Doves as Pets
Whilst no self-respecting website about dovecotes would be seen without a page about keeping doves we are the first to hold our hands up and state that our expertise is in the field of making dovecotes... not filling them! You buy a dog from a breeder and a kennel from a kennel manufacturer, so naturally we don't supply doves!
That said there are a few basic rules about keeping doves and some basic information to go with it. Most of the doves that you will be familiar with (unless you are a breeder or keeper) are common garden fantails. These are the energetic pure white birds you often see in small flocks performing aerial acrobatics and are a certain indication that someone nearby has a dovecote.
They are a delight to see in your garden and a delight to see in flight. HOWEVER, like all pets they are not simply a piece of 'life decoration' and by deciding to keep doves as pets you are making a commitment for their life, and those of their descendants (of which you can be sure there will be many). You will be responsible for their quality of life.
This means ensuring that all their food, welfare, hygiene and health requirements are met and this does take a certain amount of time. Initially there is a period of homing to ensure that the birds establish themselves in your dovecote and in your garden. During this period the birds have to be kept from flying away. Some keepers use a small box on the side of one compartment of the dovecote but most now agree that a kinder (though slightly more risky) method is to create a large 'tent' arrangement using strong garden mesh placed over the dovecote which acts as a 'centre pole'. The mesh must be very securely fixed down to the ground with bricks or pegs to prevent the birds getting out and, more importantly, predators getting in. Bright white birds are not that camouflaged against a grass lawn and present an irresistible attraction for cats.
The mesh 'tent' arrangement allows several birds to be 'homed' at once and also allows them a degree of flight during the few weeks of confinement. Once this initial period is over your birds will have established themselves in your dovecote and will quite happily fly and return at their pleasure.
If you are considering keeping doves you should turn to the internet where there is a host of information. One excellent site that has links to breeders and enthusiasts can be found here and another here. A good source for doves for sale can be found at this Pets Classified site here.
We wish you all the success.
İFantail Dovecotes 2008