The Ringneck Dove Makes for a Great Pet

Of the near 300 species of Doves the Ringneck Dove is the most commonly kept by Dove lovers all over the world. Ringneck Dove's make for good pets as they are rather naturally tame and sweet. Just as with any new pet, they just would need a few days to adjust.

Ringneck Dove's are only about 12" from their head to their tail. They are not a very big bird. When taken care of properly, Ringneck Dove's can live on average 10 to 15 years. However records do indicate that some have lived over 25 years.

Ringneck Dove's do just fine in a cage, as long as they are let out daily to fly around and get a little exercise. There cage needs to be big enough so that their wings and tail feathers do not hit the bars when flapping its wings. Having a tall cage is not as important as having a long and wide cage. Perches are a must, they help the Dove's exercise their feet. Putting toys in the cage such as mirrors or bells will help keep them entertained.

Ringneck Dove's are seedeaters and can be fed wild birdseed, finch mix and cockatiel mix. They enjoy getting treats such as leafy greens, chopped apples, bread crumbs and broccoli. Great sources of vitamins are mealworms, but they should be used sparingly. Cuttlebone or oyster shells can be mixed into their food for more calcium.

Having clean water is important, and they should be given fresh water daily. Ringneck Dove's are clean birds and they love to bathe, a bowl of water can be placed in the cage once a week as a bird bath. Both the feed and the water dish should be placed were they will not get dropping in them.

Ringneck Dove's do great alone or in pairs, one male and one female. However, they are social birds and like to live in groups or flocks. Females will do fine living together as long as breeding is not of interest. Dove's can become territorial and new comers are not always greeted nicely, be careful when introducing a new bird to a cage of existing birds.

Ringneck Dove's can be bred as young as six months old. They lay one to two eggs that hatch after about 14 days. The young Ringneck Dove's will only stay in the nest for a month or so before leaving it. Every six weeks parents are able to lay clutches, but only three to five clutches a year is recommended for the birds.

The Ringneck Dove is a hardy bird and with proper care, they will provide years of enjoyment.

Sources:
diamond dove.info
Doveline.com
Members.tripod.com
Animal-world.com