DIAMOND DOVE  

The Diamond Dove is one of the smallest of the Australian doves. It has a grey body with white diamond specks on its wings. The eyes of the adult bird have a pronounced orange ring. Males have a silver gray color and an orange or red eye ring while females tend toward a brown gray color with a thinner eye ring than males. They are a very popular choice for aviaries and are an excellent bird for beginners; they rarely get sick, and in large aviaries can usually be kept with other small, peaceful birds such as finches.

Diet

A main diet of fortified Dove seed mix or pellets can be supplemented with small amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables: apple, cooked broccoli, beans, cooked kale, dandelion, orange, peppers, grapes, squash, shredded carrot, banana and others. Doves do not need grit but do need fresh water at all times, a vitamin supplement and a cuttle bone or mineral block to provide calcium and help keep the beak trim.

Housing  

Provide a roomy cage with space to spread their wings, climb and play; a minimum of 20”W 20”L20”H with horizontal bars for climbing. Place in a well traveled draft-free area; do not place in the kitchen as smoke, odors and fumes may be harmful to your bird. Several perches of varied diameters and textures will help keep their feet healthy. Equip the cage with a variety of toys such as seed treats, swings, ladders, bells, mirrors and branches. Do not crowd the cage with toys but rotate toys frequently to keep your bird interested. Cover the cage at night to prevent drafts.

Care

Basic cage care includes daily cleaning of the water and food dishes. Change paper bottoms daily and litter coverings every 2-3 days. Clean and disinfect the cage weekly. Wash and completely dry the perches and toys whenever they become soiled.

Grooming

Though Doves are masters of keeping their feathers looking clean they need a warm water birdbath or misting shower once a week. Long toenails may get caught on fabrics and affect their walking and should be trimmed regularly.

Health

Signs of illness to be aware of are if a bird is sitting at the bottom of the cage, shows a lack of activity, the feathers are ruffled, nasal discharge/sneezing, reduced appetite or if it shows any signs of weight loss (weight loss can be quick and fatal). Consult an avian veterinarian if any of these signs are noticed. Some common illnesses and injuries are: broken wings or legs, cuts and open wounds, overgrown beaks and nails, lameness or sore feet, feather picking, heat stroke, shock, concussions, egg binding, indigestion, eye disease, mites, watery eyes, colds, tumors, coccidiosis, French molt, goiter, E. coli, Aspergillosis, conjunctivitis, constipation, diarrhea and arthritis.