Help! How to take care of adult mourning dove?

[TheCrazyDuckLady]

Hi! This morning I found what looks to be an adult mourning dove laying in the rain by the building of my work. It can't fly and it only hops around funny. I sat it under a tree while I was working and told myself I'd take it home if it was still there when I got out. It was! So I have it in a box with a towel to snuggle up in and water and chicken food crumbles. Will it eat chicken food? I'm not sure what to feed it. It hasn't eaten or drank anything yet. Any suggestions on how to care for it?

 

[DiYMama540]

We have a lot of these in my area. I've not personally had to rehab one, but I know they scavenge whatever they can find laying on the ground most of the time. Chicken crumble, scratch, wild bird seed, etc. Probably will need to offer some sort of grit. Not sure what the best diet for a sick one would be though, I'm sure someone here does! Best of luck!

 

[PioneerChicks]

Mourning doves eat seeds. Boys have a purplish spot on their neck and girls don't (in case you want to sex it).
You might already know this, but it is illegal to keep a wild bird as a pet. As long as you release the bird when it is healed, and don't let the wildlife government people (I don't know what they are called) know, you should be fine. Don't let it get attached to you.