How to Care for a Diamond Dove

Diamond doves are known for their gentle nature and soft cooing. If you would like a bird but are afraid of the loud squawks from a parrot, this may be the bird for you. Diamond doves are hardy birds that can live up to 15 years. They also require a little less attention than parrots.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Enclosure
• Substrate
• Three food/water bowls
• Perches
• Cuttlebone
• Finch seed
• Grit
• Dilute bleach cleaner

1. Provide an enclosure for your diamond dove that is at least 18 inches square. Diamond doves do not climb so get a cage that is wider, not taller, if you can purchase something larger.

2. Coat the bottom of the bird cage with a substrate like corn cob or newspaper.

3. Place the bird cage in an area that is not prone to extreme temperature fluctuations like drafts and direct sunlight.

4. Put three food/water dishes into your bird's cage. One should be kept always full of clean, fresh non-chlorinated water. The second and third bowls should contain a finch food mix while the other can be filled with grit or occasionally fresh fruits and vegetables.

5. Give your bird a few cement and natural perches along with a cuttlebone to help maintain their health and give them places to hang out in their cage.

6. Clean the bird cage daily by changing out the substrate as well as the food and water bowls. Once a month, remove the bird from the cage and clean everything in it with a dilute bleach mix.

Tips & Warnings

• Provide your birds with a larger outdoor aviary where they can fly and flutter around a bit more. If left outdoors they can withstand sub-freezing temperatures for a few days, but providing a heat source is recommended.
• To ensure your birds health it is a good idea to visit a bird veterinarian once a year or any time unusual symptoms appear.
• When cleaning the cage once a month be sure to rinse away all traces of bleach before placing the bird back in the cage. If not the fumes could kill the bird.
• Avoid feeding your diamond dove any chocolate, alcohol, avocado or caffeine because these are toxic to your bird.
• Keep your bird's cage away from your kitchen if you use non-stick cookware. The cookware can put off fumes that can kill your diamond dove.