Doves As Pets

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Whiskers, Paws and Love® Team

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    https://www.chewy.com/education/bird/general/doves-as-pets

    *Not sure where to start? The Bird General Education Hub offers foundational advice for bird care across a variety of species. From cage setup and enrichment to grooming, nutrition, and common health concerns, this hub covers best practices to help your feathered friend thrive.

    Chewy editorial team explains that doves, particularly ringneck and diamond varieties, are commonly kept as companion pets worldwide.

    These gentle birds are well suited to various living environments, from indoor cages to protected outdoor aviaries.

    Ringnecks are larger and more temperature tolerant, while diamond doves are smaller and require more careful environmental control.

    Both types thrive with proper housing, consistent access to clean food and water, and companionship - either from their owners or other animals.

    Doves are non destructive and generally do not require specialized enclosures, but they do need wide cages with floor space, access to direct sunlight, and areas to forage and roost.

    Doves have specific dietary needs that include fortified pellets or seed mixes, fresh water, and occasional soft food treats like cooked rice or chopped vegetables.

    While they are not strong nest builders, doves benefit from accessible basket-style nests filled with safe materials.

    If kept outdoors, aviary design should minimize escape risk and offer protection from the elements and predators.

    Doves are best housed in pairs or singly with regular interaction and do not typically breed well in colonies without significant space.

    With appropriate care and management, doves can be rewarding pets that adapt well to a variety of home environments.

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