Doves and pigeons are two of the most popular types of birds that people keep as pets. So if you’re thinking to buy a bird then you’re likely wondering: do doves and pigeons make good pets?
Doves and pigeons are both very social birds, so if you’re looking for a pet that will enjoy being around people, either one of these would be a good choice. They also tend to be relatively low-maintenance in terms of care, although all pets require some level of regular attention and care.
In fact, these birds are gentle and quiet (compared to the parrot family), and they can be easily trained to do tricks. In addition, they are relatively low-maintenance, and they don’t require a lot of space.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind before you decide to add a dove or pigeon to your family.
These birds are social creatures, so it’s important to have more than one.
They also need a diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as a source of water for bathing.
But there’s a lot more to know about these creatures before you make the commitment to bring them home.
So, In this article, we will discuss whether doves and pigeons make good pets or not, so you can decide for yourself which one is right for you!
Let’s get going.
Are doves good pets for beginners?
While there are many different types of pets that beginners can choose from, doves tend to be a good choice for several reasons.
- First of all, they are relatively low-maintenance animals that do not require a lot of care.
- Secondly, they are generally gentle and docile, making them good companions for those who are not used to handling more active pets.
- Finally, doves are relatively inexpensive to keep, making them a budget-friendly option for new pet owners.
Overall, doves make good pets for beginners for a variety of reasons. With just a little bit of care, they can provide their owners with years of enjoyment.
In fact, as mentioned earlier, doves tend to be a more docile bird than a parrot, when and if they ever show signs of aggression, its because they feel threatened.
If you don’t know how to handle them in case they act out, I have a recent article that can help you with that.
To read it on my site, just click the link.
Are doves better than pigeons?
There are many reasons why doves are better than pigeons.
1. Doves are far more gentle and timid than pigeons
They are not as prone to biting or attacking people. Pigeons, on the other hand, can be aggressive. In fact, if you have ever been in a square where there are a lot of pigeons, you know that they can be quite overwhelming.
2. They’re cleaner than pigeons
Pigeons are known for being dirty birds. They will often defecate on statues, benches, and other surfaces in public areas. For this reason, pigeons are also called pest birds.
Doves, on the other hand, are much cleaner. They rarely make messes and they groom themselves regularly.
3. Doves are symbolically important
Have you ever watched a movie where a white dove is released? The release of a white dove is often symbolic of peace.
Doves are also used in religious ceremonies and are considered good luck in many cultures.
Pigeons, on the other hand, are not seen as being particularly special or significant. So, if you’re looking for a pet that has symbolic value, a dove is a better choice than a pigeon.
Is it legal to keep a dove as a pet?
Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, it is illegal to keep doves as pets. The act was put into place in 1918 in order to protect migratory birds from being hunted to extinction.
Although doves are not currently endangered, they are still protected under the act. In order to keep a dove as a pet, you would need to obtain a special permit from the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Are doves quiet?
While doves are not typically as vocal as other birds, they can make a variety of cooing sounds. The frequency and volume of these coos can vary depending on the species of dove, but they are generally soft and gentle.
In some cases, doves may also make clicking or chirping noises. These sounds are usually made by males during courtship displays, but they can also be heard when doves are alarmed or excited.
Note: While doves are not known for being particularly loud birds, they can still make quite a racket if they are upset or frightened.
If you are looking for a pet that is relatively quiet, a dove may be a good choice. Just be aware that they can still make some noise if they are startled or upset.
Are doves friendly to humans?
Yes, doves are friendly to humans and can make great pets! They are known for being gentle and loving, and they make great companions for humans. In fact, some people even keep doves as pets.
Doves are usually very calm birds, but they can also be playful and affectionate. They are social creatures, so they enjoy being around people and other birds. If you have a dove as a pet, you will likely find that it enjoys spending time with you and may even bond with you quite strongly.
While doves generally do get along well with humans, there are always exceptions to the rule.
Sometimes a dove may become scared or defensive if it feels threatened. If this happens, it is important to give the dove space and not try to force it to interact with you.
Not only that, doves are smart too!
Doves are actually very intelligent birds. They have been known to solve complex problems, and they can even remember faces.
So, if you’re looking for a pet that is not only friendly but also smart, a dove may be the perfect choice for you.
In a recent article I wrote, I talked about it much further in detail if you’re interested in learning more.
To read it on my site, just click the link above.
How do you bond with a dove?
There are many ways you can form a bond with your dove:
- Spend time with your dove every day, even if it’s just a few minutes.
- Talk to your dove in a soft, gentle voice.
- Offer your dove treats that it enjoys.
- Gently stroke your dove’s back or head.
- Make sure your dove has a comfortable place to perch or sleep.
- Take your dove out of its cage regularly so it can stretch its wings and explore.
Bonding with a dove is similar to bonding with any other pet. The key is to spend time with your dove and get to know its personality. Once you have formed a bond with your dove, it will be a loyal and loving companion.
Do doves like to be held?
Some doves enjoy being held, while others do not. It really depends on the individual dove and its personality.
If you want to hold your dove, you should first let it get used to you. Spend time talking to your dove and offering it treats. Once your dove is comfortable with you, you can try gently picking it up.
If your dove does not seem to like being held, don’t force it. Just enjoy spending time with your dove in other ways.
Now that you know a little bit more about doves let’s talk about pigeons.
Are pigeons a good pet?
Pigeons are a surprisingly good pet. They are friendly, playful birds that can become very attached to their owners. They are also relatively easy to care for and don’t require a lot of space.
That being said, there are some things you should know before getting a pigeon as a pet.
They can be loud! If you live in an apartment or other close quarters, your neighbors may not appreciate the early morning cooing of your new friend.
You will also need to provide them with a good, mainly made from plant matter, seeds, and fruits.
Pigeons are also attracted to garbage, so if you have an outside garbage can, make sure it is properly covered and secured.
Also, pigeons are very similar to doves in many ways. They are both members of the same family of Columbidae, and they share many physical and behavioral traits.
One of the biggest differences between doves and pigeons is that pigeons are not protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This means that it is legal to own a pigeon without a permit in the United States.
But, what are the main differences in terms of physical appearance between doves and pigeons?
- Doves are typically smaller than pigeons, with slender bodies and long tails. They also have pointed wings and beaks.
- Pigeons, on the other hand, are larger birds with round bodies and short tails. Their wings are blunt, and their beaks are thicker.
Now, there are a few things you should consider before committing to bringing either of these birds home as your new pet.
Doves and pigeons are social birds which means they need the company of their own kind, so it’s important to have more than one.
It is possible to keep just one, but they will require a lot more attention from you to stay healthy and happy because they will look to you to fulfill their social needs.
They are also both very active birds and need a lot of space to fly and explore, in fact, the ideal situation for both of these birds would be to have an aviary.
An aviary is a large enclosure where birds can fly freely and safely. But of course, if you don’t have one, that’s not a deal-breaker, you can let them out to fly around your spare room.
However, if you have a backyard, then you may want to consider this bird cage from Amazon, it’s big enough for more birds and has a lot of space for them to fly around.
It’s also important to note that both doves and pigeons can live for a very long time, upwards of 20 years in some cases, so you need to be prepared for a long-term commitment.
So If you think you can provide a good home for these birds, then congratulations! You’ll be rewarded with a loyal and loving companion.
Final thoughts
In this article, we’ve looked at whether doves and pigeons make good pets.
While they might not be the first bird that comes to mind when you’re thinking about getting a pet, they can actually make very good companions.
They are relatively low maintenance, quiet, and gentle birds that can form strong bonds with their owners.
If you’re considering getting a pet bird, a dove or pigeon might be a good option for you. I hope this article helped in your decision-making!
