How to Build a Nest for a Single Male Dove

Make a male dove a nest inside his cage.

A male dove may rest inside of a nest in its cage. Depending on the bird, he may not use the nest much without a female. If you decide to add a female bird to the cage, she will use the nest too. Doves build rather weak and loose nests in the wild. This makes it easier to make one. Generic nesting materials from a pet store will be sufficient to create the male dove’s nest.

Things You'll Need

• Shallow plastic or wood bowl, untreated
• Nesting mat
• Loose nesting materials

Instructions

1. Rinse out the plastic bowl. If you use wood, don't rinse it. Dry the bowl. Select a bowl big enough for the dove to sit in.

2. Place the woven nesting material into the bottom the bowl. Push it down so it lines the bottom of the bowl.

3. Rest the bowl inside of the cage. Place it in a relatively clear area near a perch, but not toys. The perch should sit level to the nest, but not next to it.

4. Place one to two handfuls of nesting materials in the bowl. The male dove may rearrange the materials.

Tips & Warnings

• Change out all of the materials in the nest if the dove gets mites.

References

• International Dove Society: Diamomd Doves
• Bird Web: Mourning Dove