Guide To Ordering and Keeping Doves

To purchase doves at Meyer Hatchery, shop our website.

How are doves shipped?

Juvenile doves are shipped each Wednesday by USPS Priority Mail Express, with arrival to your local post office in 1-3 days following. Doves are not available to be picked up at our Polk, OH retail store. 

How do I acclimate my doves to their new home?

Your juvenile doves will be fully feathered and ready to be placed into your flight pen or aviary. Give them plenty of hiding spots such as bushes or tall grass and perches to help them feel comfortable in their new environment.

I live in an area with cold winters. Can I keep doves?

Doves do well in areas with cold winter weather. As long as your doves have a pen or aviary that stays dry and has protection from cold winter winds, they should do well. We recommend having a solid roof over the top of your dove’s aviary.

What should I feed my doves?

We recommend feeding doves a high-quality feed designed for doves and pigeons. Because of the small size of their beaks, a mini-pellet will be easier for the doves to pick up. Doves also enjoy fresh fruit and finely chopped vegetables as a supplement to their main diet. Doves are ground feeders and will appreciate their food and treats being served in shallow dishes placed on the ground. Fresh water for drinking and bathing should be available at all times.

How do I protect my doves from predators?

Much like chickens, your doves will need to have sturdy housing that protects them from predators of all types. Areal predators such as hawks and owls, and land predators such as foxes, raccoons, coyotes, and even domestic cats and dogs will be the biggest threats to the safety of your doves. We recommend using sturdy ½ inch welded hardware cloth to enclose your aviary. Chicken wire is not sturdy enough to keep out determined predators.

Can I keep doves with other types of birds?

It is possible to keep doves in an aviary with other species of birds. We recommend keeping birds of similar size together. Generally, doves can get along well with quail and other small bird species. We would not recommend keeping doves or quail with larger or more aggressive birds.

Do doves require any vaccinations?

Doves are susceptible to a few avian illnesses. Vaccination for pigeon pox may be recommended based on several factors such as disease prevalence in your area and how you plan to house your doves. We suggest consulting your avian veterinarian for the best advice on healthcare for your doves, including vaccinations.