How to Build a Nest for Doves

If you want to entice doves into a tree in your yard, or promote mating of your pet doves, create your own doves' nest out of hardware cloth. The doves can finish the nest with grass, twigs and weeds. Doves lay two white eggs that are incubated for 14 days by both the male and female. They often reuse their nest for five sets of eggs during mating season.

Things You'll Need

  • 1/4-inch hardware cloth
  • Scissors or wire cutters
  • Tape measure
  • Permanent marker
  • Twist ties
  • Staple gun
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut out a 12-by-12-inch square of hardware cloth.

    • 2

      Cut a 12-inch circle out of the square.

    • 3

      Measure 2-1/2 inches along the outside of the circle and make a mark at zero inches and 2-1/2 inches with a permanent marker.

    • 4

      Cut 4 inches into the center from both marks and remove the wedge. It should look like you cut a piece of pie.

    • 5

      Close the circle by overlapping the wire. This creates a funnel shape.

    • 6

      Fasten the end of the funnel with twist ties to secure the shape.

    • 7

      Place the nest in the crotch of a tree limb. This is where one branch becomes two branches, and creates a Y shape.

    • 8

      Staple the nest to the tree and allow the birds to finish it with grass, pine needles and twigs.