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Doves love to be stroked and held and can even be trained
to sit in your hand. Doves have a need to interact with their
owners as much as possible.


The soft cooing sounds of the male makes the dove a calming
pet to have. Doves are not known to bite and can be safely handled by children.

Doves are the universal symbol for peace and love.


Facts about Pet Doves

Doves live from 20-25 years
They are from 4"-8" in length


Wing clipping is not necessary and is not recommended for doves.

Doves should never be released outside like Pigeons because they have
very poor homing instincts and usually will not survive for very long.


Doves mate for life.

Doves have powder down in their feathers.

Doves produce crop milk to feed their babies.


The most common Doves kept as pet birds are:
Rock dove, Ringneck dove, and Diamond Dove.

All doves coo and both genders will do so aggressively when
another bird of the same gender is around


Minimum cage size is 18"W x 22"L x 18"H

Keep cages away from drafts, open windows and the kitchen.
Doves are sensitive to smoke and strong odors. Cover the
cage at night to prevent drafts.

Have perches of different widths, diameters and textures
to help keep a Dove's feet healthy.



What to Feed Pet Doves

Feed a pet Dove 2-3 teaspoons per day of a pellet or seed-based,
fortified Finch or Parakeet diet.


About 5-10% of a Dove's diet should be bite-sized fruits and
veggies like oranges, apples, melon, sweet potatoes, broccoli,
spinach, mustard greens and shredded carrots. Offer daily or
every 2-3 days.

Because a Dove's metabolism is very active, starvation can occur
in as little as 24 hours. Food should be available at all times.


Keep a cuttle bone or mineral block in the cage at all times.


Doves should always have access to clean, fresh water.
Don't use tap water. We recommend Steam Distilled water
for it's purity.

Doves swallow their seeds whole. Place a small pinch of grit in
their food each week to help aid in digestion.

Calcium deficiency is common among caged doves so grit and
high-calcium crushed oyster shell are essential. Symptoms
include eggs with soft shells.


Signs a Dove is Healthy

Clear, bright eyes
Clean, smooth feathers
Eats throughout the day
Normal droppings that are not runny for more than a couple of days


Signs a Dove may be getting sick

Change in droppings in excess of two days
Decreased appetite; weight loss
Decreased activity and grooming behavior
Discharge from nose or mouth; sneezing
Feathers fluffed for prolonged periods of time
Sitting at the bottom of cage
Wheezing or coughing



Picture Dove