Dove are ground feeders. He will need a box with unscented, uncolored litter to mix his seed in.
Tiel pellets and seed will be a little much for him. Give him uncolored budgie seed.
Also, dove drink as if using their beak as a straw. He will need at least three inches of water in his bowl.

Do you plan on releasing him?

Yes, the seed will sift through. He will find it. The box should only be a couple of inches deep. You should find all the info you need in the Dove and Pigeon Forum. Also, for parasites, a bath in warm water with a bit of Borax in it will do the trick. (rinse well) Sounds like I'm giving you a recipe.
Several of us have had the pleasure of giving Pigeon a home. The Dove is very much the same.
You will find much peace having that little one around.

Hi,

I kinda skimmed over the topics and wouldn't know where to start to find answers for these questions. I am sure they have been answered....somewhere out there... but here goes:

1) I found out that I need to get a box and put unscented litter- is that shredded paper litter or what kind of litter exactly? And, put budgie seed throughout the litter...

2) The baby is feathered now, do I remove the heating pad?

3) I am working on weaning by giving him seed that he pecks at now, is there a better way? I have never weaned a dove and only ever weaned one bird in my life.

I talked with husband, he wants to keep the bird- is there any negatives to that with my other babies that consist of U2, M2 and a grey? Are they too dusty for pigeons or doves? Anything like that? All the birds are in our garage that we converted into an aviary. So, if he stays, he will (at some point) be moved to the garage with them so I want to make sure I am not putting anyone in danger. I know nothing about pigeons and doves. I had always thought they were full of bugs and disease until I did some reading because of this guy. Any advice, I need it all! Thanks in advance. He sure is sweet and has definitely grown on us but I want to do what is best for him. I read somewhere that it's illegal to "keep" a wild bird as well. YIKES.

Arty, can you give Wanda some more expertise info?
(Arty is our expert on Dove/Pigeon.)

Okay, I'll wait for that and I'll send a PM too. Thanks!

I fill a litter box with wild bird seed, budgie seed, grit, and some of whatever my dad has from the fields (sunflower, milo, wheat, etc).

I don't think he probably needs a heating pad anymore. He should be very close to weaning. Offering seed (try from your hand) is how to wean. Sounds like you're doing great!

I am not finding the original posting, I am assuming a person named Wanda has a baby Dove?
I received the PM and really need more information.
Doves and Pigeons drink water like we humans do when using a straw, they suck.
As Susan has said, the water should be at least 2 inches deep.
Doves and Pigeons are seed eaters, a young Dove (if weaned) should be offered white millet as a starter seed, Parakeet seed works well.
A young Dove will wean during 5-6 weeks, the little one will mature at age 6-7 months of age, better stated (they are capable of breeding at age 6 months).
I wait until the little one is one year old before I release.
I am assuming this little one is a Morning Dove?
The laws the govern a Morning Dove are very vague, As an example....They are a protected migratory bird, however they are allowed to be hunted.
Hope that makes sense to you, I am still trying to figure it out!
Also, the Band Tailed Dove is protected, but as I have said, the laws are very vague.
If it were me, I would care for the little one until the bird reaches 8-12 months and release.
Doves are not a colony (type) of species as is the Pigeon, I search out a feral flock of Pigeons when considering releasing a Pigeon, concerning your little friend, I would release the little one out in the country if possible.
Thank you very much for helping the little Dove, if not for your help the little one would surely have perished!
You Shine!
If you need more help it might be best to e-mail me, My e-mail address is posted in my signature.

Arty aka BrokenWing

Ohhh...I can already feel the heartbreak of letting him go in a year! *L* But, I will do what's right for him, no doubt. Not too far from the country anyway. Thanks for your advice!

This heart of mine has broken many times.
Bitter sweet takes on a whole new meaning, but well worth it when seeing the little one fly free.
That little one is so sweet.
I really can not thank you enough, many would simply walk on by.
You really have done a wonderful job, you assured the little one has a chance at the life given to him/her.
Please thank your other half for me, for taking the time to bring the little one home.
I wish you the best!
A very sincere thank you to everyone that has helped Wanda and her new little friend.
Arty