Need help with a wounded bird

[MurphyDog]

My family and I recently rescued a rock dove that was shot in the wing with a pellet gun by some kids. The wound has healed out pretty well but it will probably never fly again(according to a vet who deals with domestic birds)prompting us to keep it. I need to build or buy some sort of proper enclosure but do not know how much space it needs or what kind of nesting box would be proper, also I have dietary questions, questions about the birds life span and the like. Could anyone point me in the direction of websites/books/pros with answers to any of the above. Most of the info I have found so far is very general and I'm worried that the birds health will suffer due to my lack of knowledge. Please help me if you can.

[KDK241]

Here is a site that should help about diet. It says how to care for a baby bird but it will give you ideas about adult food as well. FACT - HOW TO CARE FOR A BABY BIRD

[birdsnreps]

they eat mostly wild bird seed in captivity, and can live 10 years or more, i dont remember how many years they live exactly. captive doves usually love fresh fruits and leafy greens, chopped small enough for them to swallow (since they cannot chew), mixed in with their seeds. you could try live food, like small worms and such, but usually they ignore the bugs. this is what i fed my doves when i kept and bred them years ago. as far as caging goes, a parrot cage of reasonable size (maybe like an amazon or 'too sized cage) would be good for him. since he cannot fly, you will need to make special accomodations so that he can reach his food and water bowls, and get to various perches. a bungee would prob be good for him since usually they can stretch out from the top of the cage to the bottom, so that he could get to diff perches without having to really jump from perch to perch (doves cannot climb on cage bars like parrots can either).

[MurphyDog]

Thank you very, very much.

[Lisa B]

thanks guys! I knew we would have members pull through!