Cream of the crop: An improved handrearing diet for hatchling and nestling columbids

Abstract

In nature, young doves are fed crop milk by their parents. This article examines crop milk synthesis and constituents and traditional hatchling/nestling handraising diets. It presents a new crop milk replacer that, unlike commonly used foods, is formulated so that it closely resembles the crop milk made by adult columbids. Also discussed are crop problems, feeding methods, and weaning to adult diet. © 2002 International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council.