How to Choose Pet Doves (with Pictures) (2024)

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Co-authored byPippa Elliott, MRCVS

Last Updated: June 18, 2020References

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   Choose ring-neck doves if you're a beginner. If you're a first-time dove owner, ring-neck doves are a good choice. They make calm pets, and they like be to social. The most common colors are white and a light tan.^[1]

   • However, you can also find these doves in a wide variety of other colors, including peach, orange, and pink pearled.
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   Pick bleeding heart doves if you want more activity. Some species of dove are more active than others. If you like activity, pick one of these species, such as bleeding heart doves, to keep as pets.^[2]

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   Take home zebra doves if you want a singing dove. Zebra doves are one of the more musically inclined species. Another species you might consider is the black-winged ground dove, which likes to chirp.^[3]

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   Go for size. If you're most interested in having a large or small bird, then pick larger or smaller species. The largest species of dove is the Victoria crowned pigeon, while the smallest is the pygmy ground dove.^[4] Diamond doves are also fairly small.

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   Try not to mix and match in the same cage. While you can mix some species of doves if you know what you're doing, it can be disastrous if you don't. Some species don't mix well with others; they prefer to stick to their own kind.^[5]

   • If you do want to mix breeds, ask at your pet store or local bird club which breeds go well together.
   • Particularly gentle species tend to go better together. However, no matter what the species, make sure they seem to be getting along together if you put them in the same cage. You should observe the doves to make sure they aren't fighting each other.^[6]

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   Look at pet stores and rescues. Pet stores are a good place to start, as they generally carry doves. You can also check out local rescues in your area, particularly bird rescues, as you might luck out and find some doves who need a good home.^[7]

   • Avoid buying birds online. You will not be able to check the conditions of a bird that was bred by someone selling online, so the bird may have been raised in unhealthy conditions. By buying a bird online, you will likely be giving money to someone who considers birds as products rather than living creatures.
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   Find specialty doves at bird shows and clubs. If you are looking for a particular type of dove, you may need to branch out from pet stores and rescues. Check to see if there's a bird show in your area, for instance. You might also find a bird club in your area. Bird breeders can also be a good option.^[8]

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   Choose a pair of females or a male and female. If you want more than one bird, which is a good idea if you're getting a social species, get either a couple of females or a male and female. If you have more than one male together in a cage, they likely won't get along.^[9]

   • Keep in mind, though, a male and female together will likely breed.
   • If you do want two males, opt for two cages or a much larger cage to house them together.
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   Think about space. A cage for one or two doves should be about 3.5 feet (1.1m) by about 2 feet (0.6m) with a height of about 2.5 feet (0.8m). A cage that size takes up a decent amount of room, and if you want more birds, you may need even more space.^[10]

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   Observe the doves before buying. Of course, you want to pick healthy birds, but you also want to pick ones with personalities that you enjoy. Spend some time watching the birds before deciding on a couple, if you can.

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   Look for clear eyes. A healthy bird will look bright-eyed. You shouldn't notice any cloudiness, for instance. Also, it shouldn't have any discharge around its eyes.

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   Check out its feathers. A healthy, happy dove will have clean, smooth feathers. Doves are fairly fastidious when it comes to bathing and preening, so a bird that is feeling good will keep its feathers in good order.

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   Pay attention to its nose (beak). Another indicator of health is the dove's nose. It should be clean, meaning it should be from discharge. Also, the vents should be clean and clear.

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   Pick out happy, alert birds. Doves are generally energetic birds. If you notice one sitting still in the corner with fluffed-out feathers, it's best to avoid that bird (and maybe others in the cage), as it's likely sick.^[11]

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   Observe the bird's breathing. The way a bird is breathing may also indicate how healthy the bird is. Watch the bird's chest and note if the bird seems to be breathing normally, rapidly, or with difficulty. If the bird is breathing rapidly or with difficulty, then the bird is likely unhealthy and may even have a respiratory infection.^[12]

   • Being fluffed up may also indicate that the bird is having difficulty breathing.
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   Avoid birds with loose, green droppings. If a dove's droppings are loose and green or if you notice this problem in a cage with a group of birds, it's best to go somewhere else to get your dove. Loose, green droppings can indicate sickness.^[13]

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