Doves are symbols of peace, grace, and gentle companionship— and caring for them can be a truly rewarding experience. If you’ve ever considered inviting the calm presence of these soft-feathered friends into your home, now is the perfect opportunity.

Why Doves Make Wonderful Pets

If the soothing, cooing sounds of a dove don’t woo you, their gentle, calm demeanor will. These social birds make wonderful pets that can form strong bonds with their human companions. They also build close connections with other doves, lovingly preening each other's feathers and making soft noises to communicate happiness — which is why adopting a bonded pair can be so rewarding.

Doves are relatively low-maintenance birds. Unlike some more energetic birds, doves thrive in calm, predictable environments where they can feel safe and relaxed. With a consistent routine, soft voices, and plenty of space for safe perching and nesting, these serene birds can bring a soothing presence to your home.

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Appearance, Vocalizations, and Enrichment

Pet doves come in a range of colors and markings. Common species like the mourning dove are typically grayish-brown with subtle spots, while the ringneck dove has a distinctive black crescent on its neck. Other varieties can be white, cream, or even pastel shades, depending on the breeding.

Pet doves vocalize in several ways. The most popular sound, a soft cooing, indicates contentment and happiness. Gentle chirps often represent relaxation, giving owners insight into their bird’s mood and wellbeing.

Doves also enjoy playing with toys, especially those that encourage foraging and exploration. This can include bird puzzle toys or items that hide food. They also like to glide on swings, explore the curves of natural wood perches, and nibble on chewable toys specifically created for pet birds. These enrichment activities keep doves mentally stimulated and physically active while strengthening their bond with human caregivers.

Caring for doves involves:

• Housing: Spacious cages or aviaries with safe perches and nesting areas.
• Diet: Pellet diets are recommended for most companion birds because they provide balanced, complete nutrition in every bite.     Unlike seed mixes—which are high in fat and low in essential vitamins and minerals—pellets are formulated to include the correct levels of protein, vitamins, and nutrients birds need for long-term health. Birds on seed diets often pick out only their favorite seeds, leading to malnutrition, obesity, and vitamin A deficiency, all of which can cause serious medical issues. Pellets also reduce selective eating, support healthier feathers and immune function, and help maintain a proper weight. While seeds can still be offered as limited treats or training rewards, a pellet-based diet is the most reliable way to ensure consistent, species-appropriate nutrition for pet birds. Always provide fresh water daily. Treats consist of seeds, fresh fruit, like melon or kiwi.
• Socialization: Gentle, patient handling to build trust.
• Health: Routine vet care and attention to reproductive health, especially for bonded pairs.

Meet Our Lovely Dove Duo

We currently have two charming doves looking for a forever home together: Opalite and Elizabeth Taylor! This bonded pair shares a quiet, affectionate temperament and enjoys spending their days perched side by side, preening, and simply watching the world.

One of the doves has a history of active egg-laying. She received a hormone injection under veterinary care to help prevent chronic laying and has been successfully keeping her reproductive cycle in check with dummy (fake) eggs in her nest. While this approach has worked well, adopters should be aware that future egg-laying is not entirely predictable — factors like hormones, environment, and stress can influence her reproductive cycle.

What They Need in a Home

These doves will thrive in a calm, low-stress environment with predictable routines. They need:

• Plenty of space to perch and nest safely.
• Gentle, patient interaction.
• A peaceful environment where they can feel secure.
• Opportunities for enrichment, like swings, foraging toys, and safe chewable items.

With the right care, this dove duo will bring serenity and companionship to their new family.

Ready to Adopt?

If you’re looking to welcome the quiet joy of two loving doves into your life, Elizabeth Taylor and Opalite are the pair is ready to flutter into your home. They’re seeking a family that values their gentle nature and will provide a safe, supportive environment where they can flourish together.

View Their Profile

Give these sweet birds the calm, caring home they deserve —and enjoy the peaceful companionship only doves can bring.

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