- Joined
- 6/21/17
- Messages
- 255
- Real Name
- Finn
I've, very recently, started looking into doves as companion birds, specifically ringnecks. They seem to be, so far, a much better option for my family and my future. I've been looking around for information and I can't find much, or at least not as much, information as there is on more common companion birds like budgies and other parrots/parakeets. I decided it'd be a good idea to ask about some basic care for ringneck doves and more complicated questions later so I hope anyone who has doves doesn't mind me picking their brain about some simple questions.
My first question is about cage size. I've read that cockatiel-sized bar spacing is good for indoor ringneck doves and that they should be wider rather than tall with wide perches and space to fly. I've been told they need maybe two or three toys that are destructible by their beaks and that softwood and jingle balls are good. As well as making sure not to crowd the cage so they can fly easily. I will not clip them ever because it is their only good mode of transportation. I also heard they need a basket or coconut half to sit in. Is there anything else I should know about this?
About light requirements, do they need sunlight without glass and would a bulb work for this if light can't be given all year round (winter)? I've heard of pellets with D3 in them but I'm unsure if they could eat that. How often would they need light and for how long? I have a large window where they could sit near but I'm not sure if it can get D3 through glass and if that would become a temperature problem.
For food, from what I've heard they need a seed mix with grit mixed in and fresh fruit/vegetables as well. Would they enjoy a sprout mix as well or are their plant requirements different than parrots? Do they have any issues with fatty liver very often and what percent of their diet should be seed mix? They also seem to need extra calcium and I'm not sure if that's true but if it is, do I shred a portion of a block into their food or put a block inside for them to scrape off (not sure if their beaks are that strong)?
And finally, my schedule. I have a very routine life but I'm wondering if I should have multiple birds or not. I will be gone for 7-8 hours a day during the week and if the dove will sleep for 11 hours that leaves only 5 hours for me to be with them constantly. Will that be enough for one alone or should I get two or should I wait until I settle down and have more time for a bird? On the weekends I will almost never have anything going on so I can be around all day and I hardly ever go on vacation. If the rare occurrence of a vacation arises I will be gone for a maximum of five days and I have a friend who loves birds as well and would be willing to care for them if given instructions on how to do so and some relatives that could help if my friend is unavailable.
I'm so sorry for all of the questions, I'm just making sure I'm not missing anything and I understand at least the basics. I will not be getting a bird anytime soon so I have plenty of time to learn more and think through this completely. So if anyone here has any tips or can answer even one question it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much!
My first question is about cage size. I've read that cockatiel-sized bar spacing is good for indoor ringneck doves and that they should be wider rather than tall with wide perches and space to fly. I've been told they need maybe two or three toys that are destructible by their beaks and that softwood and jingle balls are good. As well as making sure not to crowd the cage so they can fly easily. I will not clip them ever because it is their only good mode of transportation. I also heard they need a basket or coconut half to sit in. Is there anything else I should know about this?
About light requirements, do they need sunlight without glass and would a bulb work for this if light can't be given all year round (winter)? I've heard of pellets with D3 in them but I'm unsure if they could eat that. How often would they need light and for how long? I have a large window where they could sit near but I'm not sure if it can get D3 through glass and if that would become a temperature problem.
For food, from what I've heard they need a seed mix with grit mixed in and fresh fruit/vegetables as well. Would they enjoy a sprout mix as well or are their plant requirements different than parrots? Do they have any issues with fatty liver very often and what percent of their diet should be seed mix? They also seem to need extra calcium and I'm not sure if that's true but if it is, do I shred a portion of a block into their food or put a block inside for them to scrape off (not sure if their beaks are that strong)?
And finally, my schedule. I have a very routine life but I'm wondering if I should have multiple birds or not. I will be gone for 7-8 hours a day during the week and if the dove will sleep for 11 hours that leaves only 5 hours for me to be with them constantly. Will that be enough for one alone or should I get two or should I wait until I settle down and have more time for a bird? On the weekends I will almost never have anything going on so I can be around all day and I hardly ever go on vacation. If the rare occurrence of a vacation arises I will be gone for a maximum of five days and I have a friend who loves birds as well and would be willing to care for them if given instructions on how to do so and some relatives that could help if my friend is unavailable.
I'm so sorry for all of the questions, I'm just making sure I'm not missing anything and I understand at least the basics. I will not be getting a bird anytime soon so I have plenty of time to learn more and think through this completely. So if anyone here has any tips or can answer even one question it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much!
Last edited: