Ring-Necked or Diamond Dove Care Guide

LIFE SPAN

12+ years

AVERAGE SIZE

7.5-12 inches long depending on species

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Doves are passerines with smooth, stout bodies with short necks and small heads. These species are basically tan, cream or gray in color.

NORMAL BEHAVIOR & INTERACTION

Birds are flock-oriented animals, and they do very well with other birds in the home to communicate with. However, YOU as the caretaker become a “flock” member as well. Daily attention and interaction is extremely important for your bird. Pigeons and Doves do best when kept singly or with a partner, male or female. 

DIET

A high quality dove & pigeon feed with 14% to 18% protein and at least 4% fat is best. Your bird should also be offered fresh vegetables (especially leafy greens), fruit and grain daily.

SUPPLEMENTS

The only supplement that should be necessary for your Dove is calcium grit. Calcium grit can be offered in a small dish in the form of oyster shell grit or pigeon/dove grit. Birds should also be exposed to UVB light for at least 3-4 hours per day if natural sunlight is not provided.

WATER

Fresh dechlorinated water must be available to your bird at all times. It must be checked several times a day. It is recommended that the bowl be wiped clean with a paper towel at every change to prevent a film from collecting on the inside of the bowl. 

HOUSING & ENVIRONMENT

Doves and Pigeons need a clean, warm, roomy cage where they can spread their wings and stretch out. They spend the majority of their time on low perches or on the ground. A single bird or a pair should have a cage no smaller than 24”L x 24”W x 30”H. The basic rule of thumb is the bigger the better!  

ENRICHMENT

It will be very beneficial to your Dove or Pigeon to be allowed supervised out of cage time at least once a week to fly a bit. Be sure to clear any dangers away and keep curtains closed so your pet does not run into windows. Other pets such as cats and dogs should be removed from the room. Some Doves and Pigeons will enjoy picking at small parrot toys made of leather strips or sturdy string.  

BATHING

Be sure to offer your bird a very shallow dish (2-3 inches deep) for bathing at least two times a week. Doves and Pigeons prefer warmer water, at least 75° or more. Bathing is very essential to their good health. While they are drying from their bath, be sure to keep them out of drafty, cold areas.  

CAGE MAINTENANCE

Your dove’s cage should be spot cleaned daily for feces and spoiling food. Floor bedding or paper should be changed every few days and the entire habitat cleaned at least once a month. 

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES

• Bird cage (min 24”L x 24”W x 30”H) with bar space no larger than 3/4” to 1”
• Bedding or paper for bottom of cage
• Variety of perches - wood dowel, natural branch, cement or therapeutic perches
• 4 sturdy dishes: one for fresh water, one for pellet/seed mix, one for fresh food, one for grit
• At least 3 different interchangeable toys
• A small parrot toy with leather strips and/or sturdy string
• Dove feed mix
• Treats such as millet spray
• Calcium supplement: Pigeon/Dove grit (such as Oyster shells)
• Shallow bird bath

Vet Approved

Our Care Guides are designed to assist in general knowledge and requirements for the care of your new family member. We strongly encourage further research and consultation with your veterinarian on the complete and proper care of any new pet.

For more information visit petsuppliesplus.com, cdc.gov/healthypets or contact your veterinarian.

Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet or cleaning its habitat, and remember that any pet can scratch, bite or transmit disease to humans.

For pregnant women, persons with compromised immune systems, or if you have children under the age of 5, we strongly recommend contacting your physician prior to purchasing or caring for a new pet.

Please see the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/healthypets for more information.