Doves make great pets, not only because they are easy to take care of, but also because they are attractive, unobtrusive and are easy to tame. They are from the same species as pigeons, Columbidae, the only difference being in size - doves are smaller. Doves are versatile and hardy and don't require a lot of time and effort, but as with all pets, you should do your research first before buying a dove or any creature to make sure you can provide it with all its needs.
Most doves can be kept in a cage indoors, unless you live in a warm country. In their natural state, doves tend to live in pairs so it's always recommended you get a pair to keep each other company. If you don't want chicks, plastic eggs are available in most pet shops and you can exchange any eggs your doves lay with these.
The most common doves kept as pets are Diamond and Ringneck doves. There are many color variations of Ringneck doves with new mutations being bred all the time. Ringnecks can be successfully kept and bred in cages, and since they lack the natural homing ability of their larger cousins, the pigeons, they should never be let loose outdoors. You can, however, let them loose in a room to exercise their wings. Given time, these doves can become quite tame and used to being handled.
Diamond doves are a smaller breed of dove. They are very docile and can be kept with smaller birds such as finches. Like Ringnecks, they must never be allowed outdoor free flight as they would be unable to find their way home and don't have the skills necessary to survive. Allowing them free time in a safe environment indoors will ensure they have ample exercise.
Most doves are seed eaters and feeding them is cheap and easy. Dove mixes are available at most pet shops or you can mix your own. Doves enjoy milo, millet, canary grass, wheat, canary seeds and other similar small seeds. Grit must also be provided to aid with digestion because unlike other birds, doves eat the seeds whole, without removing the husk. Doves also appreciate some fresh greens on occasion and some enjoy meal worms. Calcium must also be provided; some good sources are cuttlefish or crushed eggshells.
Keeping doves as pets can be addictive and you may find yourself expanding your cage to a full blown aviary to accommodate all the doves you accumulate over the years!
