Should doves food be different then pigeons?

[pigeonkid1046]

I was givin a ring neck dove from a guy that didn't really want it. I had him for about 3 months or so and was wondering if he should have a different food/feed givin to him or is he fine on pigeon feed? I noticed over the time I had him, he has been getting skinnier. He only eats the fine stuff in the feed, and leaves the peas and larger stuff alone. Thanks for the info.

[maryjane]

The pigeon feed often has pieces too big for a dove, I've found. I feed my doves a "dove and quail mix" from the feed store. It consists of small beige and orange seeds, as well as safflower seeds. I mix in grit with it as well. They do like some veggies and chopped fruit too, and you might try chopping up raw peanuts for him. That will put some weight on him, if he likes them. I'm sure other people will have many more ideas so stay tuned.

[pigeonkid1046]

Ok. Do you know if I can get some at Petco, or any pet store? I asked the feed mill I get my feed at and they don't have anything for dove food. I throw some lettuce in there for them from time to time, they sure do like it. I'll get the peanuts, matter of fact, I'll do that now. Thanks for the idea!!

[maryjane]

Kaytee does sell a "dove blend" in the "wild bird food" section, so check Petco for that. I'm not sure if they carry it in your area, but if not, you can ask them to order it and they usually will. In addition to that, you might offer some cockatiel (or similar) mix, which has a lot of different seeds in it and which I've used for doves before when they're picky eaters. Good luck and keep trying

[Maggie-NC]

Make sure you get the raw unsalted peanuts and they should be as a treat, not part of their everyday food source. Personally, I would take it to a vet because it may be a yeast infection which can cause a weight loss but it is treatable.

You could try Kaytee Universal Diet for Small Birds (finches, parakeets, etc) which is available at Walmart for about $3.00 a bag, or Pretty Bird Premium for Finches which is available at Petsmart for about $4.50 a bag. Our dove likes both of these along with safflour seeds and regular wild bird seed.