Caring for Diamond Doves

Diamond doves are among the smallest species of pigeon in the world and originate from Australia. They are about 7 inches in length, at least 3 inches of which is tail. The males and females both sing a long soft note that resonates very well, and can be quite soothing. Diamond doves can live as long as 20 years with proper care.
Diamond Doves are easy and simple to care for. A single Diamond Dove can be housed in a standard bird cage, 18 by 18 by 14 inches. Doves of all types however prefer longer cages and aviaries than tall cages, as they enjoy foraging for food. Aviaries with mesh screen or plastic walls are better than cages, as cage bars are easy for a bird to entangle feathers in and become seriously injured. Bird litter rather than paper at the bottom of an aviary or cage is preferred to foster the food foraging behavior. An open topped nest, at least two perches, food dish, water dish, and cuttlebone are the minimum requirements.
Diamond doves are diurnal, and prefer darkness at night. They do not need a cage cover, only a dark room once night falls. Artificial lighting should include full spectrum light at least 10 hours per day.
When selecting a location for your bird cage or aviary be conscious of the environment. Will you be burning candles or incents in the room? Using tefflon and non-stick cook wear? These items can harm the lungs of your bird. A room with good ventilation is recommended, as birds can produce a fair amount of dust.
Diamond doves can be fed standard finch or canary seed, as well as budgerigar seed. Larger seed types are not recommended, but some dove food blends including large millet and wheat grains are within size range. It is good to offer diamond doves at least two types of food. Millet sprays are a good treat. Diamond doves have a high metabolism and can need more food daily. Water should be cleaned regularly and the dish kept full, doves prefer a full dish as they submerge almost their entire head to drink water.
Diamond doves also prefer company, and can be housed with finches.
Diamond doves can be tamed and handled, but this process requires a great deal of devotion and care, as well as maintenance. Bonding with the bird is essential for the process to work. The most effective ways to bond with your bird are to sit and read to it and also make conversation with it, using signature phrases that you do not use for other pets or people. When the dove is first brought into a new home it is good to allow the bird several weeks (3-4) to acclimate to permanent surroundings. In the first two weeks it is beneficial not to attempt to bond, as the bird can be rather stressed from adjusting. After a period of several weeks of soothing the bird with your voice and being in close proximity to the cage you can move to putting your hand in the cage, but not touching the bird, for at least 20-30 minutes a day. This allows the bird to understand that you do not mean to hurt it. This should occur for 2-3 weeks. After this period you can handle the bird. A good way to hold the bird is to cup the bird in one hand and gently hold shelter the bird with the other hand, careful to let air through so the bird does not overheat. Do not press the bird, as you can hurt them easily. Eventually the bird will calm and for 4-6 weeks you can allow the bird to perch on a finger without disturbing the bird for at least 30 minutes a day. Slowly petting the bird can be introduced, but be prepared in this process to chase a nervous bird! It’s unwise to have the bird out of the cage with windows open, or many doorways open. Being contained to one room is the best plan, as you may need to catch the bird many times in the process. If well executed the bird will bond and become quite an amazing pet.