TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Foreword 3
- Acknowledgments 7
- Table of Contents 9
- Chapter 1 – Introducing the Dove 13
- History of Man and the Dove 13
- Types of Doves 15
- Ring Neck 16
- Diamond Dove 18
- Mourning Dove 19
- Spotted Dove or Laceneck Dove 21
- The Rock Dove 21
- Doves Shown in Competition 22
- Ring Neck Dove Colors 22
- Diamond Dove Colors 29
- Chapter 2 – Are Doves the Right Birds for You? 33
- Do Doves Get Along with Other Pets? 33
- Do Doves Get Along with Other Birds? 34
- Are Doves Suitable Pets for Children? 35
- Should You Adopt a Male or Female? 35
- How is a Dove’s Gender Determined? 36
- What Should I Know About Bringing Doves Home? 37
- Why is Temperature Especially Important? 38
- What are the Basic Safety Precautions with Doves? 38
- Should Doves Be Kept in An Aviary? 39
- What Are the Pros and Cons of Dove Ownership? 41
- How Much Do Doves Cost? 42
- Shipping Birds by Mail 42
- Chapter 3 – Dove Behavior 45
- Dove Communication 47
- Dove Sounds 48
- Dove Actions 49
- Doves Dislike Changes to Their Environment 51
- Doves Like Routine 51
- Bonding Behavior 52
- Sources of Agitation 53
- Night Frights 54
- Special Section – Dove Releases 55
- Chapter 4 – Welcoming A Dove Into Your Home 59
- Are Doves the Right Birds for You? 59
- Cage Selection 60
- Securing the Cage Door 61
- Doves Like Perches, Not Toys 62
- Time Out of the Cage? 62
- Necessary Cage Accessories 63
- Bathing Dish 64
- Diet and Nutrition 65
- Vitamin Supplementation 65
- Millet 66
- Grit 66
- Fresh Treats 66
- Cage Maintenance 66
- Chapter 5 – Your Dove’s Health 69
- Finding an Avian Veterinarian 69
- Meeting the Vet for the First Time 69
- Become Self-Educated 72
- Assessing Your Bird’s Daily Health 73
- Pay Attention to the Poop 75
- Doves Have Soft Bills 75
- Calcium Deficiency in Caged Doves 76
- Selecting a Healthy Dove 76
- Specific Warning Signs of Illness 77
- Avian Illnesses 78
- Salmonellosis 78
- Ornithosis 79
- Coccidiosis 80
- Young Bird Sickness 81
- Hexamitiasis 82
- Candida 82
- Parasites 83
- Ingrown Feathers 83
- What are Blood Feathers? 83
- Broken Blood Feathers 84
- The Wing Clipping Debate 84
- Loss of Consciousness 85
- Being Prepared to Render First Aid 85
- Chapter 6 – Breeding Doves 89
- Nesting and Rearing 90
- Afterword 93
- Special Section: Where to Buy Doves 97
- Relevant Websites 99
- Glossary 101
- Index 107
