hI, i'm new to this group but need advice.
I found a spotted dove surrounded by ants so I've cleaned him up and taken him home. I googled his markings so that's how i know he's a spotted dove. Day one: he didn't look like he was going to make it. Day two I stopped using a syringe of water and started with small saucer. Also no more crushed cat food. I'm learning. Day three he's drinking water when i offer it to him and now he's just started pecking at the budgie mix only when i offer it to him though. Otherwise he'll just sit feathers all fluffed up. He sits in his cage and every few hours i go to offer water he'll try to fly but crash lands. I don't know what else to do, as i''m no expert. I have a towel around the cage so he can rest peacefully in my bathroom. Is there anything else i shoud be doing to promote him to fly. I was thinking of taking him to a vet to give him the once over and hope they let me pay them off.
I've grown fond of George, just would love to know if there is any better food i could give him and how often to offer food and water. I don't want to get him too used to me as he is wild, but at the same time he needs help. Also, will he fly eventually by himself. I don't know what happen to him but i did find him on footpath so maybe hit by car. Ohhh and he has some feathers on back of his neck missing. Ok i think i've covered everything. Any advice is appreciated. Thank you in advance regards Lizzy
Hi Lizzy, your spotted dove is an introduced feral species, so you can expect some not so encouraging comments.
Suggest you look at this thread for a rescue service near you which may be willing to help.
http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/forum/Bird-rescuerehabilitation/What-do-if-you-find-injuredsick-bird-check-here-first
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Generally, I'd certainly encourage you to care for birds, lizzy, & I appreciate that you've become attached to George. But as Dale says, the Spotted Turtle Dove is a feral species which means it takes up the ecological space occupied by, for example, the native Peaceful Dove. The most effective way of expressing our care for birds is to encourage the protection and restoration of natural habitats so that Australian species can thrive. There are groups which are involved in these activities.
Sadly, many feral species (& the folk who have released them into the wild) have contributed to the extinction of native species so it's important that George isn't released. Keeping him/her securely in a cage is the most effective approach to managing this bird while maintaining your attachment to him/her &, probably, her/him to you.
I agree with Woko. Best not to release it, and keep it in captivity.
As for what to feed it, I have experience with Namaqua Doves (an African species), and they seem to get on fine with just regular finch seed. Even budgie seed would probably be fine.