How to Feed Doves

Purchase pigeon and dove mix or wild bird seed mix from your local pet store. Look at pricing for the different bag sizes because often the larger bags are better deals.

Place a bowl with dove seed at the bottom of your bird cage. Avoid placing the bowl underneath a perch because the food can get soiled. Doves should have constant access to food. Because doves consume the entire seed and don't husk the seed, you can easily keep track of when to refill the bowl.

Hang a stalk of millet spray in your dove's cage. If it happens to run out of food, this stalk temporarily provides nutrients.

Provide constant clean water for your dove. Place a bowl of water at the bottom of the enclosure. Fill the bowl so there is at least 1 inch of water in it because doves suck the water from the bowl with their bill. Unlike other birds, they don't throw their heads back to drink. Use an upside-down automatic water dispenser as an alternative. The dispenser keeps the water clean and provides automatic refills.

Buy dove grit from your local pet store and place it in a bowl in your dove's cage so it is available at all times. Doves don't have teeth, and the grit helps them digest their food. Mix one crushed egg shell or oyster shell into the grit to provide your dove with calcium, which is essential for their bone health and egg development.

Treat your dove approximately three times per week to fruit and vegetables. Chop up apple, carrot, melon or spinach leaves and place them in a separate bowl at the bottom of the cage. Allow your bird time to eat the food and remove any leftovers before day's end to keep it from spoiling in the cage.