How to Make a Diamond Dove's Nest

Diamond doves are one of the most popular aviary birds. Raising diamond dove babies is not difficult because the parents usually do all the work, as long as food and water are available and they are not frightened or disturbed. Whether or not you are raising babies, you need to provide the birds with a nesting box and suitable nesting material to keep the doves healthy and happy.

Things You'll Need

  • Cardboard container (preferably a round one such as an oatmeal box)
  • String, wire or twist ties
  • Felt-tip pen
  • Ruler
  • Serrated kitchen knife
  • Index cards
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Instructions

    • 1

      Mark a ring on the container 2 to 2 1/2 inches from the bottom, using the felt-tip pen and a ruler. Mark off 5 inches on this ring to be the width of the backboard of the nest.

    • 2

      Draw two, 5-inch vertical lines at the beginning and end of the circumference line. Draw a line to connect the top ends of the vertical lines. This will be the backboard base.

    • 3

      Cut the top of the backboard along the 5-inch horizontal line, using a serrated kitchen knife. Cut the two vertical lines. Cut along the bottom circumference ring. Avoid cutting into the backboard.

    • 4

      Cut off an 11-inch strip of masking tape. Apply the tape along the edges of the box, adhering half the width to the outside of the box and the other half to the inside. Repeat this three more times to make it thick enough to ensure ample padding for the birds' feet when they perch on the edge of the nesting box.

    • 5

      Fold four or five paper towels into quarters. Turn in the corners of the towels so that each sheet is octagonal or almost round. Form the paper towels into a bowl and fit them into the nesting box.

    • 6

      Cut index cards into 1/16-inch strips for nesting material. Some nesting material should be left on the floor of the cage so the birds can finish constructing the nest themselves.

    • 7

      Cut four holes in the backboard. Fasten the nesting box to the rear wall of the cage, using twist ties or wire. Ensure the nesting box is slightly below the highest perch to prevent the doves from using the box as a place to perch.