Page 457 - Hand rearing birds second

Pigeons and Doves 451

Figure 27.4 Newly hatched Rock Pigeon housed with a size-matched 5-day old Mourning Dove as a nest
companion.

that tiny toes can grab. Nest size will be dependent on number and size of the birds; the birds
should be able to shift comfortably but remain close together. Most dove and pigeon species have
two chicks at a time, so keeping birds in pairs is ideal. Most are sociable and will accept higher
numbers of chicks in groups without dominance issues. The rim of the nest should be low enough
to allow the birds to defecate over the edge.
For hatchlings, poorly feathered nestlings, and debilitated chicks, housing should be fully envi-
ronmentally controlled. One option is lining the bottom of an aquarium or incubator with paper
towels and placing the nest inside. Add a small jar with cotton balls and water for humidity and
include a thermometer inside the enclosure. Cover the top of the aquarium with cloth and monitor
the temperature. The optimum temperature for unfeathered birds is 95–100 °F (35–38 °C); humid-
ity should be approximately 50–60%. Heating pads can be used for warmth under a covered aquar-
ium. Check the temperature frequently when setting up new housing. Do not use heating pads
with automatic shutoffs, and beware of overheating the chicks. Animal Intensive Care Units
(Lyons Technologies, Inc.) allow close regulation of both temperature and humidity and are rela-
tively easy to clean.
Doves and pigeons grow rapidly. As the birds grow, they require less heat. Monitor for signs of
overheating (gasping, dehydration) or chilling (fluffed feathers). Nestling temperature needs vary
from 80 to 95 °F (27–35 °C). When they are fully feathered, they may be moved to the next stage of
housing. A laundry basket that has been screened on the inside and lined with paper towels can be
used for most birds. Cover the top with fiberglass screening or mesh and secure with clothespins.
Ideally, baskets should be wide enough to allow the bird to extend its wings once old enough to do
so. Cover the front of the basket with cloth so there is less exposure to human activity. Do not cover
the top of the cage with cloth so the birds have enough light to see and forage. A perch can be made
from a plastic brick wrapped in paper toweling, taping the ends underneath, which keeps the
perch from absorbing fecal matter (a similar‐sized wooden block can also be used, but should be
wrapped in wax paper or plastic wrap under the paper towel to avoid spread of disease). The perch
should be placed to keep the bird’s tail from bending on the bottom or sides of the basket, while not
having its head in contact with the ceiling. Having several perch sizes on hand will allow for
growth. Clean or change perches daily and then as needed to remove fecal material.