How to Care for a Diamond Dove

Diamond doves are known for their gentle nature and soft cooing. If you would like a bird but are afraid of the loud squawks from a parrot, this may be the bird for you. Diamond doves are hardy birds that can live up to 15 years. They also require a little less attention than parrots.

Things You'll Need

  • Enclosure
  • Substrate
  • Three food/water bowls
  • Perches
  • Cuttlebone
  • Finch seed
  • Grit
  • Dilute bleach cleaner
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide an enclosure for your diamond dove that is at least 18 inches square. Diamond doves do not climb so get a cage that is wider, not taller, if you can purchase something larger.

    • 2

      Coat the bottom of the bird cage with a substrate like corn cob or newspaper.

    • 3

      Place the bird cage in an area that is not prone to extreme temperature fluctuations like drafts and direct sunlight.

    • 4

      Put three food/water dishes into your bird's cage. One should be kept always full of clean, fresh non-chlorinated water. The second and third bowls should contain a finch food mix while the other can be filled with grit or occasionally fresh fruits and vegetables.

    • 5

      Give your bird a few cement and natural perches along with a cuttlebone to help maintain their health and give them places to hang out in their cage.

    • 6

      Clean the bird cage daily by changing out the substrate as well as the food and water bowls. Once a month, remove the bird from the cage and clean everything in it with a dilute bleach mix.