Can Mourning Doves Be Pets? A Comprehensive Guide

Can Mourning Doves Be Pets? A Comprehensive Guide

Can Mourning Doves Be Pets? A Comprehensive Guide

Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura) are known for their gentle cooing, soft gray-brown feathers, and peaceful demeanor. Common across North America, these birds often visit backyard feeders and are admired for their calm and delicate nature. But can these wild birds be kept as pets? In this blog, we’ll explore the feasibility of having a Mourning Dove as a pet, their care requirements, and important legal considerations.

1. Is It Legal to Keep Mourning Doves as Pets?

In many places, keeping Mourning Doves as pets is illegal due to their protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) in the United States and similar laws in Canada and other countries. These laws prohibit capturing, selling, or keeping wild doves without a special permit.

Key Legal Points:

  • Wild-caught doves: Illegal to capture or keep without permits.
  • Injured doves: Can be temporarily cared for but must be released or handed to licensed rehabilitators.
  • Domestic doves: Species like the Ring-Necked Dove or Diamond Dove are legal alternatives.

Tip: Check your local wildlife regulations before considering keeping a Mourning Dove. Violations can result in fines or legal penalties.

2. What About Captive-Bred Mourning Doves?

Some breeders raise captive-bred Mourning Doves for aviaries. These birds are not protected by the MBTA and can be legally kept in some regions.

Benefits of Captive-Bred Doves:

  • Legally kept: Not subject to wild bird protection laws.
  • Tamer and accustomed to humans: Easier to handle.
  • Better health: Lower risk of diseases compared to wild-caught doves.

If you decide to adopt a captive-bred Mourning Dove, ensure that the breeder is reputable and follows legal protocols.

3. Are Mourning Doves Good Pets?

Mourning Doves can be gentle and affectionate but are not traditional pets like parrots or canaries. They prefer calm environments and minimal handling.

Pros of Keeping a Mourning Dove:

  • Calm and gentle nature: Rarely bite or act aggressively.
  • Soft cooing sounds: Pleasant and soothing.
  • Low maintenance: Simple diet and hygiene needs.

Cons of Keeping a Mourning Dove:

  • Shy and easily stressed: Not fond of being handled frequently.
  • Require large cages: Need space to flap their wings.
  • Not suited for training: Limited ability to learn tricks or mimic sounds.

4. Housing Requirements for Mourning Doves

Doves need a spacious and secure cage with ample room to stretch and fly short distances.

Cage Tips:

  • Minimum size: 24 x 24 x 24 inches for a pair.
  • Bar spacing: Less than 1 inch to prevent escape.
  • Perches: Provide multiple perches at different heights.
  • Hygiene: Clean the cage weekly to prevent disease.

Tip: Avoid round cages as they can cause stress—rectangular cages with horizontal bars are better.

5. Diet and Feeding

Mourning Doves are granivores, meaning they primarily eat seeds.

Best Foods for Mourning Doves:

  • Millet: Their favorite seed.
  • Sunflower hearts: Easy to eat and nutritious.
  • Cracked corn: In moderation due to high starch.
  • Grit: Helps in digestion as they swallow seeds whole.
  • Fresh water: Change daily to prevent bacterial growth.

Avoid feeding avocado, chocolate, or salty foods as they can be toxic to doves.

6. Social Needs of Mourning Doves

Mourning Doves are social birds and thrive in pairs or small groups.

Tips for Social Interaction:

  • Pairing: Keep at least two doves to prevent loneliness.
  • Human interaction: Speak softly and move slowly to gain their trust.
  • Avoid excessive handling: They prefer gentle companionship over hands-on play.

Tip: If keeping a single dove, spend daily time nearby to prevent it from feeling isolated.

7. Health Concerns to Watch For

Mourning Doves are prone to certain health issues, especially in captivity.

Common Health Problems:

  • Canker: A parasitic infection common in doves.
  • Respiratory infections: Caused by poor ventilation or dirty cages.
  • Feather loss: Often due to mites or stress.

Tip: Watch for symptoms like fluffed feathers, lethargy, or reduced appetite and consult an avian vet if needed.

8. Environmental Enrichment

Mourning Doves need mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy.

Enrichment Ideas:

  • Foraging toys: Hide seeds for them to find.
  • Natural branches: Provide different textures for perching.
  • Leafy greens: Hang small bunches for them to peck at.
  • Mirrors: Can keep a single dove entertained.

Rotate toys and perches regularly to prevent boredom.

9. Training and Taming

While Mourning Doves are not as trainable as parrots, they can be tamed to perch on hands or shoulders with patience.

Taming Tips:

  • Start with hand-feeding: Offer millet or seeds from your palm.
  • Speak softly: Familiar voices can reduce fear.
  • Gradual approach: Move slowly and avoid sudden gestures.
  • Positive reinforcement: Offer treats when they show trust.

Training requires patience and consistency—rushing can cause stress and make them skittish.

10. Long-Term Commitment

Mourning Doves can live up to 15 years in captivity with proper care, making them a long-term commitment.

Tip: Before adopting, ensure you have the time, space, and resources to care for them throughout their lifespan.

Conclusion

Keeping a Mourning Dove as a pet can be a rewarding experience if you’re prepared for their specific needs and comply with local wildlife laws. While they are not as interactive as parrots, their gentle nature, soft cooing, and low maintenance make them ideal for those seeking a calm and peaceful bird companion. Opt for captive-bred doves to avoid legal issues and ensure a stress-free experience for both you and the dove.

If you love the idea of having doves but cannot legally keep Mourning Doves, consider adopting Ring-Necked Doves or Diamond Doves—both are similar in behavior and legally kept as pets.

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