I found a wild dove. Is it sick or just scared? What should I do?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Female
Hi I just found a dove and I don't know if it's just scared or if it's sick
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on August 5th, 2017
When a bird puffs up like this it is usually an indication of illness, pain, or discomfort. Since this is a wild bird I would recommend calling a local wildlife rehabilitation center. People there are trained to take care of birds like this so they can be hopefully reintroduced to the wild. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on June 10th, 2017
I think it would be a good idea to bring Doug to the vet to rule out any possible health issues and make sure he's doing OK. If he's a wild dove, you may also want to contact a local wildlife rehab center in your area that may be able to take him and properly care for him until he can be released back into the wild.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Health & Wellbeing
I found an orphaned dove (its full size but looks young) who could not fly and did not show any opposition to being caught, so I figured it was either hurt or young. We've been watching over it and it still cannot fly (we are on day 3 of looking afte
I think it would be a good idea to bring Doug to the vet to rule out any possible health issues and make sure he's doing OK. If he's a wild dove, you may also want to contact a local wildlife rehab center in your area that may be able to take him and properly care for him until he can be released back into the wild.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Hi, I've got a pigeon who seems really scared hiding on my porch. I've given it water and some brown rice, seems to be consuming it slowly however keeps pooping and seems to be weak and sleepy, any idea how i could help the little buddy? or is he jus
It's possible the bird may be injured or ill. If he still doesn't recover, even after eating and drinking and resting some, it is a good idea to contact a local wildlife rehab in your area. They may be able to come get the bird (or have you bring him to them) so he can be examined, treated for any issues, and safely re-released.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
I found a myna bird being attacked by crows yesterday .. so I brought it home. It has wings and can fly a little but .. it cannot stand and sleeps all day long .. is it fine or sick .. ?!
It would be hard to tell if it is OK or not without an exam in person. It could be the bird is just stressed out from the day's activity, however, with wild animals it is best to try and find a vet that will see them, or a local wildlife rehab in your area that will take the bird in, examine it, treat it, and re-release it in the wild.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Training & Behavior
I have a wild dove it’s breathing rapidly can’t stand it’s legs are very weak not eating or anything so feeding him using syringe it’s a fledgeling it’s wings are open she’s not closing them she can’t even sit on her legs her legs are a bit purplish
Thanks for reaching out about Birdie. The possibility of aspiration pneumonia is high, or another respiratory infection. A veterinary visit or relinquishment to a wildlife rehabilitation facility is recommended. Good luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Food & Nutrition
Hlo madam I have one pigeon I found it in front of my house it's been one month at that time it unable to fly now I'm taking care of it from two days on wards it's getting vomited food is not digesting what's the reason behind it and what happened to
If you've found a wild bird, the best course of action is to try and find a wildlife rehab near you that can take the bird in, especially if it is ill. Seeing if there are any vets that see wild animals near you is also a good idea. Since the bird is showing signs of illness, making sure to keep it separated from any other birds in a hospital cage, and washing hands and clothing coming into contact with it is best to prevent the spread of any illness. You can try to offer a mashed up baby bird food diet, however if it is unable to keep any food down, there could be an issue with the crop (infection, illness, obstruction) or GI tract that needs to be seen by a vet in person.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
no. she is eating like a fussy eater. before she would come down of her step or come out of cage when i call her to eat.now she dont come out of cage and she is eating like she is afraid.she does movements fast.she bow to the spoon to get her feed so
It's possible something may have startled your bird and is causing the wary behavior you are seeing, however if she is puffed up or refusing to eat/drink then that can indicate a potential illness. If you see other signs such as changes to the stool, or listless behavior those can also indicate illness and should be checked out by a vet. Otherwise, giving her a little space and leaving food and water where she can easily access it may help her calm down some and return to normal behavior.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
This parrot crashed in our balcony last night. And we fed it with bread crumbs and fruits. But it looks really sick and its legs are kind off broken and spread out and a wing is broken too. We want to save it but is scared if it is infected or has bi
If you've found a wild or potentially sick parrot, it would be best to seek out a local wildlife refuge or vet that sees birds in your area ASAP. They can assess the bird for any signs of illness, rehabilitate it and release it back into the wild as needed. If you have any other pet birds, it is best to keep them completely separated in different cages, rooms, etc and clean any objects or wash your hands after handling the possibly ill bird to prevent the spread of illness to any others in your household. Keeping the bird calm, quiet, and eating and drinking may help some until you can find someone to take a look at her.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
So i found a small dove who looked injured and brought her home but i dont know whats wrong with her she has no external injuries but she is breathing difficultly, laying upside-down,not moving around with her legs,pooping liquid and is scared of the
I am sorry to hear about your situation. It sounds like she defintely needs medical attention. I would see if your parents can drive her to a rehab center or some rehab volunteers will pick animals up so perhaps you can find someone to do this. You can look at https://www.nwrawildlife.org/page/Find_A_Rehabilitator and https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-find-wildlife-rehabilitator to try to find a rehabilitator near you. Until then I would keep the bird in a quiet dark place and handle it as little as possible.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Hello my female dove, it’s not active since last Friday, huddled up and eyes closed she could stay like these for a while, I’m not sure if she’s unwell and I’m getting worried, she has quick shallow breathing aswell
It does sound as if your dove isn't feeling well and would be best to bring her to a local avian vet for an exam to see what is going on. Until you can get to the vet, moving her to a warm hospital cage away from other birds and with easy access to food and water may help her to relax some until she can be seen.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Hello, I picked up a sick pidgeon from my parking garage, as it was also very cold and the pidgeon was in dying condition. Upon bringing it home I see it has a twisted neck or backwards neck. What do I do?
I'm sorry to hear that. Ideally, google wildlife rehabilitation in your area. Realistically, it doesn't sound like this bird is going to survive. For that reason, I would recommend that you contact a vet ASAP, and explain the situation. The vet can humanely euthanize the pigeon if he/she is concerned that the pigeon won't survive or be able to survive in the wild if it does recover.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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