Doves and Pigeons

Pigeon

Breed:  Doves and Pigeons

Description:  Pigeons and Doves are the same species and both names are used to describe either bird. Usually Pigeons are bigger than Doves. They come in a large variety of sizes from as small as a sparrow to as big as a game fowl and though they do not come in bright colours they are still very attractive in their whites, greys and blues

Characteristics: Pigeons and Doves can make fantastic pets. They are peaceful and quiet, sweet and loving, intelligent, fairly easy to tame and train, requiring a minimal of maintenance and are relatively inexpensive. They enjoy human contact and when raised with love can be very loyal and gentle. Unlike many birds, who are noisy and loud, the gentle coo is quiet and calming and pleasant to listen too. They are a very easy pet to own and care for and a good choice for a novice. They are easy to breed and are very good parents.

The most common Doves seen as pets are the Ringneck and the Diamond Doves.

Origins: Pigeons and Doves are found worldwide except in the very cold polar regions. There is 305 species of these lovely birds, with a large amount of them being found in the Orient and the Australasian areas. It is not known when these birds were originally tamed and domesticated, but it has been a few thousand years.

Special needs:  Both Pigeons and Doves need a cage big enough so they can stretch and flap their wings. They are ground eaters so feed and water should be placed on or near the floor. They need a diet of seed, greens and grains and should also have some sort of calcium, an eggshell, sea shell or cuttlebone works well. Pigeons should be given something to bathe in twice a week.

Highlights :

- Their average life span is about 10-12 years

- Pigeons need to have regular flying time. It can be inside or out. While flying inside can be messy and is not the exercise of an outdoor flight, it is far safer. Flying outside is fraught with dangers, from hawks, hunters, cats, wires, cars and windows.

-Its important to keep their cages clean to help ensure your birds stay healthy and free of illness.

- Both Doves and Pigeons are low maintenance pets but this does not mean they can be ignored. They still needs lots of personal contact and love to be truly happy.

- Before you add Doves or Pigeons to your home you should check your areas bi-laws to ensure they are allowed and if there is a limit on how many you may have.