We have had several batches of doves hatch in the past month. The latest additions hatched and all but one left the ledge they were nested on. The mother stayed on for a bit but then also left. I observed her and the lone youngster on our lawn huddled together. Now the mother is gone and only the young bird remains. It took up hanging in the front hedges, but also sits in the driveway and on the sidewalk. I have seen it attempt to fly back up to the ledge but it only made it to the tree. This has transpired over the past few days. Today the bird was in the driveway again and appears okay but did not attempt to move away from us. As it is now rainy and cold we have moved it inside to a a spare cage. It allowed us to pick it up and transfer to the cage. I am not sure when the poor thing will have eaten or drank last. Is there anything we can do to help?? It is a fair size now but I am worried it will die if we cannot help it. We have put water and seed on the floor of the cage but it is not moving around. It is facing the corner of the cage. Can we help at all? Please advise.

Welcome to parrot chatter. A dove needs deep water to drink about an inch or more. He will eat seeds whole. Is the dove injured or only a little nervous?

We cannot see an obvious injury. I am sure it must be nervous with our attempts. We have placed a low dish (lid) with water and one with seed and applesauce. I will try to find something deeper for the water. We were worried that the small dish we had we too deep. So far is is not moving around much. Eyes are open but is also closes them and appears to be sleeping.
Could it be stressed from the elements and weak from lack of food? We are not sure how much we should try to do with it or move it? We do not want to add to the stress level. Any advice?

The bird appears weak holding up it's head. We positioned it by the deeper water dish but is used it as a head rest with his head tipping into the water. A cloudy substance appeared to clear out of his beak into the water. Should we try to give water another way?

I don't know a whole lot about doves, they drink water with the beak like a straw and not scoop like a parrot. It may be that this dove would need a little formula, given with a syringe or spoon. If it is not possible to get bird formula, baby cereal or plain instant porridge can be given mixed with water. It can be that the dove is stressed and will try eat and drink by the second day. Is there any wildlife rehabber in the area?

Good morning,
Thank you for trying to help us. Unfortunately the little bird passed last night. It just appeared to be too weak to fight.
Sadly, I have learned from this experience. In the future I will not be afraid to step in sooner on behalf of a living creature. Letting nature take it's course may not always be the best solution. I just wish I had found him sooner and knew what to to to help.
Thank you again. It was worth a try regardless.
Cheers
Merla

Merla, it sounds to me like she was sick, and there may well not have been anything anyone could do. Thank you so much for trying to help. As you said, it is always worth a try.

Thank you for the sentiments. I know you are right but I still could not help feeing helpless and sad at the outcome. We have observed from our windows a few batches of babies. I felt privileged to be able to watch such a miracle from so close a distance. As a result I think I felt a part of it all. This youngster was from the last ones hatched.
Now that I have connected with the forum I will know where to turn to for help should I ever need it again.
Thanks again
Merla

That's a sad story all right - but it does sound like it was sick to begin with. Dehydration is a big issue with young birds. When i picked up the baby sparrow it drank & drank. I used a straw with one end cut like a spoon & closed off the other end with my finger to hold the water until I offered it. They are pretty smart & will adapt quite quickly.

You will see in the Dove & Pigeon forum some advice on helping a baby survive.

We also have threads on Megabateria etc. There are products listed in the 1st link that can be good to have in your medicine cabinet or fridge. Well worth a read.

Megbacteria
&
Megabacteria-one year later
E Coli in parrots!!!!!

So sorry to hear about this needy dove. Fly high sweet baby.