My young ringneck dove is a picky eater

[siowowo]

Hello BYC Friends! I'm a first time owner to a ringneck dove. I've had Deedo for a month and a half now and I STILL feel like I don't know what I'm doing.

I have done so much reading and research on what and how much to feed the dove (my husband calls me a bird nerd). Most tips and advice I got are somewhat generic - "a spoonful twice a day" or "start with 2 tablespoons and measure the leftover," etc. I have tried all these methods and still am not sure if my dove is eating enough... I mean, I time his poop, which occurs every 15 - 20 minutes consistently. Deedo is a picky eater - he leaves most of the white millet, and definitely won't touch any wheat. Now I start his dish with 1 tablespoon of dove mix in the morning, and in the evening I sprinkle about half teaspoon of nyjer seeds across my floor for him to "forage"(which he loves). But by the end of the day there still are a bunch of leftover millet & wheat. He is about 2 months old and weighs 140g. He is very energetic and flies around a lot, but hasn't gained any weight in the past two weeks. Should I be concerned? Is there a more specific guideline for the amount of food to provide?

Any tips and advice will be greatly appreciated! Thank you so very much!

Here are a couple photos of Deedo!

 

[nchls school]

Hello BYC Friends! I'm a first time owner to a ringneck dove. I've had Deedo for a month and a half now and I STILL feel like I don't know what I'm doing.

I have done so much reading and research on what and how much to feed the dove (my husband calls me a bird nerd). Most tips and advice I got are somewhat generic - "a spoonful twice a day" or "start with 2 tablespoons and measure the leftover," etc. I have tried all these methods and still am not sure if my dove is eating enough... I mean, I time his poop, which occurs every 15 - 20 minutes consistently. Deedo is a picky eater - he leaves most of the white millet, and definitely won't touch any wheat. Now I start his dish with 1 tablespoon of dove mix in the morning, and in the evening I sprinkle about half teaspoon of nyjer seeds across my floor for him to "forage"(which he loves). But by the end of the day there still are a bunch of leftover millet & wheat. He is about 2 months old and weighs 140g. He is very energetic and flies around a lot, but hasn't gained any weight in the past two weeks. Should I be concerned? Is there a more specific guideline for the amount of food to provide?

Any tips and advice will be greatly appreciated! Thank you so very much!

Here are a couple photos of Deedo!

Deedo looks quite healthy. My advice-stop worrying. Most likely Deedo is getting the nutrition he needs. To alleviate your concerns, limit the seeds he does eat so the diet is more varied. Deedo will try other foods if his favorites are limited. Good luck and enjoy.