Dove owners....

[Arklady]

If you raise doves.... What kind of set up do you have?
Especially waters. I have struggled with my doves for the past few years using a bowl for their drinking water set up. It is attached to the cage so it won't spill but it is so small I have to fill it daily, but I really don't like it. If you have another idea please let me know. Also include pictures of your dove cotes. I would be interested in seeing how they look. I need to work on this badly and need some ideas!

Arklady

 

[intownfarm]

will doves drink out of a rabbit bottle? I ask because I have several chickens who drink the rabbits' water instead of their own.

 

[Arklady]

Unlike chickens, doves syphon their water. They actualy suck the water up until they are full. Chickens can't do that they have to let gravity drag the water down. So they have to constantly dip then raise their head until they have had enough.

Arklady

 

[MesquiteCreekCritterFarm]

Hello.........I have doves also.

I have my doves in a coop that is approximately 8 X 10. It is natural for them to look for food/water at ground level ~ therefore, I provide their water in a bird bath that is 2' tall. They seem to love it. They are famous for not only drinking out of it; but in the late afternoon heat - - - they jump in it and splash around to cool off!

How are yours set up now? Best of luck!

 

[Arklady]

Unfortunately mine are in a cage... generally its just the parents. But right now I have like 5 in there and its pretty crowded. I wanted to give them a better situation but I just am not sure how to go about it. Can I see pictures. I know it doesn't have to be terribly huge. Also can you tell me how long do doves live? I have had mine three years or so and they always hatch out white dove babies. Just curious.

Oh the parents are white.

Arklady

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

My doves are in a large rabbit hutch type set up. They have enough room to fly, but I would love to build them something bigger.

I usually just use cut milk jugs for their food and water. That seems to work fine for them, except when they try to take baths in the waterer! I have eight doves I think.

 

[Arklady]

One thing I have thought about is the mounted piglet waterers. They mount right on the wall and the tray is probably just enough for like one to bath at a time if they want to but they hold a gallon+ of water. It is something I had thought to try but my cage isn't large enough. But if positioned in a strategic location with in the pen it could be a convenient way to water them.

I can't stand that they have this bowl but I didn't know if anyone had thought to try the waterer to see if it would work. It is big but the tray isnt that big. Thing is they are pricy but if they work good...

Just a thought.

Arklady

 

[ESofVA]

Does anyone happen to know where I might find 2-3 Diamond Doves for sale?
TY

 

[jak2002003]

I use the drinkers made for chickens. The ones with the plastic jug on the top that you turn upside down. then the water in all around it in a shallow dish. They can't get into the water to bath and mess it up.. and they cant sit on the top to poop in it.