Dove chick hatched today! Any tips?

[WisconsinAnimalHouse]

My white doves have been sitting on eggs, and today one hatched. I feel unprepared! Right now I'm thinking I will just let them do their thing, they have raised babies before, but can't help wondering if there is something I could be doing to help. I would feel terrible if they didn't make it for some reason. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

 

[ChickenPrnces]

I raised white doves for years and momma will handle her business. I never helped a single baby! They are really good at this!

 

[WisconsinAnimalHouse]

Thanks! I will try not to bother them too much. Is there anything I should be feeding Mom and Dad special for the babies?

 

[ChickenPrnces]

I never changed a thing! They are also not just like other birds! Mom and dad are not as grouchy as other birds with their babies! During incubation I used to pick up mommy all the time to candle! She rarely cared! You can move her out of the way to check on them and even hold them after a few days! Don't worry about not bothering them. By the time most of my babies were big they were very hand friendly.

 

[gunnarwordon]

Do you have any pictures of the dove?

 

[WisconsinAnimalHouse]

Baby is doing good today, he already looks bigger than yesterday! His crop is nice and full, so I feel much better that Mom and Dad are doing their jobs. His sibling egg was peeped last night, but this morning, nothing had happened yet. I carefully picked a piece off the shell and his beak was out of the membrane, still breathing and moving. Left it alone for the morning, but on my lunch he still was not coming out. I couldn't stand the thought of him dying in there while I'm at work, so I very carefully helped him all the way out. Seems to be fine, but of course I'm worried that I shouldn't have done it. I'll keep you updated, I'm taking pics, but it will be a day or two before I can upload them.

 

[gunnarwordon]

okay! sounds great! I hope he doesn't die on ya, doves are usually relatively hardy birds though.......... good luck!