Pigeons and Doves

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Pigeon & Dove Care Guide

Pigeons and doves belong to the order Columbiformes and are comprised of about 300 different species found all over the world except the Arctic and Antarctic. Humans have utilized the rock pigeon for racing, message delivery, and as a food source. The most common species in the pet trade include the ring-necked dove and the diamond dove. Pet pigeons and doves may live 5–15+ years.

Enclosure

Depending on their purpose, these birds can be housed indoors or outdoors. Either way, a roosting site should be provided. If numerous birds are kept outdoors in a loft, monitor temperature, humidity, and air quality closely. Minimum enclosure size is 42″ long × 24″ wide × 30″ high, though larger is preferred — especially for groups. A variety of perch styles should be offered to allow natural perching behaviors, including branch, rope, flat, V-shaped, box, and saddle styles.

Temperature

  • Hot months: temperature should not exceed 82°F
  • Cold months: temperature should not drop below 55°F — supplemental heat will be needed if it does

Humidity

Pigeons prefer a humidity level of 50–60%, measured with a hygrometer. Humidity should not exceed 70%. A larger dish of water (such as a ceramic pie pan) can be provided once a week for bathing. Some doves prefer being misted with a spray of water several times a week instead of a full bath.

Lighting

UVB exposure is recommended for all birds. UVB radiation allows birds to naturally produce vitamin D3, which enables calcium absorption from the diet. Calcium is essential for a strong skeleton, normal muscle contractions, egg laying, and normal nervous system function. The best source is unfiltered outdoor sunlight — glass windows block all UVB radiation. Always monitor your bird closely outdoors to prevent overheating or escape.

If safe outdoor access isn’t possible, a UVB lamp such as ZooMed’s Avistar 5.0 is a good alternative. Place it 12–18 inches from the bird and run it for about 6 hours a day.

Diet

Many pigeons and doves do well on a good wild bird seed mix, supplemented with:

  • Fresh chopped greens
  • Soft cooked orange to yellow vegetables (e.g., squash, sweet potato)
  • Pellets designed for pigeons/doves (Mazuri or Kaytee) or parrots
  • Harrison’s Bird Food small-size pellets or mash, mixed into seeds to enhance nutritional value
  • Occasional treats such as hard-boiled egg (shell included), cooked beans, and sprouted beans

For laying birds, adequate calcium is important. Parrot pellets or powdered calcium mixed into the diet can help meet this need. Fresh water should be available at all times.

Enrichment

Foraging is a great way to provide enrichment. Please refer to our foraging handout for more details.

Wellness & Preventive Care

Pigeons and doves should have an annual wellness exam and fecal evaluation. Depending on your bird and individual circumstances, infectious disease screening may also be appropriate. Birds used for racing should be vaccinated against avian paramyxovirus and pox. Salmonella vaccines can also be given depending on the flock’s individual needs. Birds with exposure to wild birds should be monitored for lice and internal parasites. Microchipping is available and can help your bird find its way home in the event of an escape.