How to Care for a Dove in Your House: A Complete Guide

Owning a dove as a pet is a wonderful experience. These gentle, graceful birds can bring peace and tranquility to any home, and their soft cooing is often considered soothing. Whether you're considering adopting a Dove or you've already brought one home, it’s important to understand how to care for your feathered friend properly.

In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about caring for a don in your house, from creating the perfect living space to keeping them happy and healthy.

1. Setting Up the Perfect Home for Your Dove

Before you bring your don into your home, it’s crucial to set up an appropriate environment. This means providing a safe, comfortable, and clean living space where your dove can thrive.

Choosing the Right Cage

A suitable cage is essential for the well-being of your dove. Look for a spacious cage that will allow your don to move freely and stretch its wings. The cage should be at least 2-3 times the size of the bird with enough room for them to move around comfortably. Make sure the bars of the cage are no more than 1/2 inch apart to prevent your don from escaping or getting its head stuck.

A wire cage is ideal as it provides good ventilation and is easy to clean. However, make sure to choose a cage with smooth surfaces to prevent any injuries to your bird.

Adding Accessories

Inside the cage, you'll need to provide essential accessories:

Perches: These should be of varying thicknesses and positioned at different heights. Avoid using dowel rods, as they can cause foot problems. Instead, choose natural wood perches that provide a comfortable resting spot.
Water & Food Containers: Your dove will need fresh water at all times. A water bottle with a sipper tube or a shallow dish works well. Food dishes should be sturdy and wide, ensuring that your dove has easy access to their meals.
Nest Box or Sleeping Spot: Doves like a secluded, safe spot to rest. A small box or a sheltered corner in the cage will work.

Cage Placement

The location of the cage is just as important as its setup. Place the cage in a quiet but not isolated area where your dove can interact with the family but isn’t constantly startled by loud noises. Ensure the cage is away from direct sunlight, drafts, and heat sources.

2. Feeding Your Don

A balanced diet is crucial for the health of your dove. Doves are primarily seed eaters, but their diet needs to be supplemented to ensure they get all the nutrients they require.

Basic Diet

Seeds: You can feed your dove a commercial seed mix formulated for doves or pigeons. These typically contain a variety of seeds such as millet, cracked corn, and sunflower seeds.
Fresh Vegetables: Offer leafy greens like spinach, kale, and dandelion greens. You can also add small amounts of fruits like berries, apples, and grapes. Be sure to remove any uneaten fresh food to prevent spoilage.
Pellets: Some bird owners prefer to feed their doves high-quality pellets, which provide a balanced diet.

What to Avoid Feeding

Certain foods are toxic to doves and should be avoided entirely. These include:

Avocado
Chocolate
Caffeine
Alcohol
Onions and garlic

Always make sure to check the freshness of food and avoid feeding anything processed or sugary.

3. Providing Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Doves are active birds that need space to move around. In addition to their cage, it's important to give your don daily exercise and mental stimulation.

Flight Time

Doves enjoy flying, and if you have the space, it's great to let them out of the cage for supervised flight time. Create a safe space in your home where they can stretch their wings. Be sure to remove any hazards like open windows or ceiling fans before allowing them to fly.

Toys and Enrichment

Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Provide your dove with bird-safe toys such as swings, mirrors, and bells to keep them entertained. Changing up the toys periodically will help prevent boredom.

Bonding and Interaction

Doves are social birds and enjoy interacting with their human caregivers. Spend time talking to your dove daily, and if possible, let them interact with you outside of the cage. A bond of trust will develop over time, making your don feel more secure and happy in your home.

4. Cleaning and Hygiene

Maintaining a clean environment is essential for the health of your dove. Regular cleaning of the cage, food dishes, and water containers will prevent the growth of bacteria and parasites.

Cage Cleaning

Clean the cage at least once a week. Remove old food, feces, and bedding, and wipe down all surfaces with a bird-safe disinfectant. For a deeper clean, scrub the perches and the floor of the cage. Make sure the cage is completely dry before putting your dove back in.

Bathing

Doves enjoy baths and will often take a dip in a shallow dish of water. You can provide a small, shallow bird bath inside the cage or use a spray bottle with clean water to mist them lightly. Regular bathing helps keep your dove’s feathers in top condition.

Health Checks

Inspect your dove regularly for any signs of illness, such as changes in behavior, loss of appetite, or abnormal droppings. If you notice any concerning symptoms, consult with a veterinarian experienced in bird care as soon as possible.

5. Handling and Taming Your Dove

If your dove is new to your home, it may be a bit shy at first. Be patient and gentle, and let your bird come to you at its own pace.

Taming Tips

Spend time near your dove’s cage to help them become accustomed to your presence.
Once your don seems comfortable, offer them treats from your hand to build trust.
Avoid making any sudden movements that might startle the bird.
Gradually work on training your dove to step onto your hand or perch by gently guiding them with your finger.

6. Health and Veterinary Care

Doves, like all pets, need regular health check-ups. Find an avian vet who specializes in birds to ensure your don stays in good health.

Common Dove Health Issues

Respiratory Infections: These can be caused by poor ventilation or exposure to drafts. Symptoms include nasal discharge or difficulty breathing.
Feather Plucking: Stress, boredom, or medical issues can lead to feather plucking. If your dove starts plucking its feathers, consult with a vet to identify the cause.

Conclusion

Caring for a don in your house can be a rewarding experience. By providing a suitable living space, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and lots of interaction, you can ensure that your dove remains happy and healthy. Remember that doves are social, gentle creatures that thrive in environments where they feel safe and loved. With proper care, your don will bring joy and serenity to your home for many years to come.

If you're thinking about adopting a dove, take the time to learn about their needs and habits. By being attentive to their care, you’ll have a loyal, calm companion for years to enjoy.