Doves have quite an interesting past.  They have been domesticated for thousands of years and have been used for food, raised to be pets and were even used as sacrifices to the gods.  The most familiar species of dove is the white Ringneck Dove which can often be seen in magic acts.

A dove will make anyone a great pet.  They are appealing to look at, quiet, except for the peaceful sound of their cooing, easy to tame and an active yet undemanding birds.  They are usually healthy and hardy that require very little maintenance and can be found at relatively inexpensive prices.

The most common species of doves that are kept as pets are the Ringneck and Diamond Doves.  You can find the Ringneck Dove in more than forty color mutations.  Other names that the Ringneck is known by are the laughing dove, collared dove, turtledove or the Barbary dove.  The white Ringneck Dove is commonly called the peace dove or the sacred dove, as well as sometimes being called the Java Dove.

The Diamond Dove was imported to Europe sometime in the late 1800’s.  As early as 1868, the London Zoological Garden has been raising and breeding the Diamond Dove.  They are very popular as an aviary bird and they are an ideal choice for a beginner.  These doves are quite hardy and can easily be kept with other peaceful birds like finches.
You can also raise them inside your home, but they are best kept in pairs.

The dove has an average life expectancy of 10 years……. but may live for as long as 15 years with good care.  The Diamond Dove is one of the smallest doves and originates from the open savannas of Australia.  They are only about 7 1/2- to 8 1/3 inches long with a weight of 23 to 27 grams.  The Diamond Dove has also been called the Little Dove or Little Turtledove and is the bird that is referred to in the popular Christmas song “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”

As with all birds, your doves will need enough room in their cage to move around, roost and allow them to exercise comfortably.  If you keep a pair housed in a small cage of at least 18 inches square, you will need to allow them free indoor flight time every day.  Don’t allow them to fly freely outdoors as they will become lost.  They don’t have the “homing” instincts of a pigeon.

Their diet consists of seeds like millet, canary grass, Milo and wheat.  You can also feed them a vitamin fortified mix that is suitable for finches.  They are ground feeders, so you should separate the seed and water containers and place them on or close to the ground.  Your doves will also need at least two perches at different heights, fresh veggies and greens.  You should also place a small nest and provide your doves with dried grasses for them to build a nest of their own.

Doves are quite affectionate and can be seen cuddling with their mates.  They usually greet each other with low and raspy coos.  They also will give their mates some quick pecks around the head and neck while they shake their wings slightly.

If you think raising doves may be something you would like to try, do some research and visit some pet stores that have doves on hand.  They are calming to listen to and lovely to look at, so you should be quite happy should you decide to purchase a pair of doves to share your home with.  

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