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i_neveregret New user 10 Posts |
Hi all,
I just bought 2 doves from a pet shop yesterday (it's kind of difficult to find a bird farm near my area). They are both very young; according to the shop owner, only 4 months old. I tried to hold them in my hand yesterday. They spread their wings when I approach, and struggle and refuse to sit still in my hand. Now whenever I put my hand into the cage, they will attempt to fly out. Should I wait for a few more days before I start trying to hold them in my hand? |
Dave Scribner Assistant Manager Lake Hopatcong, NJ 4849 Posts |
To begin with, you should never buy a dove from a pet shop. Pet shops are a business, and they aren't concerned with the well being of the being or where they came from. There are exceptions, but not many.
In any event, dove are easily traumatized, especially if they are young. Your birds, if they are only 4 months old, are still babies. You need to leave them alone for about a week in their cage. Don't try to handle them or reach into their cage. They have to get used to their new environment. After a week or so, just slowly put your hand in the cage and just let it rest there, maybe on the perch. Let the doves explore and get used to you. When they are comfortable with your hand, then you can gently remove them and just hold them. You may have to do that for a week or so. Gradually, let them stand on your finger. Bottom line is that you can't rush things. They need to gain your trust, and you must gain theirs. They must feel comfortable with you and know that you won't hurt them.
Where the magic begins
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i_neveregret New user 10 Posts |
Thank you, Dave, for your quick reply.
Another question: Since they are still babies, how often should I feed them? I do not wish them to turn obese and, therefore, I do not put the food in their cage all the time. |
Dave Scribner Assistant Manager Lake Hopatcong, NJ 4849 Posts |
There are no real set rules for feeding. Some guys leave food in the cage all the time, others feed them once a day, either morning or night.
This is what I do with new birds, but it's not the only method. It works for me. Don't feed them for a day. On the second day, if you have both doves in one cage, put about 2 tablespoons of seed in their cup. Decide what time of day you want to feed them, but be sure you pick a time that you can live with everyday. After a few hours, check to see how much they have eaten. On the next day, try to put approximately that amount in the cup. If they eat it all and are looking for more, add a little bit. If they have some left, then decrease the amount. It's a trial and error process. You want to find the amount they will eat at one sitting. Water should be changed at least everyday, and they should always have water. Don't forget to give them grit at least once a week. I leave a small cup of grit in the cage all the time. They'll eat it when they need to.
Where the magic begins
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Kyle^Ravin Inner circle I slammed my head against 1070 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-02-19 06:15, Dave Scribner wrote: You know, the only place you can find doves here are pet stores. There is a quail farm here that has doves, but they're sold only to certain restaurants for the obvious reason... |
Jeffrey Korst New user SF Bay Area 92 Posts |
Something I used to do that I learned from Tim Starr- They didn't eat till they came to me. Of course, yours are still too new to do that, but as they get used to you (as Dave describes), I would put the food on a towel on a table outside the cage. I would sit nearby.
As time goes by, you move the towel further from the cage, and yourself closer to the towel. Then, the towel on your lap. You end up with the birds flying to you, and flying over the towel of food in the process. Good luck! |
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