Mourning Dove found, what should I do?

[Year of the Rooster]

My neighbors found a mourning dove chick next to their trampoline. They did not look for a nest nearby but if it were, it would be in a tall oak tree or hickory tree. What should I do? I have a broody silkie now and was wondering if maybe she would help. I know what won't feed it like a mother dove would but maybe keep the little guy company and warm while i'm at school? She's been broody for a while now and I'm sure she's desperate for something. Also, this chick is covered in pin-feathers with the tips opening into juvenile feathers. Any help is appreciated. It keeps making high pitched squeaks too if that means anything.

 

[Year of the Rooster]

Ok, so I've read up a bit and this chick seems to be about 5-6 days old. What substitutes could I use for the "crop-milk"? We have kitten formula but I doubt that would be the same.

 

[JoJo 95]

the only thing i can't suggest is a pigeon hen.

 

[SilverPhoenix]

Find and call a wildlife rehabilitation group near you! They will be able to care for the baby properly. Doing some Google searches should find one nearby. Good luck! I'm a wildlife rehabber myself, and caring for wildlife can be quite taxing and difficult, so it's better for non-trained people not to try.

 

[Year of the Rooster]

Quote:
Thank you, I was thinking I may have to. In the mean time, do you know of a supplement I could give it? I have KMR but.. like I said it probably wouldn't be the same. Everytime I put a finger near its beak it tries to feed.

 

[Timmy]

I have feed squab mashed up chick starter mixed with water threw an eye dropper. It`s not the best, but they lived. just keep it warm and it will be ok. I would keep it away from the silky she will probably kill it.

 

[Year of the Rooster]

Ok, I have it in a pet carrier now with a heating pad. Put a towel around the heating pad and another smaller one to lay the chick on. I'll try and call the Fish & Game office as soon as I can.

 

[SilverPhoenix]

Quote:
It's probably better not to feed it, actually--there's always a chance the baby will aspirate (breathe the food into their lungs, this can cause pneumonia). Baby birds don't eat during the night anyway, and baby doves in particular can do well without food for quite a while.

Sounds like you've got everything else perfect! Keep the baby warm, dark, and quiet tonight, don't handle it more than necessary, and as long as there's nothing seriously wrong with it, it should be fine in the morning.

Good job rescuing it! Getting it to a wildlife rehab group will maximize its chances of survival.

 

[Year of the Rooster]

Thank you, Silverpheonix! I contact my county extension office and they said to try and find the nest and replace the baby. My neighbors are the ones who found it and gave it to me, so shortly after talking to the officer I asked them where they found it. The chick was a good 10 ft from the nearest tree/bush. We searched and could find no nest and if there is a nest it would have to be high in a hickory tree (even then we couldn't see one). Fortunately, the guy gave us the number of a rehabilitator just in case.

Thanks for your advice!