COLUMBIFORMES

Doves and Pigeons

Unlike baby songbirds, Doves and Pigeons do not gape. Instead, the baby puts its beak inside the parent's mouth and feeds on a thick substance called "Crop Milk".  For this reason, doves and pigeons must be fed differently. 

There are a variety of methods, but we prefer to "Tube Feed" to reduce the risk of aspiration. A piece of fine, soft, medical-grade tubing is placed on the end of a syringe. The tubing is gently slipped down the right side of the baby's throat and the warm food slowly released.

Make sure the baby is warm before feeding or it will not be able to digest the food. We use Kaytee EXACT Hand Feeding Formula, which can be purchased at most Pet Stores.