Dove Care Guide
Streptopelia risoria
Doves are among the calmest, quietest birds kept as pets — but they're deeply social and rarely do well living alone long-term.
Lifespan
10–15 years, sometimes longer with good care
Adult size
About 30 cm (12 in) long, weighing 150–200 g
Diet
Dove/pigeon seed mix or pellets, plus grit and occasional greens
Temperament
Gentle, calm, quiet cooing rather than loud calls
Housing
Flight cage or aviary, minimum roughly 60 x 60 x 90 cm for a pair
Legal notes
No special permit typically needed for domestic ringneck doves in most Canadian municipalities, but check local bylaws on keeping birds
Ringneck doves are gentle, low-noise birds that make good pets for people who want a calmer alternative to parrots. They're social by nature, so most do best kept in pairs rather than as solitary birds.
Cage & aviary setup
- Provide a flight cage or aviary at least 60 x 60 x 90 cm for a pair, larger if possible
- Use horizontal perches at varying heights since doves prefer walking and low flight over climbing
- Line the cage floor with a substrate that's easy to spot-clean daily
- Keep the cage away from direct drafts and out of full midday sun
- Provide a shallow dish for bathing — doves enjoy regular baths
Diet & feeding
- Offer a commercial dove or pigeon seed mix, or a formulated pellet diet
- Provide grit separately, since doves swallow it to help grind food in their gizzard
- Offer small amounts of chopped greens or vegetables a few times a week
- Provide a cuttlebone or mineral block for calcium
- Keep fresh water available at all times and change it daily
Handling & taming
- Approach slowly and let the dove come to your hand rather than grabbing
- Offer treats like safflower seed to build trust during taming
- Support the body gently when picking up a dove — avoid restraining the wings tightly
- Keep initial handling sessions short and calm, gradually increasing over weeks
- Avoid handling right after a stressful event (loud noise, new environment) to prevent added anxiety
Health & common problems
- Watch for fluffed feathers, lethargy, or reduced appetite as early signs of illness
- Respiratory issues can develop from drafty or damp housing — keep the aviary dry and ventilated
- External parasites like mites can occur; regular cage cleaning helps prevent infestation
- Overgrown nails or beak may need occasional trimming
- Consult an avian vet for any sudden behaviour changes
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Frequently asked questions
It's not ideal — doves are social birds and tend to do best in pairs; a solitary dove can become overly dependent on its owner or show signs of stress.
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