Domesticated doves and pigeons like human contact. They are quiet and peaceful, and make wonderful pets. Pet Pigeons and all types of doves have a subtle appeal due to their special characteristics. Most have a pleasant voice. It is generally a 'cooing' sound and most have about 4 or 5 types of calls. The strut of these adorable birds is accompanied with head nodding.
When pigeon breeds and doves take flight, they take off with a whirring sound. These breeds were noted early on for their flying behaviors which include aerial acrobatics as well as a homing instinct.
These birds can be quite entertaining as well as useful. Throughout history they have been used to carry messages, and were known as carrier pigeons. The homing instinct is still employed today.
The homing instinct is demonstrated today in the popular use of white pigeons for wedding releases. (Note: the birds used in Weddings are White Pigeons, not White doves. White Pigeons are a larger bird with a developed homing instinct that the White Dove lacks.) It has also influenced the popular sport of racing pigeons, or 'Pigeon Racing'.
DISTRIBUTION:
Doves and
pigeons are found throughout the world except in the Polar Regions. A large
portion of them are established in the Oriental and Australasian regions. It is
not known when these birds first became kept in captivity, but they have been
bred and hybridized for various purposes for thousands of years. Specialized
traits such as the homing instinct, aerial acrobatics, and unique feather
structures have been developed (or diminished) through selective breeding over
many years.
It is not known what the total number of doves and pigeons is, though
there are over 305 described living species. In the pigeon fancy alone there
have been over 200 different breeds developed.
Paintings and hieroglyphics have
many references to doves and pigeons from today back to as early as about 2600
BC. Aristotle writes about pigeon sports around 350 BC. These birds have been
used for thousands of years for food, sport, and as message carriers.
Pigeon racing is a
worldwide sport developed due to the homing instinct as well as acrobatic
flying abilities. These birds were selectively bred to intensify these as well
as other traits and there were many local strains. The first exhibits were held
toward the end of the 19th century.
DESCRIPTION:
There
is no scientific separation between doves and pigeons. They are often simply
recognized as one or the other by the common names given to them over the
years. In general the term 'pigeon' is usually applied to the larger species
and 'dove' to the smaller species.
Pigeon
and Dove Sizes:
These birds come in a vast array of
sizes, from those that are about the size of a sparrow to those that are the
size of a large chicken.
Pigeon
and Dove Colors:
Though they are not the most
brightly colored birds, many doves and pigeons are very attractive. There is a
variety of colors and color patterns, ranging from whites to blue grays and any
shade in between, and a variety of uniquely feathered types.
Pigeon
and Dove Shape:
Doves and pigeons generally fall into one
of two body types, those with a long slender body and those that are short and
plump. The larger birds are especially characterized by deep-chested bodies and
are fairly muscular. They all have relatively small heads and short, usually
scaled legs. Their beaks are relatively small, short, and narrow with a tip
that is slightly bent down. Their nostrils are wide open and the cere is
featherless.
Pigeon
and Dove Life Span:
Doves
and pigeons will live for a relatively long period of time, generally about 10
to 12 years with some living quite a bit longer. A Turtle Dove was recorded to
have lived for 34 years.
There
are many pigeon breeds and types of doves available. A wide variety of pet
doves, as well as pet pigeons and show pigeons, can be found in the pet
industry and through breeders. The types of doves and pigeon breeds include:
Barbary
Dove
Green
Wing Dove
Senegal
Dove
Spotted
Dove
Bleeding-heart
Pigeon
Brunner
Pouter Pigeon
Budapest
Tumbler Pigeon
Chinese
Owl Pigeon
Crested
Pigeon
English
Trumpeter Pigeon
Indian
Fantail Pigeon
Maltese
Pigeon
Oriental
Frill Pigeon
Purple-breasted
Fruit Pigeon
Rock
Pigeon - Common Pigeon
Valencian
Figurita Pigeon
West of
England Tumbler Pigeon
CARE AND
FEEDING:
In the wild doves
and pigeons feed on seeds, berries, fruits, green leaves and shoots, spiders
and other insects. The birds described here are the seed eaters in the
subfamily Columbinae. The fruit eaters are in the subfamily Treroninae, but are
not often seen in captivity probably because feeding them is much more
difficult.
The seed eaters fall into three categories; those
that feed only in trees and shrubs, those that are ground feeders, and those
that feed in both places.
Bird Food:
A dove and pigeon diet consisting of a
basic commercial mix supplemented with greens rich in minerals is generally
regarded as suitable. Greens can include such things as lettuce, endive,
chickweed, clover, watercress, and spinach. Some fruits are berries, apple, and
pear. For smaller doves and pigeons you can use a budgie or canary mix. The
smaller birds will also enjoy millet spray.
Foods available for doves and pigeons include seed only diets,
formulated diets that are either pelleted or extruded, and commercial mixes
generally consisting of seed, cereal, and legumes. The commercial mixes and the
seed only diets require supplements for complete nutrition.
Though formulated diets offer the same
nutrients as commercial mixes as well as the necessary vitamins and minerals,
they have been found to cause loose stools. This is probably because of the
addition of molasses, but because of this problem they are not widely used
today.
Supplements:
Grit and Gravel:
Because they eat
seeds whole, doves and pigeons need grit and gravel. The little stones and the
grit help grind up harder seed in the gizzard.
Vitamins:
Vitamins can be added to the water or sprinkled on food in a dry form about
once a week.
Calcium:
Offer calcium in
the form of crushed oyster shell, grit, and even cuttlebone for the small
birds.
Other Supplements:
Some folks like to occasionally offer game
bird crumbles, water soaked dog biscuits, and water or milk soaked bread as
well
Water:
Fresh water must be provided every day.
Doves and pigeons drink water by sucking it up and swallowing it rather than
throwing their heads back like other birds do. One of the best ways to provide
water, and to keep the birds from soiling it, is to use a so-called 'automatic'
waterer, an upside down container that feeds into a tray type base.
Bird
Baths:
The personal hygiene of doves and pigeons
includes a bath followed by sunning and preening themselves. Some like to bathe
while others prefer a shower, and then there are some who like a dust bath. A
shower can be accomplished with either a hand held sprayer or a hose with a
fine spray head and lukewarm water.
Bird Grooming:
When they preen themselves, many have 'powder feathers'
rather than an oil gland found in many other birds. They use their beak to
spread the powder over their feathers. They molt once a year replacing just a
few feathers at a time, not all at once. During this time the molt starts with
the wing feathers first, the body molts throughout the period, and the tail
feathers molt last.
Wing clipping is not necessary and is not recommended for
doves and pigeons. Unlike the parrot families, these birds cannot climb to
safety and depend on flight.
Housing:
In all cases the size of the dove or pigeon determines the
size of its home, they must be able to flap their wings without hitting the
sides. Small birds such as the Diamond dove can be housed in a cage. The medium
and larger sized birds will do much better in an aviary. Birds that are allowed
free flight will need a dovecote. Unlike the larger birds, many of the small
doves have very poor homing instincts and will not do well if released outside.
They are not good candidates for free flight housing.
Generally a rectangular cage is better
than a square one and the bar spacing must be small enough that the bird cannot
get its head through. Because many of these birds spend a good deal of time on
the ground, a wire bottom cage should have part of it covered with paper or
even grassy sod. They also prefer a partially enclosed or box-type cage for a
sense of security. Keep the cage in a bright draft-free area but not in direct
sun. Normal room temperatures are fine with humidity at 50-70%.Some people wish
to cover the cage at night. This is not necessary unless the cage will be in an
area where the lights will be turned on and off at night. A cover in this case
can help keep the bird from getting frightened.
- Aviary:
An outdoor or breeding aviary needs to have a
protected shelter that can be heated and cooled where necessary. Orienting
the aviary to the south or southwest helps as these birds need good
daylight and will avoid dark areas.
The shelter should be taller than the flight area as many of
these birds will seek out the highest place to roost for the night. A good
shelter size is about 6' (2 m) square and 8' (2.5 m) high. Provide a flat
shelf mounted as high as possible for roosting and for nest building, as
well as some regular perches or natural branches. Provide some nest boxes
for those birds that prefer an enclosed nest. A platform with a rim,
mounted about 3' above the ground, is a good place for food and water.The
flight area is a good place to provide a shallow pool for bathing and will
need perches. You can provide nesting boxes in the flight if you locate
them in areas where there are trees and bushes close by so the birds get a
sense of security. Leave plenty of room for flying. Flight areas for small
birds can be about 6' (2 m) long, 3' (1 m) wide, and 6' (2 m) high. For
medium size birds it can be about 9' (3 m) long, 6' (2 m) wide, and 6' (2
m) high. For the large birds it can be 15' (5 m) long, 6' (2 m) wide, and
6' (2 m) high.
- Dovecote:
Free flight birds will need a
dovecote. For many years doves and pigeons have been allowed free flight.
'Dovecotes' or 'pigeon lofts' were included as an integral part of many
buildings throughout Europe. Originally these were built for utility
purposes and later became more ornamental. There are many examples of
these still today. A dovecote is a natural way to keep birds that have a
homing instinct and will return to the dovecote each evening.
For free flight birds,
probably the most important thing to consider is safety! Free flight birds
can be at risk from a variety of predators. Birds that are not use to free
flying are especially at risk.
Free flyers must first be
accustomed to their home before allowing them to fly. If they are new to the
dovecot, you can put a mesh cover around it until they become familiar with
their accommodations. Once they know their home and where their food is they
will return in the evening. It is recommended that you feed them sparingly in
the morning, providing the bulk of their feed in the evening to encourage them
to return.
MAINTENANCE:
The
basic bird cage or aviary care includes daily cleaning of the water and food
dishes, and bathing bowls. Weekly you should wash all the perches and
platforms. Periodically disinfect the entire bird house and accessories with a
mild bleach solution. A total hosing down and disinfecting of an aviary should
be done yearly, replacing anything that needs to be freshened such as old
dishes, nests, and perches.
SOCIAL
BEHAVIORS:
In the wild all types of doves and pigeon
breeds are known to flock, some do it only seasonally while others flock year
round. Most species will live together peaceable if they are given plenty of
room. In too small an area they can be very aggressive as well as during
breeding season. All doves and pigeons can be somewhat territorial, and there
are some species that are extremely so and very aggressive. Be sure to research
the behaviors of the birds you want before putting them together with others.
Be very careful about adding a new bird to a cage with existing
birds. Most doves and pigeons are territorial by nature. They may be protective
of their space and will not appreciate a new roommate, possibly even killing
the newcomer.
Many
species can be house with other birds in an aviary, such as finches and
parakeets, but aggressive species should be housed separately. Doves and
pigeons do not mix well with cats, nor do they do well with dogs.
HANDLING/TRAINING:
Young birds that are raised in an aviary can
become very affectionate once they get used to their home and their family.
This is the ideal pet as it will become quite tame and devoted while wild doves
and pigeons generally remain cautious and on their guard. The wild birds will
be shy and reserved and will seldom become overly affectionate.
When you first bring your bird home, give it
about a week or so with very little disturbance and don't let it out of its
cage. There is much for it to become familiar with just being in its cage. Give
it a chance to know you and get comfortable.
After it is comfortable with you and its accommodations, then you
can let it out to start exploring the rest of the home. Doves and pigeons enjoy
time out of the cage daily. A pet dove can become very people oriented.
BREEDING/REPRODUCTION:
Doves
and pigeons have a very strong reproductive drive and many will breed indoors.
In general the tropic or subtropic species are the easiest to breed. All the
birds in this family are monogamous, meaning they mate for life. However they
will generally take another mate if something happens to permanently remove the
chosen mate. Sometimes a male will kill his mate.
- Sexing:
For pigeon and dove breeding you will need a
sound compatible pair. Many doves and pigeons are not easily sexed though
there are a few species that are dimorphic, having distinctive markings
differentiating the male from the female. If the sex is not visually
obvious, it can be be determined by either a surgical probe, endoscopy,
which can be done by many veterinarians or by a DNA testing, usually a
blood sample or a few plucked feathers sent to be diagnosed in a lab.
Most breeders will keep young birds in a pen together until
after the first molt and let them pick their own mate. This usually works,
though sometimes what you think is a pair is two of the same sex. If a
pair lays three or more eggs, then you have two hens.
- Nest:
These birds are noted
for building rather flimsy nests. In the wild they will construct a nest
or platform using a few twigs, grasses, roots, and maybe a few leaves.
They will often build their nest on a rocky ledge or in the branches of
trees or shrubs, but sometimes they just use the old nest of others doves
and pigeons or other birds.For many species you can provide a nest
platform or a shallow box, pan, or basket. For the hole nesting birds
provide a nest box. Nesting materials for the smaller species can be such
things as grass hay, coconut fibers, and moss. For the larger species it
can be twigs, pieces of willow, birch, moss, and straw. Fill half the nest
with material and put some on the platform to encourage nesting. Both
parents will help with the nest building to some degree.
- Egg Laying and Hatchlings:
The female will generally lay two eggs and
both parents will incubate (though the female does most of it) for 13 to 19
days. There is usually one of each sex if both eggs hatch The hatchlings are
fed by both parents on a special food called 'crop milk' for the first 4 or 5
days, and then the crop milk becomes mixed with more solid food. Crop milk is a
combination of partially digested food and a curd like substance from the
parents crop. The young will fledge in about 12 to 20 days. It is important to
provide plenty of water for the parents when they are feeding young.
- Pigeon - Dove Breeding Problems:
There can be difficulties in breeding if
the pair is very young. There are some species such as the Bleeding-heart Pigeon
that are difficult to breed or may abandon their eggs or hatchlings. In this
case you can often successfully foster the eggs or young to other birds that
are not so particular about breeding and are good parents. This can work if the
eggs or hatchlings are within 4 or 5 days of the foster parents own. You must
also be sure they eat a similar diet and that they are similar in size. Some
very good foster parents include the Barbary Dove, Diamond Dove, Senegal Dove,
Spotted Dove and some of the fancy pigeons.
Due to their very high reproductive drive, hybridization from
cross-breeding two species can happen in a community aviary. Be sure you take
precautions to keep the birds you want breeding within their own species.
