Doves make wonderful pets. They are known for being sweet, gentle birds that thrive when kept in pairs or small flocks. However, finding the right dove cage for your new feathered friends is important to keep them healthy and happy. There are a few key factors to consider when choosing a dove cage.
What size cage does a dove need?
The recommended minimum cage size for a pair of doves is 2 ft x 2 ft x 3 ft (24 x 24 x 36 inches). This allows enough room for them to fly short distances and move around comfortably. Larger is always better when it comes to cages for active birds like doves.
For each additional dove, add about 1 cubic foot of interior cage space. So for example, a cage for 4-5 doves should be a minimum of 3 feet x 2 feet x 3 feet (36 x 24 x 36 inches). Having an oversized cage reduces aggressive behavior and allows your doves to exhibit their natural behaviors.
What is the best cage shape for doves?
A cage with a large rectangular or square floorplan works best for doves. They appreciate horizontal space to move about in more than vertical height, though having some headroom to flutter up is also important.
Rectangular cages are ideal because they provide more usable interior floor space than cages with equal square footage but different proportions. Place multiple perches, food dishes, and toys at different heights and orientations in a large rectangular cage to create a dynamic and enriching environment.
What bar spacing should a dove cage have?
Bar spacing on a dove cage should be between 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch. This prevents smaller birds like diamond doves from squeezing out between the bars while still allowing adequate ventilation.
Larger breeds of doves like ringneck doves can handle bar spacing up to 1 inch, but anything wider risks their heads getting stuck between the bars. For a mixed dove aviary with different breeds, err on the side of smaller bar spacing for safety.
What bar orientation is best?
A cage with horizontal bars rather than vertical bars is safest for doves. Their natural tendency is to fly upwards when startled. Vertical cage bars pose a collision risk and potential injury as panicked birds fling themselves against the bars in an attempt to escape danger overhead.
With horizontal bars, the birds can still hop upwards if alarmed but are less likely to hurt themselves in the process. The horizontal bars also double as convenient perching locations at different heights within the cage interior.
What types of materials should be avoided in dove cages?
– Lead or zinc – can cause metal poisoning if chewed or pecked
– Cages heavily painted with lead-based paints – can also lead to toxicity if ingested
– Cages with wrought iron or other rustable metals – can corrode over time and harbor bacteria
– Cages treated with toxic pesticides or chemicals
– Wood cages with pressure-treated wood or toxic stains/sealants
The safest dove cage materials are powder-coated steel, stainless steel, untreated wood, or lightweight metals like aluminum that will not rust or leach toxins. Avoid cages with hazards where inquisitive doves might nibble and ingest something unhealthy.
What bar material is best for a dove cage?
Stainless steel bars are the best choice for doves. Stainless steel has a smooth surface that’s easy to disinfect and maintain with routine cleaning. It does not rust or corrode, even with exposure to moisture from bathing, spraying, or eliminating.
Other goodoptions are powder-coated steel bars or anodized aluminum bars. Avoid bars made of lead, zinc, or iron that could rust, flake, or leach toxins when exposed to water or dove saliva over time. Galvanized hardware cloth is also not ideal for parrots as the zinc coating can be toxic if chewed on.
Should the floor be wire or solid?
For doves, a wire mesh floor in their cage is recommended. This allows droppings to fall through cleanly to a collection tray below, without getting caught on a flat solid floor. A wire floor keeps their feet drier and prevents accumulation of waste bacteria within the cage interior.
Use wire flooring made for aviaries – not hardware cloth, which has sharper edges. Look for wire mesh with a tight 1/4″ bar spacing or less so dove feet don’t get caught. Place a few perches at varying heights so the birds always have solid footing options.
Cover a portion of the floor with a flat pan lined with cage liner or pine shavings to allow comfortable nesting. Avoid using sand, cat litter, or other loose debris that could cause respiratory issues if inhaled.
What is the best material for a dove cage tray?
The tray or collection area under the wire floor should also be made of a non-porous material that won’t absorb moisture. Stainless steel trays are ideal. Other options include thick plastic, glass, or glazed ceramic trays that can be easily disinfected as needed.
Avoid wood, fabric, or other porous tray materials that will soak up urine and droppings. These provide an unhealthy breeding ground for dangerous mold and bacteria. Having a non-stick liner in the collection tray also makes cleaning much simpler.
The tray edges should be raised at least 3 inches high to prevent splashing of waste material outside the cage. Deeper trays allow you to apply a thicker layer of bird-safe cage liner or bedding to help control odors.
What types of perches should be in a dove cage?
Doves appreciate a variety of perch types, heights, shapes, and orientations in their cage to exercise their feet. Good perch materials include:
– Natural branches – Provides diving, chewing enrichment. Use pesticide-free, non-toxic trees only.
– Flat wooden perches – Easy on feet. Use natural wood, not dowels, to avoid sores.
– Rope perches – Allows gripping with toes. Use cotton or hemp only, not synthetic fabrics.
– Concrete perches – Filed smooth for footing. Helps control nails.
– Plastic-coated metal perches – Easily disinfected and chew-proof.
Avoid sandpaper covered perches which damage dove feet. Place perches so birds don’t sit directly above food or water sources. Adding a few angled perches lets doves roost in their preferred head-up position.
Should the cage have separate food and water containers?
Yes, doves should have separate food and water stations set up in the cage at all times. Placing them together risks food debris contaminating the drinking water.
Use sturdy bowl-type dishes that attach securely to the cage sides, designed to prevent tipping. Avoid open food cups or waters with slick edges where the birds can flick debris in easily. Keep both food and water freshened daily.
Having multiple smaller water cups dispersed around the cage is ideal in case a dove guards one water source. Position the dishes at varying heights to encourage movement between different areas within the cage interior.
What types of toys and accessories are good to include?
Doves benefit from cages outfitted with:
– Nesting boxes for breeding pairs – Offer enclosed boxes with side entry holes.
– Cuttlebone for beak conditioning and mineral supplementation.
– Calcium and mineral blocks to nip at.
– Foraging toys like wiffle balls with treats stuffed inside.
– Swings, ladders, and bouncing perches to keep active.
– Wood or concrete chewing blocks to file down beaks.
– Bath pans for splashing and feather cleaning – Add 1-2 inches of water.
– Grit bowls filled with dove-sized granite grit to aid digestion.
– Full spectrum lighting and/or sunlight exposure.
Rotate new toys into the cage regularly to pique their curiosity and prevent boredom. Make sure all cage accessories are bird-safe with no lead, zinc, or toxic coatings.
What cleaning routine should be followed?
To keep your doves healthy, follow this cage cleaning routine:
Daily:
– Remove droppings, uneaten food, and feather dander.
– Refresh food and water.
– Replace soiled cage lining substrate.
Weekly:
– Wash all food/water bowls with bird-safe disinfectant.
– Clean cage bars/perches to remove grime buildup.
– Check cage bars and welds for signs of damage.
Monthly:
– Deep clean entire cage with bird-safe disinfectant.
– Check door locks and hinges for signs of wear.
– Inspect cage floor and tray for sharp edges or sagging wires.
Following this cleaning schedule prevents accumulation of bacteria and makes sure your cage lasts long-term. Avoid harsh chemicals that could irritate a dove’s respiratory tract.
Where should the dove cage be located?
Place your dove cage in a peaceful area removed from direct drafts, loud noises, and other stressors to support their health and happiness. Avoid setting their cage close to the kitchen where cooking fumes or smoke could be problematic. Position the cage out of reach of other household pets.
Ensure the cage location gets ample daylight especially important to pet bird health. Near a window is ideal, but avoid direct hot sun exposure. If sunlight is limited, provide full spectrum indoor lighting. Place the cage against a wall to provide security and limit disturbing angles of approach.
Can doves be housed outdoors?
Yes, doves can be kept in an outdoor enclosure, weather permitting. Ensure the outdoor cage is located in a sheltered, dry area and includes areas the birds can retreat to get out of the wind, rain, and snow. Think about prevailing wind direction and situate an outdoor dove cage accordingly, with a back and sides to block gusts.
An outdoor dove enclosure must be sturdier than typical indoor cages to stand up to the elements. Use robust materials on the roof and walls such as weather-treated lumber, metal sheeting, hardware cloth, plexiglass panels, or tough woven tarps. Include double lines of defense like removable transparent windbreak panels.
The outdoor cage floor can be wire, sand, or small gravel substrate to allow drainage. Add branches, brush piles, and rock structures that birds can take cover behind when seeking shelter from harsh weather. Safety from predators is also key for an outdoor dove habitat so a secure, predator-proof enclosure design is a must.
Provide ample food, fresh water, and calcium supplements daily. Monitor birds closely when acclimating them to an outdoor cage, and bring them indoors immediately if they appear stressed by temperatures extremes or weather changes.
What are the best dove cage brands?
Some top dove cage and aviary brands include:
Mcage – High-quality stainless steel cages made to last decades. Offers custom welding and a range of accessories. Known for excellent craftsmanship and materials.
Prevue Pet Products – Budget-friendly powder coated steel cages in many sizes. Easy to assemble at home. Not as durable for lifelong use.
A&E Cage Company – Focus on stainless steel cages of all types for exotic birds. Known for secure craftsmanship and latching. Higher price point.
Vision Cages – Made in the USA. Fully custom, hand welded stainless steel cages. Maximum strength, easy cleaning, good value.
Cantu Aviaries – Specialize in sturdy stainless steel cages for doves, finches, and softbills. Multiple trays simplify cleaning.
Sunshinebird Cages – Powder coated cages focused on parrots but work for doves too. Offer wheels and storage shelves. Lower cost.
Doing your research will help uncover the best dove cage and aviary brands for your specific needs and budget long-term.
How much does a good dove cage cost?
A good quality dove cage costs $200 to $500 on average depending on the size and materials. Larger custom stainless steel aviaries with intricate designs can cost $1,500 or more. Other factors impacting the dove cage price include:
– Materials used – stainless steel is most expensive, powder coated steel or aluminum more budget-friendly
– Brand reputation and construction quality
– Cage dimensions – more interior space raises cost
– Added accessories – perches, toys, feeding stations
– Customization – unique bar spacing, door placement, etc costs more
– Shipping fees for bulky, heavy cages
Aim for the largest, most durable cage within your budget to support healthy, enriched doves long-term. With proper care, a quality stainless steel cage can last for many decades.
Conclusion
From cage dimensions to bar orientation to accessories, there are many factors to weigh when choosing the ideal home for pet doves. Seeking out a spacious cage with secure horizontal bars, ample perches, and a wire mesh floor allows doves to thrive. Position the well-constructed cage in a peaceful area and stick to a strict cleaning routine. With an appropriately sized, enriched cage, your doves are sure to live a happy, healthy life in captivity.