Pet Information > ASK Experts > Pet Birds > Birds General > Wild dove babies in the nest

Wild dove babies in the nest

22 17:33:53

Question
I'm getting my house ready for painting and discovered a wild dove nest with two hatchling in it.  They are approximately 1.5 inches long at this point and their feathers are still looking somewhat not fully developed.  They are about the size of a small finch that you find in a pet shop.  They must have hatched shortly ago.

My painter is scheduled to arrive a week from today.  I can leave the dove nest intact (mom is still there even after my interference) until the painters arrive.

My question is whether a week is sufficient time for the dove babies to mature to fledglings ready to leave the nest?  Or do I need to reschedule the painter?

Thanks for the guidance.

Answer
I can't be sure without looking at the birds. The young should be fully feathered and be close to adult size before they leave the nest.If you think they hatched not too long ago, I'm guessing that a week might not be enough. Two weeks should be safe if you can do it. Thanks for your concern.