When raising orphaned or injured white winged dove babies, providing proper nutrition is crucial for their growth and development. In the wild, baby doves are fed “crop milk” by their parents which is regurgitated and contains secretions from the crop lining. This cannot be replicated exactly in captivity, so rescued babies must be hand fed a suitable replacement diet.
Emergency Diet Options
If you find yourself in the position of caring for a baby dove on short notice, you may not have all the proper supplies on hand. In an emergency situation, there are some household foods that can be used temporarily:
- Unflavored yogurt or cottage cheese – Provides protein and calcium
- Kitten replacement milk (KMR) – Formulated for orphaned kittens
- Chopped up dog or cat kibble, soaked in water – Provides carbohydrates
- Mashed hard boiled egg yolk – Good source of protein
- Wet cat or dog food – Look for a high quality brand
While not ideal, these items can help sustain the dove until proper supplies are obtained. The key is to avoid sudden dietary changes and only use emergency diets for a day or two before transitioning to a proper formula.
Commercial Bird Hand-Rearing Formulas
The best option for feeding baby doves is a commercial bird hand-rearing formula. There are several formulas on the market made specifically for raising orphaned chicks and baby birds. Here are some good options:
- Kaytee Exact Hand-Feeding Formula
- Lafeber’s Nutri-Start Hand Feeding Formula
- ZuPreem Embrace Hand-Feeding Formula
- Breeder’s Choice Bird Handfeeding Formula
These formulas are designed to provide complete and balanced nutrition for growing birds. They contain the ideal ratio of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals to fuel proper development. The powder is mixed with warm water according to package directions to create a gruel-like liquid which is syringe fed.
Homemade Dove Diet Recipes
Some rehabilitators prefer to make their own homemade dove diets using natural ingredients. Here are two popular recipes:
Recipe #1
- 1 hard boiled egg yolk
- 1 jar (2.5 ounces) baby food meat, chicken or turkey
- 1 teaspoon wheat germ or oatmeal
- 1 drop cod liver oil
- 2 drops vitamin supplement (optional)
- 2 tablespoons water
Mix all ingredients together into a smooth paste. Store extra portions in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Recipe #2
- 1 cup pureed baby foods – carrots, peas, sweet potatoes, squash
- 1 hard boiled egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon dry baby cereal – rice, oatmeal, barley
- 1 tablespoon yogurt, cottage cheese or ricotta
- 1 teaspoon wheat germ oil
- 1 calcium supplement tablet, crushed
Mix all ingredients together adding water as needed to achieve desired consistency. Adjust amounts of each item depending on availability. Store unused portions in the refrigerator.
The benefits of homemade diets are control over ingredients and the ability to provide natural foods. However, commercial formulas still provide the most complete nutrition profile for full growth. Many rehabilitators use a combination of commercial formula and homemade recipes.
Transitioning to Self Feeding
Once dove babies develop flight feathers and start flap their wings, they are ready to transition to self feeding. This usually occurs around 3-4 weeks of age. At this point, you can start offering:
- Dove seed mix with smaller seeds like millet, cracked corn, oats
- Finely chopped greens like kale, spinach, lettuce
- Sprouted seeds
- Chopped hard boiled egg
- Dove pellet crumbs
- Small mealworms
Place bowls of food inside the cage or enclosure and allow the birds to start exploring and sampling. At first they will play with the food more than eat it. Continue offering formula 3-4 times per day as well. Over a week, slowly decrease formula feedings and increase access to self-feed diet items. Eventually the birds will fully transition to feeding independently.
Ensuring Proper Nutrition
When hand raising baby doves, watch closely to ensure the diet is providing proper nutrition for development. Here are signs of deficiency or excess to watch out for:
Sign | Potential Cause |
---|---|
Failure to gain weight | Insufficient calories/protein |
Muscle weakness | Calcium deficiency |
Poor feather growth | Protein, vitamins or minerals deficient |
Diarrhea | Excess protein or overfeeding |
Dehydration | Not getting enough fluids |
Swollen joints | Excess calcium/vitamin D |
Twisted neck | Vitamin E deficiency |
Adjust the diet and feeding amounts if any of these issues occur. Consulting an avian vet can also help get the nutrition on track.
Tips for Successful Hand-Feeding
Here are some key tips to ensure baby doves thrive on hand-feeding:
- Feed warmed formula, testing on wrist to avoid scalding
- Use a syringe, spoon or pet nurser to deliver into side of beak slowly
- Gently stroke throat to encourage swallowing
- Feed every 2-3 hours from sunrise to sunset
- Avoid overfilling crop, it should not feel tight
- Weigh daily and keep records
- Discard any unfinished formula after feeding
- Wash feeding tools in hot soapy water after every use
With dedication and attention, hand-feeding baby doves can be very rewarding. Be sure to work closely with an avian vet if any issues arise. With the proper diet and care, orphaned doves can successfully grow and eventually be released back to the wild.
Conclusion
Raising baby white winged doves requires providing a nutritionally complete diet formulated for their unique needs. In an emergency, household foods like yogurt and egg can be used temporarily. However, commercial bird hand-rearing formulas or homemade dove recipes are best to ensure proper growth. Pay close attention to the dove’s development and adjust nutrition as needed. With a commitment to frequent feedings and a balanced diet, orphaned white winged dove babies can thrive.