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Several species of Columbidae -- pigeons and doves -- have been domesticated or semi-domesticated. The pet birds you are most likely to come across called a dove rather than a pigeon is the ringneck dove (Streptopelia risoria). Different species have varying care requirements, but the process of bonding with ringnecks is much the same for all doves and pigeons. ConsiderationsDoves that were not hand-reared may never become that confident around people. You can tame such doves to a certain extent -- for example, they may be happy to eat treats from your hand -- but they might never enjoy being petted. Handle them only when absolutely essential, using a net to catch them if necessary. Hand-reared doves, on the other hand, can bond very closely to people. If you want hands-on pets, rather than birds to look at, find a reputable breeder and adopt a thoroughly people-socialized pair. General animal sanctuaries sometimes have doves or pigeons, but your best bet for rescues is a specialist pet bird sanctuary. HousingBefore you adopt any doves, get suitable housing set up first to help the creatures feel comfortable and secure as soon as you acquire him. All doves need space to fly, so you are looking at a large aviary. Where you keep the aviary depends on the species. Some doves will be fine outside; others cannot cope with extreme cold and must be kept inside. You need a spare room for indoor doves. Include plenty of perches -- doves are sociable and should be kept in pairs or a small group. Although they spend a lot of time on the ground, each one needs several perching options. Welcoming New DovesWhen you bring your pets home, be low-key. The experience of moving is stressful for birds. Even a hand-reared, confident dove needs time to settle into his new home. Transfer your birds to the cage as quickly and calmly as possible, using both hands to pick them up, cupping each dove’s wings so he can’t flutter in panic. Cover the cage with light cloths, such as a bed sheet, to give a sense of security. Keep pets away for at least the first week; ensure that children are calm around the new birds. Bonding With Your DovesAfter a couple of days, start spending time next to the cage, perhaps reading or working on a laptop, to accustom the doves to your company. If the cage is big enough, consider sitting in the cage for short periods once the birds are comfortable with your being nearby. The next step is offering treats, such as mealworms, pieces of carrot or spray millet, by hand. If a dove won’t take the item from your hand, drop it a few inches away. Ensure that each bird gets at least one treat each time. After a while, the doves should be happy to take treats straight from your hand. This might be the limit of bonding for some specimens; others might gain the confidence to perch on your knee or shoulder and allow themselves to be stroked. Take your cue from their behavior; don’t push things. Your doves may never become pettable. References Photo Credits
Writer Bio Judith Willson has been writing since 2009, specializing in environmental and scientific topics. She has written content for school websites and worked for a Glasgow newspaper. Willson has a Master of Arts in English from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. Dove Care SheetDeveloped with and approved by a qualified veterinarian. This care sheet covers a variety of dove species, including:
OverviewDoves are graceful birds of the Columbidae family, which includes pigeons. They are gentle birds known to make a soothing cooing sound. There are hundreds of dove species found around the world, but the common pet doves are the diamond dove and the ring-necked dove. Diamond doves originated in Australia and are about the size of a lovebird. They have long, thin tails, blue-gray feathers with small white spots on the wings and distinctive red rings around their eyes (larger in males). Ring-neck doves are from Africa, and they are about a foot long from head to tail tip. They have light brown and white feathers and a characteristic ring of black feathers around their neck. Doves are generally good pets for families with children, as they tend to not nip as much as parrots may, as long as children are calm around them. They also make good pets for noise-sensitive individuals who would be bothered by the screeching of a parrot but can tolerate the quiet cooing of a dove. Typical appearance and behavior
Characteristics
HabitatHabitat sizeProvide the largest habitat possible for your dove. The minimum size habitat for one dove is approximately 24” W x 36” D x 24” H, with metal bars spaced no greater than 3/8” apart so that birds can’t escape or get stuck. Commercially available habitats are generally made with stainless steel bars (either with or without a nontoxic coating). Homemade habitats or those made of wood or galvanized wire are not recommended because birds can chew on them and ingest potentially toxic chemicals. A flight habitat is ideal. Since doves are not able to climb cage bars like parrots, they need more horizontal than vertical space to walk and fly back and forth. Building your habitatDoves acclimate well to average household temperatures between 65°F and 80°F; be cautious of extreme temperature changes. Habitats should be placed off the floor in a well-lit area away from drafts that is inaccessible to other pets, including curious cats and dogs. Ensure no habitat parts or toys are made with lead, zinc, other potentially toxic heavy metals, lead-based paints or galvanized parts, as these can cause serious medical issues if birds ingest them.
Cleaning your habitatSpot-clean the habitat daily, removing discarded food and droppings on perches. Thoroughly wash and dry food bowls daily. Replace substrate or habitat liner weekly or more often as needed, especially if the habitat houses more than one bird. Regularly clean and disinfect your dove’s habitat and perches by:
Replace perches, dishes and toys when worn or damaged; rotate new toys into the habitat regularly to help avoid boredom What do doves eat?A well-balanced dove diet consists of:
Things to remember when feeding your dove:
Care
Where to buy a pet doveDoves are available for purchase at your local Petco Pet Care Center. Please call ahead to check availability. Supplies
Habitat matesDoves can be kept alone or in small groups, but different types of birds should not be housed together. Males and females generally love to be housed together but will often breed repeatedly. HealthSigns of a healthy dove
Red flags (Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of these signs.)
Common health issues
FAQs
Notes and sourcesAsk a Pet Care Center associate about Petco's selection of products available for the care and happiness of your new pet. All products carry a 100% money-back guarantee. Because all birds are potential carriers of infectious diseases such as Chlamydiosis and Salmonellosis, always wash your hands before and after handling your bird or habitat contents to help prevent the potential spread of disease. Pregnant women, children under the age of 5, senior citizens and people with weakened immune systems should contact their physicians before purchasing or caring for birds and should consider having a pet other than a bird. Go to cdc.gov/healthypets for more information about doves and disease. The information on this Care Sheet is not a substitute for veterinary care. If you need additional information, please contact your veterinarian as appropriate. Can doves be housed alone?Doves need a companion for large portions of the day. This can be their owner, another dove of same or opposite sex, other species of birds and even other docile pets. They should not be left alone for long periods of time. Doves express themselves by cooing.
Do doves have one partner for life?Mourning Doves Mate for Life
It's fairly common to see two mourning doves cuddling with each other. Mating pairs are monogamous and often mate for life.
What happens when one of a pair of doves dies?If a Mourning dove's mate dies, they will seek out a new mate when appropriate, i.e., before the start of the next breeding season. In rare cases, single bereaved Mourning doves help other pairs build nests and incubate chicks in what's known as cooperative breeding.
Can 2 female doves live together?The same goes for the doves you want to keep. If the females each have a mate, then you should keep a male/female pair. If the females have mates and you split them up, then try to keep the two females together in a small cage indoors, they probably won't do very well.
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