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450 Hand-Rearing Birds

housed with older self‐feeding birds that can provide better “role models” for independence.
Hatchlings and younger nestlings should not be fed using seed jars because the seed is not nutri-
tionally balanced for their age‐specific needs. Individual birds who are otherwise ready to wean
may be resistant to doing so when accustomed to being fed in this manner. Force feeding a few
seeds can “jump start” them to eating whole seeds on their own.

Expected Weight Gain

Pigeon and dove chicks typically reach adult weight by 3–4 weeks of age (Figure 27.3). Chicks
should gain weight daily until they have finished growing. Weigh them before the first feed of the
day to avoid confounding from the amount of food in the crop.

Housing

To avoid habituation in orphaned birds intended for wild release, it is crucial to raise them in pairs
or small groups of similar ages and sizes (Figure 27.4). If housed alone, add a mirror to the enclo-
sure until a cagemate can be found. See Chapter 19 for numerous suggestions to avoid imprinting
and habituation. Never combine doves and Rock Pigeons older than nestlings together because the
larger, more aggressive pigeons may stress the doves. Band‐tailed Pigeon fledglings may display
extreme stress responses to handling. A calm, nonaggressive, self‐feeding role model to show the
bird how to eat seed may be useful, even if the role model is of a different, but similar‐sized species.
Housing should have visual barriers that block view of humans while providing adequate light.
For hatchlings and nestlings, nests can be made with a bowl or plastic berry basket covered with
absorbent paper toweling and lined with facial or toilet tissues. White unscented paper products
are preferred. If cloth is used, change it frequently, as soon as it gets soiled by feces, to avoid dam-
age to skin and feathers. All hard surfaces must be covered. Plastic mesh must be completely cov-
ered with tissue; these species may injure themselves if placed in unlined berry baskets. Coiled
tapered tissue at the bottom of the nest works well to prevent leg splaying and provides material

350
300 Mourning Dove
Rock Pigeon
250
Weight (g) 200

150
100

50
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Days of age
Figure 27.3 Expected weight gain of Mourning Dove and Rock Pigeon chicks.