Can I Pick Up a Baby Dove? What You Need to Know

Have you ever spotted a baby dove on the ground, and your first instinct is to pick it up and help? It’s a natural response, especially when you see a vulnerable little bird, but there are things you should consider before making that move. So, can you pick up a baby dove? Let's dive into the details, because while it may seem like a simple question, the answer is a bit more nuanced than you'd think.

Baby Doves: Understanding Their Needs

The Different Stages of a Baby Dove

When you find a baby dove, it's important to first understand which stage of development it’s in. Doves, like many birds, go through different stages from hatching to becoming independent.

• Hatchling: These are the most fragile, born without feathers, and completely dependent on their parents.

• Nestling: These baby doves have feathers but are still dependent on their parents for food and warmth.

• Fledgling: A fledgling dove has most of its feathers and is starting to explore the world, but it’s still learning to fly.

If you find a baby dove that is still in the nestling stage, it likely needs the care of its parents. I remember one time, I found what seemed to be a “lost” dove on the ground. It was actually a fledgling, and I had no idea that it was just practicing flight, not abandoned. So, before assuming the worst, always check its stage of development.

Can You Pick Up a Baby Dove? The Risks and Considerations

Now, the real question: should you pick up that baby dove? Here’s where it gets tricky. While the instinct is to help, picking up a baby bird, especially a dove, can actually cause more harm than good in some cases.

The “Scent” Myth: Will Mom Abandon the Baby?

There’s an old myth that if you touch a baby bird, the parents will abandon it because they can smell human scent on their young. This is not true. Doves and other birds generally do not have a strong sense of smell, so the scent of humans doesn’t deter them. So, if you’re concerned about this, you can breathe easy. Still, picking up the bird can cause stress to both you and the bird.

A friend of mine had once found a baby dove in his garden and was terrified of touching it. He went on and on about the "smell" myth, but after we did a bit of research together, he felt more at ease. The key here is really minimizing stress for the bird, which brings me to the next point.

Keeping the Baby Dove Safe

If the baby dove appears to be in immediate danger—like on a busy road or in a place where predators could be lurking—it’s okay to gently move it to a safer spot nearby. You should aim to place it in a nearby bush or tree, ideally close to where the parents can still find it. But, only do this if the bird’s location truly seems unsafe. A stressed bird is more likely to become disoriented, and too much handling can cause unnecessary harm.

I remember a moment where I saw a baby dove struggling near my backyard. I hesitated at first, but then I realized it wasn’t truly abandoned—it was just a fledgling still learning how to navigate its world. I ended up gently moving it to a nearby tree, away from any potential danger. It was a relief to watch it safely perch, waiting for its parents to come back.

When to Call a Wildlife Rehabber

If the Baby Dove Is Injured

If you notice that the baby dove has an injury or seems sick (shaking, not responding to your touch, etc.), it’s time to call in an expert. A wildlife rehabilitator is trained to care for injured or orphaned birds. Handling the bird yourself could make its condition worse if you’re not properly trained.

A few years ago, I found a baby dove that appeared to be sick. It wasn’t moving much, and I knew that I wasn’t the right person to help it. I called a local wildlife rehab center, and they were able to assist. The bird ended up making a full recovery and was released back into the wild. It felt good to know I’d made the right choice.

Signs That You Should Not Intervene

Here’s the tricky part. If the dove looks healthy, isn’t in immediate danger, and you’re unsure if it’s abandoned, it’s better to leave it alone. Baby doves, particularly fledglings, are often just learning to fly and will remain on the ground for short periods of time while they gain confidence. If its parents are around, they’ll continue feeding and protecting it. You might be tempted to intervene, but it’s often best to trust the process and watch from a distance.

What to Do If You’ve Already Picked Up a Baby Dove

Gently Return It to Its Nest

If you’ve already picked up the baby dove and you now realize it’s fine to leave it alone, the next best thing is to carefully return it to its nest, if possible. If you can locate the nest and it’s safe to do so, place the baby dove back gently. Doves will continue caring for their young even if humans have touched them, as long as they’re safe.

If You Can’t Find the Nest

If you can’t find the nest, consider placing the dove in a nearby tree or bush where it can stay hidden and safe until the parents return. However, make sure it’s in a safe location, protected from predators and extreme weather.

Conclusion: Handling a Baby Dove with Care

So, can you pick up a baby dove? Yes, you can, but it’s important to do so with care and consideration. Only intervene if the bird is in danger or injured, and always aim to minimize stress. Most of the time, it’s best to let nature take its course and allow the parents to care for the dove.

When in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact a wildlife rehabilitator who can guide you in the right direction. It’s always better to be cautious and help the dove in the best way possible, without causing harm. Remember, every bird's journey is different, and your role is to be a caring observer.

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