MOURNING DOVE FLEDGLING CAUGHT BY CAT! WHAT DO I DO?

[Jharper]

Okay, so I was putting my chickens up about an hour ago and my cat came running in front of me from behind my OEGB coop and I saw something sticking out of his mouth and it was a mourning dove fledgling. I got it away from him and it doesn't look hurt just terrified. I has just about all of its feathers and can partially fly. It was at night so I don't know how good it can fly. What do I do with it? I'm going to look for a nest or others around where it was at tomorrow morning. If I can't find anything what should I do? Can't I feed it with an eye dropper type thing? I know they don't eat insects just like seeds, but in a milk form right, from their parents like a penguin? What do I feed it?

 

[paramount]

It has probably already been kicked out of the nest by its parents, judging by the description of its age.

I would be surprised if the parents will take it back, even if you manage to find the nest it originated from. Personally, I would not bother.

At this point, you have two choices:

The first is to see if it will eat and drink on its own while you give it a few days to gain its strength for release. A little wild bird seed is adequate if you can't find a good dove and quail grain mix. Make sure the water receptacle you use is at least a few inches deep. Like pigeons, doves drink like a horse, sucking water up, opposed to taking small quantities in their beak and tipping their head back to allow the water to trickle down their throat like your chickens do. If it won't eat and drink on its own, you will be forced to hand feed. This is not as complicated as it may sound.

The following video will help.

Your second option is to find a wildlife rescue and inform them of your predicament.

I would definitely suggest that no matter what, you contact a rescue in your area, as it is important to remember that in most states, Mourning Doves are a protected species and require a permit to keep them.

 

[Jharper]

Thanks! A DNR ranger is my neighbor so probably tomorrow I'll see what he can do with it.

 

[paramount]

I'm sure the ranger can help.