Baby Mourning Dove
by Khara
(Seabrook, NH, United States)
snuggle buggle
I went for a walk and came across a baby Mourning Dove. He was too young to be out of the nest and had a cut on his/her (not sure) leg.
He was peeping very loud at me and trying to get closer to me rather than escape. I had to get him. Brought him home and looked up what kind of bird he/she is.
I am feeding him a mix of kitten food, cooked egg yokes, infant whole wheat cereal, and added a drop of bird vitamins. My method is mix it well to a paste and then add water with each batch to feed him for the day.
I use a straw that his beak fits into perfectly, just enough room to open his mouth. I can't even believe how much he can eat. He really seems to like it and is a very enthusiastic eater.
He pretty much was a eating and pooping machine for the fist week and that was about it. Now he is still that but growing so fast also.
I let him sit on my shoulder often and will wear my bath robe and he nestles perfectly in the V in the front, so that I can walk around outside with him and let him look around.
He really seems to enjoy that. His home in the beginning was a little bowl with paper towels or tissues inside of a bigger bowl that I would fill with water and microwave after every feeding.
(About every 4 hours or just when he had pooped a whole bunch and peeping increased.)
He was happy warm and humidified but dry in his little bowl. He has graduated now to a shoe box filled with paper towels and a water bottle that I nuke for warmth. (I put it under the paper towels.) He likes being out of the box more often now though.
I was in a debate with myself as to whether or not I should keep him. I think I will because of the mortality rate of the first year.
Plus they are not in danger of a low population at all and he seems to like me enough. Peeps at me all the time and seems to say, what cha doin?
When I let him roam around on the table he chases what my hands are doing and he likes to make typing impossible.
I think he likes me a little bit, LOL. So I am leaning towards keeping him at this point. I don't see the harm in keeping him, anyone disagree?
I suppose keeping him could be considered selfish but at the same time I am afraid that letting him go would be like a death sentence because he is accustomed to the good life at this point.
One of my thoughts was a mate. I was thinking of buying another bird once he reaches that age. Do they sell Mourning Doves as pets? Well my BB (baby bird, BB is his street name lol) is doing quite well and getting stronger and prettier every day.
I love the company and hope to keep him. I may do the whole if you love it set him free, and if they love you they will come back thing, but *sigh* part of me doesn't even want to do that. Well wish me luck!
BB n Khara
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