{"id":14316,"date":"2026-06-01T10:36:52","date_gmt":"2026-06-01T10:36:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/?p=14316"},"modified":"2026-06-01T10:52:16","modified_gmt":"2026-06-01T10:52:16","slug":"breeding-pigeons-doves","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/breeding-pigeons-doves\/","title":{"rendered":"Breeding Pigeons &amp; Doves : Care, Diet &amp; Nesting Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Breeding Exotic Doves and Pigeons<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>This blog post provides a comprehensive overview of the exotic dove and pigeon species kept and bred at Davis Lund Aviaries. The source material distinguishes between two primary dietary groups\u2014seed-eaters and fruit-eaters\u2014and details their specific characteristics, dietary needs, and breeding habits. A key insight is that while doves and pigeons belong to the order Columbiformes and are not technically softbills, many species integrate successfully into mixed-species softbill aviaries. The primary distinction between the terms &#8220;dove&#8221; and &#8220;pigeon&#8221; is based on size rather than scientific classification. Breeding practices are consistent across species, characterized by simple stick nests, small clutch sizes of one or two eggs, and the parental production of a specialized &#8220;crop milk&#8221; for chicks, which makes hand-rearing exceptionally difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Taxonomy and Aviary Integration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Classification and Terminology<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Doves and pigeons constitute the sole family within the scientific order Columbiformes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There is no scientific distinction between the terms &#8220;dove&#8221; and &#8220;pigeon.&#8221; Conventionally, &#8220;dove&#8221; is used for smaller species, and &#8220;pigeon&#8221; is used for larger species.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Co-habitation with Softbills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Although not classified as softbills, several species of exotic doves and pigeons are noted to mix well with them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>These species have demonstrated the ability to co-exist and even breed successfully within softbill community aviaries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dietary Groups and Species Profiles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The aviaries manage two distinct categories of doves and pigeons based on their primary diet: seed-eaters and fruit-eaters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Seed-Eaters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This group represents the species most commonly associated with the terms &#8220;pigeon&#8221; and &#8220;dove.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Primary Diet:<\/strong> The basic diet consists of parakeet, finch, and\/or specialized dove seed mixes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Species Kept at the Aviary:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Diamond Doves:<\/strong> Described as wonderful, peaceful, and hardy birds that integrate easily into mixed flights.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Zebra Doves:<\/strong> Also characterized as wonderful, peaceful, and hardy species suitable for community aviaries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nicobar Pigeons:<\/strong> A large species notable for its highly iridescent plumage and a &#8220;lion-like mane&#8221; of thin feathers. Their diet is more varied, including seed, fruit, and pellets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fruit-Eaters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Originating from Africa and Asia, these species share the same diet as fruit-eating softbills and are renowned for their vibrant coloration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Primary Diet:<\/strong> Their diet is identical to that of fruit-eating softbills.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Behavioral Characteristics:<\/strong> These birds are generally quiet, both vocally and in terms of activity level. They co-habitate well with other non-aggressive bird species.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Species Kept at the Aviary:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Black Nape Fruit Doves:<\/strong> This species is sexually dimorphic, meaning males and females have visually distinct appearances.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Black Chin Fruit Doves:<\/strong> Like the Black Nape, this fruit dove species is also sexually dimorphic.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bruce\u2019s Green Pigeons:<\/strong> Also known as Yellow Bellied Green Pigeons.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Breeding and Reproduction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The breeding habits of doves and pigeons follow a distinct and consistent pattern across the various species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nesting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Nest Construction:<\/strong> Doves and pigeons build loose nests made of sticks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Preferred Nesting Sites:<\/strong> They readily use artificial, open nesting sites provided for them.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Smaller Species:<\/strong> Large finch wicker baskets are suitable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Larger Species:<\/strong> Platforms or shallow baskets are preferred.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nesting Material:<\/strong> Small sticks should be provided for nest construction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clutch and Chick Rearing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Egg Laying:<\/strong> Clutches are small, consisting of only one or two eggs, depending on the species.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Parental Care:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Chicks are fed a special &#8220;crop milk&#8221; that is manufactured by the parent birds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This unique feeding method makes the chicks very difficult to hand-raise successfully.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Adult Diet During Rearing:<\/strong> No special dietary changes or supplements are required for the adult birds while they are raising chicks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Common Breeding Problems and Solutions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Common issues:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Infertile eggs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Egg breakage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nest abandonment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Weak chicks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Solutions:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Improve nutrition<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduce stress<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provide stable nesting sites<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid excessive handling<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Observation is key \u2014 early intervention prevents losses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ethical Breeding and Responsible Aviculture<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Responsible pigeon and dove breeding means:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Avoiding overbreeding<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maintaining genetic diversity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Providing lifelong care for offspring<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Complying with local regulations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Breeding should always prioritize:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bird welfare<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Education<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conservation awareness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Pigeons and doves are rewarding birds to breed, offering fascinating behavior, strong parental care, and reliable breeding patterns when managed correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By understanding both <strong>general principles<\/strong> and <strong>species-specific needs<\/strong>, breeders can enjoy healthy, sustainable results while promoting ethical aviculture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Want a quick visual breakdown of this guide? Watch our video explanation here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/breeding-doves-and-pigeons-video-guide\/\">Breeding Doves and Pigeons Video Guide<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Breeding Exotic Doves and Pigeons This blog post provides a comprehensive overview of the exotic dove and pigeon species kept and bred at Davis Lund Aviaries. The source material distinguishes between two primary dietary&#46;&#46;&#46;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":14319,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pmpro_default_level":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[113,368],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14316","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-aviculture","category-doves-and-pigeons","pmpro-has-access"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14316","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14316"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14316\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14327,"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14316\/revisions\/14327"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14319"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14316"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14316"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14316"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}