RingNeck Dove Breeding

[usschicago1]

How old are doves before they are ready to mate? I have two females born April 23, and a male about two years old. I mean how old can they healthily reproduce.

Thanks so much

Mark

 

[DuranAndy]

I would give them at least a year before you breed them. So your girls should be ready by next April.

 

[usschicago1]

Quote:
Okay Great, Thanks

 

[ridinglizzard]

I would say a year too. Although I noticed tonight that one of my young females homers (born early this spring) was setting on an egg today. She definitely doesn't look like she knows what she is doing though...

 

[shelleyd2008]

The 'big guys' in the ADA recommend waiting until they are at least 9 months old

 

[Lofty Dreams]

Most pigeons can breed when their six months old although it is best to wait a year. I think this should apply to doves as well.

 

[usschicago1]

Thanks Everyone

 

[Mary Of Exeter]

I let mine breed when they are ready

I don't force them or try to speed it up.

 

[usschicago1]

Quote:
Oh Okay I was just worried about them being to young and giving all there nutrients to there young and them becoming malnourished. Im glad I dont have to worry

The Male is so friendly. He actually flys to me when I walk in the cage and lands on my arm ! He loves to be stoked on the neck and under his beak. Such a good bird. The females on the other hand! Want nothing to do with me !

 

[Lobzi]

So female ring necks should be a year old prior to expecting them to produce eggs and sit on them? I have a male who is obviously a male....does the bowing and cooing thing at anything that walks by. I got him what I think is a young female. They mated many times in the beginning of their introductions, did some preening next to and to each other...all the normal stuff. The male built a nest with my help and now the two take turns sitting on the nest but no egg. Im wondering if the female is either not a female or is too young. Im new to owning doves. My experience is with chickens. Im hoping for babies from them but Im wondering if I indeed have a mating pair. Do both the male and female make the same cooing sounds?