How to Buy & Ship Doves

People buy and ship doves to keep as pets and to hunt. The mourning dove is the most hunted game bird in North America. If you are planning to buy doves to keep at your home or farm, it will be more difficult than picking out a puppy at your local pet store. You must find a dove breeder or farm capable of shipping the birds to your home.

Things You'll Need

  • Computer
  • Bird cage
  • Bird food
  • Traveling carrier
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose the type of doves depending on what purpose the birds will serve. Find a dove farm on the Internet or by talking to local pet stores and breeders. There are many sites where you can find multiple dove breeders and sellers. Some large pet retailers also breed these birds.

    • 2

      Purchase the birds by giving the seller a credit card, debit card or check. Make sure to get a receipt. This will prevent confusion and allow you to take legal action if there are any problems. Ask if you can pay half down and pay the second half after the doves are shipped, if you are concerned about any complications.

    • 3

      Set up a shipping plan with the seller. The cost will be determined by the weight of the traveling case. There are many specifications that you will want to read before having the doves shipped. Most breeders or sellers should know how to ship doves properly. You also may want to insure the doves. Prepare for the doves' arrival prior to receiving them. Purchase cages, food and anything else that you will need and set it up in advance.

    • 4

      Ship doves by picking up a package from a USPS location near you. If there are no packages available, a representative will be able to tell you what's needed. Go to the USPS website and read about the shipping requirements and information for live animals.

    • 5

      Place the doves in the approved live-shipping bird box. Take the box to the nearest USPS location. A representative will ensure that the doves are packaged properly and will seal it for you. Have the package weighed and pay for it to be shipped with the next-day guarantee. If your package is too large or doesn't meet the USPS requirements, you may have to ship your birds through a specific company, such as FedEx or UPS.