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Doves
There are many varieties of
the dove that vary in color. Some of the more popular varieties of dove are:
Doves are gentle, active,
and amusing birds and the males have a soothing song (soft cooing). They are
often kept as pairs, and can be prolific breeders. They are gentle enough to be
easily handled and safe to house in aviaries with finches. The domesticated
white collared dove is the temple dove that is referred to in the Bible. When
properly cared for doves can live over 20 years.
Feeding
A dove’s metabolism is
very active, so they need to have food available to them at all times. Doves
should be fed a staple diet of a fresh fortified finch seed diet or a pelleted
food daily. Pelleted diets are recommended since each pellet contains balanced
nutrition. Besides a pelleted or a seed mix diet, each day offer chopped dark
green and yellow vegetables, and a small amount of fresh fruits. Millet seed
sprays are relished by doves. Protein supplements can include mature legumes,
chopped hard cooked egg, or tofu. Remove fresh fruits and vegetables within 4
hours of offering to prevent spoilage. If the bird gets too much liquid from the
fresh fruits and vegetables, the droppings could become runny and discolored.
Stop the fresh fruits and vegetables for a day if this occurs to determine if
this is the reason. Birds require fresh water each day. Wash and rinse their
water dish thoroughly prior to adding fresh water. Powdered vitamins can be
lightly sprinkled on the fresh food, or added into the drinking water. If grit
is offered, just a small pinch should be added to the food bowl about once a
week. Always have a cuttlebone or mineral block available to supply calcium and
prevent beak overgrowth.
Housing
When choosing a cage for
your dove, remember that length is more beneficial to the bird than height.
Birds must be able to stretch their wings in their cage, therefore, the larger
the cage the better. The cage for a dove should measure a minimum of 17"
long by 16" high and 14" wide. Perches are an essential part of the
cages and should be chosen to suit the feet of the bird. A variety of perch
sizes, shapes, and diameters will help exercise the bird's feet and toes. Place
perches strategically to prevent droppings from contaminating water and food
dishes and to prevent the tail from hanging in dishes or on the floor. Place
your dove?s cage at eye-level in a bright area free from drafts and direct
sunlight. Make sure it is safe from small children, dogs and cats. Doves like to
see what is going on in the house and do well when placed in the family room or
commonly frequented parts of the house. For safety reasons, do not place the
bird cage in the kitchen or areas near smoke or fumes. Cigarette smoke is
especially harmful to birds' sensitive respiratory systems.
HandlingDoves are very gentle birds
and can often be tamed to sit on the hand. White doves are often seen in use by
magicians because they are calm and easily handled. Doves are social animals and
they do like to have visual contact with people and to be talked to. Always wash
your hands before and after handling your pet bird, or after cleaning its cage.
Keep the cage clean to prevent the possibility of disease for the safety of you
and your companion bird.
Special RequirementsIf breeding is not desired,
females can be kept together without difficulty. To aid the bird in keeping
itself clean, we recommend a light misting with tepid water from a clean spray
bottle at least once a week, or placing a suitable sized birdbath in the cage on
a frequent basis.
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