Caring for Ringneck Doves

Ringneck Doves are domesticated from Africa and have been captively bred and raised for many years, yielding over 40 different color breeds with various morphs. They are typified by a semi-circular ring or collar around the nape of the neck. Ringnecks are a vocal dove, with an almost laughing type of cooh and poignant long notes. When displaying Ringnecks puff out the neck and bob the whole body up an down like a teeter totter pivoting at the hips and also raise the feathers on the back of the head to a small ridge, which is quite the sight to see! Ringneck doves are sleek and imperial looking doves with blunt ended tails and fast flight wings. Ringnecks average 10-14 inches in length.
A single Ringneck dove can be housed in a cage of 25 by 25 by 25 inches, however larger is recommended. Once again, as with diamond doves, screen mesh aviaries or plexiglass walled aviaries are preferred to cages, as cage bars produce obstacles for injury. The basic set up is identical to that of diamond doves, with food and water dish, cuttlebone, and at least two perches. Large food dishes in which the bird can perch on the brim are good. If using such dishes do not mount perches next to dishes, as this will increase the frequency of droppings in the dishes. To avoid such problems overall dishes with hoods can be used, in which case a perch should be set at the proper distance for the bird to be able to fit the head into the hood.
To foster natural behavior litter at the bottom of the cage is recommended, and food dumped onto the litter for foraging. At least two types of food are recommended to supplement a full diet. Standard finch or canary seed along with dove mixes heavy in wheat and millet are good. Dove mixes with safflower seeds will make a happy bird! Safflower seeds also provide a good source of fat for the birds.
A large water bath should be provided for your dove at least once a week, but not left for more than a day, as the water will fowl. Ringneck doves can become fond of fountains and “showering” as well.
All of the same considerations made with Diamond Doves should be assumed for Ringneck doves. Ringneck doves can be tamed in much the same process as Diamond Doves, and if enough work is put forth they can even be trained to fly to one’s hand from various distances and to perch on a shoulder with comfort.
Ringneck doves can be hybridized with many forms of exotic dove as well as pigeons, although the practice takes a great deal of patience and dedication. The resulting hybrids can be quite splendid.