Dove
Doves are ideal for someone who wants a bird, but cannot accommodate the needs of a parrot (noise, one-on-one social interaction). Their interactions are fun to watch and some consider their cooing pleasant.
Adult Size
small
Weight
4.4–8.5 oz
Life Expectancy
up to 10 yrs.
History of the Dove
These little doves are native to Australia where they can be found in dry areas near water. Diamond doves usually waddle on the ground looking for food in pairs and will eat both seeds and ants in the wild.
They are one of the smallest kinds of doves in Australia and are in the Columbidae family of birds which includes pigeons.
Characteristics of the Dove
Doves are known for their gentle and peaceful nature, symbolizing peace and harmony.
Talking Bird
Hand-tam Bird
Bird Noise
Dove Care
Doves have different housing needs than parrots. Doves are unable to climb up the cage bars like parrots ca; instead they move about by flying back and forth, which makes a wide cage an important feature. Offer a variety of perch styles and of varying diameters, which will help promote good foot health in your dove. Doves also need opportunities for bathing.
Doves, unlike parrots, need grit in their diet because they eat their seeds whole. Provide several types of grit, as well as a calcium supplement, especially during breeding. Though it is tempting to breed these birds year-round, doing so will leave the birds in an exhausted and weakened state. Most aviculturists advise resting them for a few months after every two or three clutches. When well cared-for, ring-necked doves can live for more than ten years.
Personality & Behavior
Doves, for the most part, are hands-off pets. Forcing interaction can result in terrifying the bird, or worse, causing a broken wing. Some doves, however, can be hand-tamed. Doves are quite social with others of their kind and they can be accustomed to taking food from your hand. With a dove, you want have to worry about “the big, bad bite” a parrot might be capable of.
Speech & Sound
If you opt to keep doves be prepared for constant cooing. While they cannot screech like a parrot, their cooing is fairly constant. Some people enjoy the pigeon’s coo and find it relaxing; others, however, might not enjoy the constant cooing sound.
Health & Common Conditions
Doves are susceptible to red mites, which hide during the day and come out at night to feed on the bird’s blood, and doves housed outdoors are susceptible to roundworms, tapeworms and other worm species. Canker, a respiratory disease that shows as a swelling in the dove’s throat and a cheesy looking growth around the mouth, can be fatal if not treated. Those who keep pigeons should wash their hands after handling, feeding or cleaning the dove’s housing because doves can transfer Chlamydia and Salmonella (bacterial infections) to people. Overall, doves are generally healthy birds.
