White Ring-neck Doves or Love Doves
Cages
Cages
are important for the success of your Love Dove project. If you are
lucky enough to own one of these delightful creatures, be sure to house
them in a cage that is large enough. The absolute minimum size for a pair
of doves is about 18 inches high wide and deep. They can just wing fan for
exercise in this space. Of course, the bigger the better and I recommend a
cage at least 3 feet wide, 18 inches deep and high for a pair.
While there are many styles in many materials, a 1" x 2" welded wire mesh
for the floor is often preferred. A good sized rabbit hutch will make a
very nice functional cage for a pair. You can make an entire cage out of
such wire also. Or you can purchase a variety of sufficient cages from
your local pet store.
Location
is important too. Outdoor aviaries should be located so that the
birds are sheltered from sun, wind and rain. If you use plants inside, be
sure they are non-poisonous. Inside the house, select an area that is not
high in traffic. It should be in a draft free location and if the
sunlight shines in, be sure the birds can get out of the sun if they
desire.
Inside the cage, be sure there is at least one
perch. You will need to provide a dish for water, one for seed and a
source of grit. Then place the dishes such that the birds will not soil
them with droppings. This may take some rearranging and creativity as
they often perch on the sides of bowls.
Don't
put too many birds in one cage. Males caged together may fight if the
cage is too small, especially if there is a female nearby. So if you plan
on more than one pair, be sure to provide separate cages for your birds.
Several females do great together, or several females and one male. Even
the babies may be chased off when the second nest is started.
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