HOW TO KEEP YOUR DOVE COMFORTABLE?

We know that doves have historically been highly valued by humanity. They are animals with fascinating ease of learning and are very friendly but require a lot of attention for their comforts such as hygiene and nutrition.

These birds have evolved in their accommodation to large cities, and food changes by modifying their body. In that process, discomfort has often made them fragile to the spread of parasites.

The organism of doves, when properly cared for, is usually tidy and healthy. But when it is displayed in polluted environments, it tends to become a focus of disease.

The beauty and character diversity of these birds generates a lot of passion in many people. But they can only deploy 100% of their abilities when they are comfortable, helpful, and safe. Therefore, knowing how to keep your dove comfortable will lead you to an essential investment not only for its health and safety but also for its training.

How To Keep Your Dove Comfortable?

To keep your doves comfortable, make an effort to provide them with the following three preventive measures that will lead you to preserve the health of the bird and its environment:

1. Conditioning the environment

Doves are one of the most loving species of birds, and raising yours can be a lot of fun. They can live on the loose when they are trained. For conditioning the habitat, you must take into account the type of birds and their size.

Smaller birds do well in a cage with specific measurements. In contrast, medium-sized birds, or a larger flock, do well in an aviary that allows them to fly and provides plenty of space. Larger birds can live in a dovecote, where they will come to nest and eat at night after flying all day freely.

Cages, aviaries, or dovecotes will be their home, where they can relax and feel safe. That is why it is crucial to choose/condition them consciously. How to prepare the environment? Basic:

- Coating:

Line the floors of cages, aviaries, or dovecotes with newspapers and gravel. Put some straw so they can make nests.

- Feeders and drinkers:

Make sure they have technology that makes them suitable for the size and morphology of the animal. That way, you will prevent constant spills and future contamination.

- Location:

This must be appropriate for the growth of the animal. Keep in mind that leaving doves unprotected from the weather is a mistake. An extreme heat stroke or cold can cause the death or outbreak of diseases in the animal. Avoid humid places. You have to take care of them and maintain their comfort.

- Climate control:

These birds tend to adapt better to warm or temperate climates. That is why it is indispensable to climate the environment during winter. Try to avoid that the temperature drops below 22°C.

1. Maintain hygiene

Keep in mind that by nature, all birds are clean. And doves, like all species of birds, come into touch with microorganisms and can host parasites in their body and become fragile to infection. That is why you must:

- Sanitize:

It is vital to sanitize the houses/cages/aviaries or dovecotes of your doves 2-3 times a week. Especially the drinkers and feeders. We suggest:

• Remove and sterilize the droppings daily, including those on the floor of the cage.
• Do not allow the stockpiling of food remains.
• All accessories must be thoroughly washed and disinfected to minimize the appearance of fungi and bacteria.

- Regarding the birds:

In the context of hygiene, we suggest you review their legs and feathers frequently. Any wound, alteration of color, such as change or appearance, is a sign that implies immediate attention by a specialist. If you wish, you can contact us or take them to your veterinarian specialized in birds.

1. Provide good nutrition

A balanced diet is a key in caring for and preventing your doves from any disease. As in humans, daily nutrients strengthen their immune system and help them fight microorganisms.

An optimal diet for doves must contain multiple grains that combined provide fat, carbohydrates, and proteins to their bodies.

Although there are balanced mixes in pet stores, you can also choose to make homemade food mixes. You just have to keep in mind that they must contain the best combination of:

• Broad beans.
• Sunflower.
• Carob.
• Barley.
• Lentil.
• Corn.
• Sorghum.
• Oatmeal.
• Wheat.
• Rice.
• Linen.

We suggest offering small pieces of fruits and vegetables assorted with grains and seeds once a week. If you respect your doves, always provide them food that is in excellent condition and fresh. Don't make the mistake of offering the following forbidden foods to your doves:

- Fried and seasoned industrialized foods.
- Chocolates and darlings in general.
- Coffee and caffeinated products.
- Milk and dairy in general.

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We are a small-scale local dove breeder based in Elmont, New York City area. We stimulate our growing dove breeding business from our backyard, which means that, without intermediaries, we sell doves that we have raised since they were babies.