How to Care for Doves

A member of the pigeon family, doves are small, sweet and social birds. Many bird owners find that doves are an ideal bird for novice bird enthusiasts because of the species' hardiness and manageability. Doves are ideal pets for housing inside or outside the home. You must frequently handle doves to provide proper care. From socializing to bathing and exercising the bird, correctly caring for your dove ensures that your bird will be healthy and live for years to come.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 perches
  • 2-by-1/2-inch wooden board
  • Newspaper
  • Fresh straw
  • 4-inch wooden sticks
  • 4 small food bowls
  • Dove seed mix
  • Fresh fruits
  • Fresh vegetables
  • Ground oyster shells
  • Antibacterial soap
  • Nonabrasive scrubber
  • Baby shampoo
  • Clean towels
  • Blow dryer
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Instructions

  1. Cage Setup and Feeding

    • 1

      Before introducing your new dove to its cage, you must ensure that the cage is properly set up. Provide a bird cage that features at least two perches and has a grated bottom. The grated bottom reduces the possibility of your dove walking in or eating bird droppings or dirty food.

    • 2

      Cut a clean wood board that is 2 inches by 1/2 inch. Add notches at both ends of the board to ensure a snug fit inside the cage. Place the flat board in an area of the cage that gives the dove plenty of walking and perching room. Place clear antislip grips on the board to lower the risk of injury to the bird.

    • 3

      Place newspaper underneath the grating at the bottom of the cage. This ensures that all bird droppings and spilled food or water are easily cleaned up. Change the newspaper daily.

    • 4

      Add fresh straw and small sticks no larger than 4 inches long to the bottom of the cage. This allows the dove to create a nest.

    • 5

      Provide feeding and drinking areas. Doves enjoy a variety of foods. Place three bowls in the cage. One bowl is for regular dove food such as oats, millet and regular seed mixes. Add powdered vitamin supplements to the food or water to ensure proper nutrition. Feed doves fresh food every day. Place another bowl in the cage for water. Provide fresh water at least twice a day or anytime the water appears dirty. Add a third bowl to the cage. Put crushed oyster shells in the bowl. This provides a supplement of calcium to the dove. Give the dove fresh fruits, such as apples, or vegetables, such as spinach, two to three times a week. Remove fresh fruits and vegetables from the cage after a few hours. This prevents the potential of bacteria growing in the cage.

    • 6

      Place the cage in a quiet, warm location. Add your new dove to the cage. Allow the dove to explore the cage and grow accustomed to its new surroundings.

    Cleaning the Cage

    • 7

      Three times a week take the perches out of the cage and thoroughly clean them.

    • 8

      Fill up a sink with warm water. Add enough antibacterial soap to make bubbles.

    • 9

      Submerge the perches and allow them to soak for 15 minutes. Scrub the perches with a nonabrasive scrubbing pad.

    • 10

      Rinse the perches thoroughly and allow them to dry completely before putting them back in the cage.

    • 11

      Scrub the cage bottom and sides thoroughly with the scrubbing pad and antibacterial solution. Rinse the cage and allow it to dry completely.

    Bathing

    • 12

      Fill a bathroom sink with no more than 2 inches of very warm water. Doves enjoy warm water more than cold water. Warmer water also ensures that your dove does not become overly chilled during the bath.

    • 13

      Hold the dove gently but firmly with one hand. Lower the dove into the water. With your free hand, put a small amount of baby shampoo on the back of the dove. Gently clean the dove. Take special care of the back feathers. Clean the head of the bird with the tip of your finger. Avoid getting soap in the bird's eyes.

    • 14

      Gently pour water on the back of the dove until the shampoo is rinsed off. Dip your finger in the water. With your finger wet, stroke the bird's head to rinse off the shampoo.

    • 15

      Shampoo and rinse the dove once more using the same method.

    • 16

      Wrap the dove in a towel. Gently towel dry the bird. Do not cover up the head of the dove.

    • 17

      Blow dry the bird. Turn the hair dryer onto the lowest setting. Hold the dryer 8 to 10 inches away from the bird. Move the hair dryer around the bird to blow dry the feathers. Do not move the dryer closer than 8 inches.

    • 18

      Wrap the bird in a dry towel and hold for half an hour. This ensures that the bird dries completely and also calms the bird.

    • 19

      Place the bird back in the cage. Ensure that the cage is in a warm place that is free of drafts for the next 12 hours.

    Exercise and Interaction

    • 20

      Ensure your dove gets proper exercise at least once a week.

    • 21

      Draw the curtains or shades in a medium-size room. Bring the dove into the room. Close the door and place the bird on the floor. Allow the bird to fly around the room.

    • 22

      Stay in the room with the bird. Let the bird stretch its wings and walk around. Typically, doves are sedentary and will fly around only a couple of times before stopping.

    • 23

      Take the bird out of the cage and pet it at least once a day. Talk to the bird every day.