the parents, so don't worry about that.

If you are unable to locate the nest or it is too high up to reach, it is best to leave the nestling where you found it or move it to a shaded area. The parents will still be able to find and care for their baby, even if it is not in the original nest. It's nature's way of ensuring the survival of the species.

It is important to remember that baby mourning doves go through a period called fledgling stage. During this time, they spend 3-4 days on the ground before they are able to fly. They may appear feathered out, but still have some pin feathers. This is normal and part of their development process. It's best to avoid interfering with the fledgling unless it is in immediate danger.

If you do need to intervene and care for a baby dove, it is crucial to keep them clean and warm until they are fully feathered. A box lined with paper towels is a simple and easy way to provide a clean environment for the bird. You can also add dried grass or straw as nesting material to mimic their natural habitat.

Temperature control is vital for the well-being of the baby dove. Start with a temperature of 95 degrees Fahrenheit, and lower it by one degree each day until it matches the ambient temperature. This gradual decrease helps the bird acclimate to its surroundings.

When it comes to feeding, baby mourning doves have a unique diet. For the first week of their lives, they exclusively consume a substance called crop milk. Both male and female adult doves can produce this milk-like substance in their crops, which is an esophageal pouch used for food storage and digestion. It is important to ensure that the baby dove receives this crop milk or a suitable substitute to meet its nutritional needs.

If you find a baby dove in need of assistance, try to locate the nest and return the nestling if possible. If not, leave the bird where you found it or move it to a shaded area. The parents will likely come back to care for their baby. If you need to care for the bird yourself, provide a clean and warm environment, gradually adjust the temperature, and ensure it receives the proper nutrition. Remember, it's always best to let nature take its course whenever possible.

What Do You Do If You Find A Baby Dove?

If you come across a baby dove and are unsure about what to do, there are a few steps you can take:

1. Observe the surroundings: Take a moment to assess the situation and determine if the baby dove is in immediate danger or distress. Look for any signs of injury or predators nearby.

2. Search for the nest: If you can locate the nest nearby, it is best to place the baby dove back into it. Check for any visible signs of a nest, such as a small platform made of twigs or leaves, usually found in trees, shrubs, or even on the ground. Carefully place the baby dove back in the nest, ensuring it is secure.

3. If you can't find the nest: If you are unable to locate the nest or it is inaccessible, it is best to leave the baby dove where you found it or move it to a shaded area nearby. Ensure the area is safe from immediate threats and provides some protection from the elements.

4. Don't worry about your scent: Contrary to popular belief, your scent will not deter the parents from returning to care for their baby. Birds have a poor sense of smell, so your involvement won't cause them to abandon their offspring.

5. Monitor from a distance: After taking the necessary steps, it's important to give the parents a chance to return and care for their baby. Keep a safe distance and observe from afar to see if the adult doves come back to tend to their young. It may take some time for them to notice or feel comfortable approaching when humans are nearby.

Remember, baby doves are often left alone for periods of time by their parents, who may be out searching for food. It's essential to avoid unnecessary intervention unless the baby dove is in immediate danger or visibly injured. If you have concerns about the baby dove's well-being or need further assistance, consider contacting a local wildlife rehabilitation center for guidance.

How Long Do Baby Doves Stay On The Ground?

Baby doves, also known as fledglings, typically stay on the ground for a period of 3-4 days before they are able to fly. During this time, they are in the process of developing their flight feathers and gaining strength in their wings. Fledglings are already feathered out but may still have some pin feathers, which are developing feathers that have not fully grown. It is important to note that during this period, the baby doves are still under the care and supervision of their parents, who continue to feed and protect them. Once the baby doves have gained enough strength and coordination, they will take flight and begin to explore their surroundings.

Can You Take Care Of A Baby Dove?

It is possible to take care of a baby dove. However, it requires special attention and care to ensure the bird's well-being. Here are the steps to take care of a baby dove:

1. Create a suitable environment: Prepare a box lined with paper towels as bedding for the baby dove. This will make it easier to keep the area clean. Additionally, adding dried grass or straw can serve as nesting material for the bird.

2. Maintain proper temperature: Baby mourning doves need a warm environment until they develop feathers. Start by keeping the temperature at around 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Gradually decrease the temperature by one degree each day until it reaches the normal room temperature.

3. Feeding the baby dove: If the baby dove is too young to eat on its own, you will need to hand-feed it. A commercial hand-feeding formula specifically designed for birds can be used. Follow the instructions on the package to prepare the formula and feed the bird with a syringe or a small spoon.

4. Feeding schedule: Baby doves require frequent feedings, typically every 2-3 hours during the day. As they grow, the frequency can be reduced. Consult a veterinarian or a bird expert for a specific feeding schedule based on the age and condition of the bird.

5. Hydration: Besides feeding, it is important to ensure the baby dove stays hydrated. Offer water in a shallow dish or using a small syringe. Make sure the water is clean and fresh.

6. Observe the bird's health: Keep a close eye on the baby dove's health and behavior. Look out for any signs of illness, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or difficulty breathing. If you notice any concerning symptoms, consult a veterinarian immediately.

7. Weaning process: As the baby dove grows and develops feathers, it will become capable of eating on its own. Gradually introduce bird seeds, fruits, and vegetables into its diet. Monitor its progress and adjust the diet accordingly.

Remember, taking care of a baby dove requires expertise and knowledge. If you are unsure or inexperienced, it is best to consult a veterinarian or a bird expert who can guide you through the process and ensure the bird's well-being.

What Does A Baby Dove Eat?

A baby dove primarily consumes a substance called crop milk during the initial week of its life. This crop milk is produced by both male and female adult doves in their crop, an esophageal pouch where food is stored and partially digested. To provide a detailed answer, let's break it down further:

1. Baby doves rely exclusively on crop milk for sustenance during their first week of life.
2. Crop milk is not actual milk, but a specialized secretion produced in the crop of adult doves.
3. Both male and female doves have the ability to produce crop milk.
4. The crop is an esophageal pouch where food is stored and undergoes digestion.
5. Crop milk is rich in nutrients and serves as a highly nutritious food source for baby doves.
6. The composition of crop milk varies depending on the diet of adult doves, but it generally provides essential proteins, fats, and vitamins necessary for the growth and development of the baby dove.
7. After the first week, baby doves gradually transition to a diet consisting of regurgitated seeds and insects, which their parents provide.

Baby doves primarily consume crop milk produced by adult doves in their crop during the first week of their lives. This nutrient-rich substance provides essential nourishment for the young birds until they begin to transition to a diet of regurgitated seeds and insects.

Conclusion

Baby dove birds, also known as nestlings or fledglings, require special care and attention if they are found outside of their nest. The best course of action is to try and locate the nest and place the baby back in it. If the nest cannot be found, it is best to leave the baby where it was found or move it to a shaded area. The parents will not be deterred by human scent and will likely return to care for their young.

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to care for a baby mourning dove, it is important to keep them clean and warm until they are fully feathered. Providing a box lined with paper towels, along with some dried grass or straw as nesting material, can help create a suitable environment for the bird. Maintaining a temperature of 95 degrees Fahrenheit initially and gradually lowering it by one degree each day can help simulate natural conditions.

It is important to note that baby mourning doves exclusively rely on crop milk for the first week of their lives. Both male and female adult birds can produce this substance in their crops, which serves as a vital source of nutrition for the young birds.

By following these guidelines and providing the necessary care, you can help ensure the well-being and survival of baby dove birds. Remember, it is always best to consult with a wildlife professional or rehabilitation center if you have any concerns or questions about caring for these delicate creatures.