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

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