Things You'll Need
- Male and female white-winged doves
- Aviary
- Heater (optional)
- Twigs
- Nest boxes or Tupperware containers
- Wild birdseed or milo, millet, wheat and canary grass seed
- Live mealworms or mashed hard-boiled egg
- Fine bird grit
- Brush and plants
- Automated watering device
Instructions
Buy or build a separate aviary for each breeding pair of doves. Doves, especially wild breeds, often fight when housed with other birds during the breeding season. For white-winged doves, the aviary should be at least six feet high, three feet long and four feet wide, but the larger the aviary the better. Doves are avid fliers and require room to move and exercise their wings.
Bury the wire or netting of the aviary 18 inches into the ground. This is to protect the birds from rats, mice and other predators.
Equip the aviary with a heater. While white-winged doves often winter in warmer climates, so a heater may be required if the birds are kept in Texas when the temperatures drop below 32 degrees. White-winged doves are quite hardy, but the aviary should also have a roof and be placed in an area that is protected from rain and wind.
Plant brush and plants in the aviary to provide covered nesting sites and hiding places. Doves prefer privacy, especially when breeding. Also, female doves often require places to hide, in order to get away from aggressive males during mating season. Plants will also provide cover for baby doves when they leave the nest.
Place nest boxes or Tupperware-type containers in secluded spots in the aviary. Doves will nest in almost anything, but should have at least two options for nesting sites. Nest boxes can be purchased at a pet store, but doves will nest in any small, open container. Place the nest boxes in hidden areas and at different levels. Place several small twigs in the aviary, for the birds to use as nesting material. Doves will construct fragile nests with just a few twigs.
Feed the breeding birds wild birdseed. Doves usually do well on commercial, wild birdseed, available at garden stores. Some dove breeders prefer to feed birds their own mix of millet, milo, wheat and canary grass seed.
Feed each bird a dozen live mealworms a day, during the breeding season. Protein will help ensure the health of the breeding pair. If mealworms aren't available, offer mashed hard-boiled egg as a protein source.
Place fine grit, such as crushed egg or oyster shells as a source of calcium. They must have constant access to this material, for bone and egg development. Grit must be offered in a separate dish from the food.
Provide clean, fresh water at all times. Doves dehydrate quickly, so water needs to be readily available. There are many inexpensive automated watering devices available for doves.
Clean the aviary often to prevent disease. If the aviary floor is dirt, rake it weekly and turn the soil every spring. Keep food, grit and water sources clean at all times. Clean dirty wire and equipment with a mixture of one part bleach to twenty-five parts water.