Dove Essentials

[sekeyslaks]

Hello I want to save up for a dove,because I've wanted one my whole life!But I'm not getting one unless I research thoroughly on them!So I want to know what you think is the first thing I should know about them,the more I know the better!

 

[Hokum Coco]

According to the scientist there is no difference in a pigeon (rock dove) or dove.

The difference in my opinion is similar to the comparison of a horse to a donkey. Where the fine line really is drawn I have no facts to back up other than our own experiences.

Ring neck doves for example and the like that coo and do "NOT" vocalize in the same manner as pigeons we refer to as doves (they are usually much smaller and not as muscular as the pigeon).

Fanciers on the other hand would dispute scientific findings.

Pigeons all have some homing ability.

Doves not so much (in my opinion none when compared to homing pigeons.)

what you think is the first thing I should know about them,the more I know the better!

 

[sekeyslaks]

Thank you for your post! I have heard that pigeons are much smarter than doves,and can learn things better!Is this true?

 

[Hokum Coco]

The best way to determine the sex of a pigeon is to ask another pigeon.
In a perfect world the ♂ pigeon on the right is usually more iridescent and larger than the ♀ pigeon on the left.



That being said no matter which method you choose to sex a pigeon mistakes are sometimes made. I usually can tell the gender of a pigeon just by looking at it (but I have been know to make mistakes too.)

On that note:
If you place your pigeon in the company of a know gender pigeon one can usually tell the gender of the pigeon in question by the reaction taken by the know gender.

(Too many references to gender in tha sentence but I think you can follow).

Check out the link the pigeon bowing and circling is ♂ the bird walking is ♀:

 

[jak2002003]

Hello I want to save up for a dove,because I've wanted one my whole life!But I'm not getting one unless I research thoroughly on them!So I want to know what you think is the first thing I should know about them,the more I know the better!

Doves make lovely pets. You mean ring neck / peace doves right? They come in pure white, pied and sandy colours with a black ring around their necks.

They are the best dove for an indoor pet in my opinion.

They get super tame and friendly, and are very calm and don't panic and fly about crazy like smaller doves can (Diamond doves for example).

You need a large cage... a long one is better than a tall one.. as the doves like to walk about on the cage floor a lot, rather than fly up and down.

Put in a couple of wide natural perches, food, water and grit. That's the basics.

The food and grit you can by from the pet store. Its sold a dove food. You can also add some vitamins to the water a few times a week to keep them in tip top condition.

You are better with 2 as they hate to be alone (like if you go to work or college). They get just a friendly and tame.

If you get a true pair they will breed and raise many chicks. To stop this (you will overrun with them), replace the eggs with fake ones.. like small white marbles or pebbles. Don't just throw the old eggs away each time.. otherwise the female will keep laying eggs and get sick.. its a strain on her body.

You should let them fly around your room each day for a few hours.

They like to bath in a shallow dish of water.. or you can give then a light shower too! This helps keep their feather looking good, and keeps the feather dust down.

That's about all you need to know!

PS They can be noisy .. the males cooing and hooting a lot, even at night. Even covering the cage will not stop them. Females are much quieter.

I don't find the noise a problem.. I have got used to it.. and its rather soothing. But when I have guests they complain they can't sleep because of the owls outside. I hat to tell them it was my male dove.. not an owl!!!!!

 

[sekeyslaks]

Yes Jak I mean ringneck doves! Thanks so much for the info,it was very helpful!