Care
& Breeding
There are over
300 different species of doves which inhabit nearly every
corner of the world. Doves are often called pigeons or visa
versa. In fact there is no real defined division between
the two in the wild. Perhaps the most common difference
(if there is one) is that the larger birds are often called
pigeons and the smaller are called doves.
In
the domestic world of doves and pigeons, the term "domestic
pigeon" is given to all of the many genetically selected
breeds of birds which descend from the Rock Dove. These
are actually related to the common pigeons you see in your
city picking up bread crumbs and pebbles. This web site
does not address these birds but there is a section on the
Dove Links page that lists a number of sites to visit regarding
such "domestic pigeons."
When it comes to keeping doves the following six subjects
must be covered. Click on each link for detail of each subject.
To be honest.
. .doves are not really very intelligent. You will not be
able to teach your doves to talk or do tricks. In fact,
the most they will probably ever master is sitting on your
finger if you take the time to tame them with your friendly
presence (beginning at a couple of weeks old). Yet, what
doves lack in smarts they make up for in classic beauty.
Doves are generally calm birds. They have been considered
throughout time and throughout the world as a symbol of
peace. They often breed freely (some species more so than
others) and provide the keeper with a lifetime of enjoyment.
