JKH
In the Brooder
- Oct 9, 2020
- 16
- 17
- 37
Dear Backyard Chickens,
I wrote my first post a few days ago, struggling with my male ring-necked dove (7 months old, who had lived with me alone). He had been driving me crazy with nonstop cooing and aggressive behaviour towards me (his "mate").
Well, I took the risk and found him a very adorable female ring-necked dove (who in fact I think I rescued from a terrible pet shop situation). For about a week they were kept separated but when I gave my little guy, Lovey-Dovey, access to her he was violent.
Yesterday, I decided to put her in a cage and the cage in a small bathroom where he flitted around freely, so they were near each other but could not really touch. Over the course of an afternoon, and one night sleeping in the same space, I think they fell in love!!! Now, they have spent the whole morning flirting up a storm. It is such a pleasure to see Lovey-Dovey's affections put to good use. For months, he had been flitting his wings at me, coo-ing, purring, and preening and I would pet him but was obviously not able to return these gestures appropriately; and they probably left him frustrated and confused anyways. His new friend, Gingersnap, is so beguiling in her own wing flitting and she answers him note-for-note with the coos (her voice is more fragile and delicate). A few minutes ago, I saw her preen him, I think for the first time, and he looked to be swooning. Prior, he tried to mate with her very aggressively, but he has stopped doing that and now appears to be the most patient and affectionate lover. I also saw her eating from his food dish (he would not even let me touch this!) and they are sharing food.
I am sooooo happy and relieved that this is moving in a better direction, for I thought I was going to have to re-home him. My fingers are crossed for the future. Just wanted to share the good news and I welcome any tips on what to do next.
All the best wishes,
Jenna
I wrote my first post a few days ago, struggling with my male ring-necked dove (7 months old, who had lived with me alone). He had been driving me crazy with nonstop cooing and aggressive behaviour towards me (his "mate").
Well, I took the risk and found him a very adorable female ring-necked dove (who in fact I think I rescued from a terrible pet shop situation). For about a week they were kept separated but when I gave my little guy, Lovey-Dovey, access to her he was violent.
Yesterday, I decided to put her in a cage and the cage in a small bathroom where he flitted around freely, so they were near each other but could not really touch. Over the course of an afternoon, and one night sleeping in the same space, I think they fell in love!!! Now, they have spent the whole morning flirting up a storm. It is such a pleasure to see Lovey-Dovey's affections put to good use. For months, he had been flitting his wings at me, coo-ing, purring, and preening and I would pet him but was obviously not able to return these gestures appropriately; and they probably left him frustrated and confused anyways. His new friend, Gingersnap, is so beguiling in her own wing flitting and she answers him note-for-note with the coos (her voice is more fragile and delicate). A few minutes ago, I saw her preen him, I think for the first time, and he looked to be swooning. Prior, he tried to mate with her very aggressively, but he has stopped doing that and now appears to be the most patient and affectionate lover. I also saw her eating from his food dish (he would not even let me touch this!) and they are sharing food.
I am sooooo happy and relieved that this is moving in a better direction, for I thought I was going to have to re-home him. My fingers are crossed for the future. Just wanted to share the good news and I welcome any tips on what to do next.
All the best wishes,
Jenna
