Columbidae: Pigeons & Doves - Species, Housing, Feeding and Lifespan

Introduction: Why Consider a Pigeon or Dove as Your Next Pet?

When most people think about getting a pet bird, parrots, canaries, or finches typically come to mind. But have you ever considered the gentle, cooing members of the Columbidae family—pigeons and doves? These underappreciated birds have actually been human companions for thousands of years and offer a wonderful alternative to more traditional pet birds.

As someone who's researched extensively into these feathered friends, I'm excited to share why pigeons and doves might be the perfect addition to your home.

Whether you're drawn to their peaceful demeanor, relatively low maintenance needs, or simply want something different from the usual pet options, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about keeping Columbidae as pets.

Which Columbidae Species Makes the Best Pet?

Not all pigeons and doves are created equal when it comes to pet potential. Here are the most popular species and what makes each unique:

Ring-necked Doves: The Beginner's Best Friend

Ring-necked doves (Streptopelia risoria) are the most popular choice for first-time dove owners, and for good reason. These medium-sized birds (about 10-12 inches long) are generally hardy, adaptable, and come in over 40 gorgeous color variations from classic white to peach, fawn, and apricot.

With proper care, these gentle birds can live 12-20 years, making them wonderful long-term companions. Their moderate cooing is pleasant and not overly disruptive, making them apartment-friendly compared to louder bird species.

Diamond Doves: Tiny Treasures

If you're limited on space or prefer a quieter, smaller bird, Diamond doves (Geopelia cuneata) might be your perfect match. At just 7-8 inches in length, these petite birds are known for their distinctive white spots on wings and adorable red rings around their eyes.

Diamond doves produce a soft, train-like cooing that's quieter than their ring-necked cousins. However, they do have a more nervous temperament and may require extra patience during the taming process. With good care, they live 12-15 years.

King Pigeons: Gentle Giants

Looking for something a bit more substantial? King pigeons are large, predominantly white domestic pigeons that were originally bred for meat (squab). Don't let that background fool you—these birds make excellent pets when properly handled and socialized.

Kings are known for their docile, gentle temperament and limited flying abilities compared to other pigeons. This actually makes them ideal indoor pets as they're less likely to damage items when out of their cage. With proper care, they typically live 15-20 years.

Fancy Pigeon Breeds: For the Bird Enthusiast

For those wanting something truly unique, fancy pigeon breeds like Fantails, Pouters, Tumblers, and Homers offer incredible diversity in appearance and characteristics. These birds come in various sizes, colors, and have fascinating physical features like elaborate tail feathers or inflatable crops.

While temperaments vary by breed, many fancy pigeons can be wonderfully personable pets. Their specialized needs vary based on their physical characteristics, but most live 15-20 years with proper care.

Creating the Perfect Pigeon Paradise: Housing Your Birds

One of the most important aspects of keeping Columbidae as pets is providing appropriate housing. Unlike parrots, pigeons and doves don't climb—they prefer to fly horizontally and perch, which affects their housing needs.

Size Matters: Cage Dimensions

For doves:

• A pair of Ring-necked Doves needs a minimum of 24"L × 36"W × 30"H.

• Diamond Doves can manage in an 18" square cage if given daily free flight.

• Ideally, a flight cage of 3'W × 4'D × 6'H gives ample space.

For pigeons:

• A pair needs at least 42"W × 27"D × 30"H

• For an outdoor aviary housing 4 birds, aim for 6'L × 4'D × 6'H.

Remember, no bird owner has ever said, "I wish I'd bought a smaller cage!" When in doubt, go bigger.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Housing: What's Best?

Indoor housing allows for closer bonding with your birds and protects them from predators and weather. If you go this route, you'll want to plan for:

• Daily out-of-cage time for exercise

• Pigeon pants or frequent cleaning for droppings management

• Protection from household hazards like ceiling fans and toxic fumes

Outdoor aviaries provide a more natural environment but require:

• Predator-proofing (top, bottom, and all sides)

• Rodent-proof construction using 16-gauge hardware mesh with openings ½ inch or smaller

• A sheltered corner for shade and rain protection

• Weekly thorough cleaning

Diamond doves generally aren't suitable for outdoor housing in cold climates.

Setting Up Their Space: Essential Cage Furnishings

Your birds' home should include:

• Multiple perches of varying diameters to promote foot health

• Ground-level food and water dishes (pigeons and doves are ground feeders)

• A bathing dish (about 2" deep for pigeons)

• A comfortable nesting area or platform

• Separate dishes for digestible and indigestible grit

• Optional additions: shelves, hideaways, and mirrors (used carefully)

Feed Me, Seed Me: Nutrition for Healthy Birds

Proper nutrition is foundational to your birds' health and longevity. Here's what to feed your feathered friends:

The Daily Menu

Commercial Feed (60-70% of diet)

Your birds' main diet should consist of:

• High-quality pelleted dove/pigeon food (14-18% protein, 4-5% fat)

• Commercial seed mix specifically for doves/pigeons

• For doves: finch mix, small seeds like millet, canary grass, milo

• For pigeons: larger seeds including safflower, popcorn, peas.

Grit Requirements

Unlike other pet birds, pigeons and doves need grit to digest their food properly:

• Digestible grit (crushed oyster shells) provides essential calcium

• Indigestible grit helps break down seed hulls

• Small charcoal pieces aid digestion

• Pigeons need larger grit than doves.

Fresh Foods (10-15% of diet)

Supplement with:

• Chopped leafy greens

• Soft, chopped vegetables

• Small amounts of fruit

• Occasional treats like millet sprays or small amounts of hard-boiled egg.

Feeding Schedule and Setup

• Change water daily (twice daily in hot weather)

• Provide food in ground-level dishes

• Use separate dishes for seed mix, pellets, grit, and water

• Include multiple feeding stations if you have multiple birds

• Offer bathing water 2-3 times weekly.

Foods to Avoid

Never feed your birds:

• Avocados

• Chocolate

• Caffeine

• Alcohol

• Fruit seeds containing cyanide (apple, cherry, peach, apricot)

• Onions and garlic.

Health Watch: Keeping Your Birds in Top Shape

Even with proper care, health issues can arise. Knowing what to look for and when to seek veterinary help is crucial for your birds' wellbeing.

Common Health Concerns

Infectious Diseases

Watch for signs of:

• Paramyxovirus

• Salmonella (paratyphoid)

• Canker (trichomoniasis)

• Chlamydia psittaci

• Pox virus and other viral infections

Parasitic Problems

Be alert for:

• External parasites: mites, lice, flies (especially in outdoor birds)

• Internal parasites: coccidia, worms, hexamita

Respiratory Issues

Respiratory problems like:

• Mycoplasma

• Aspergillosis (fungal infection)

• Air sac inflammation can be serious

Other Health Concerns

Also be aware of:

• Obesity

• Egg binding

• Bumblefoot (foot infections)

• Vitamin deficiencies.

Veterinary Care: Finding Help When Needed

Preventative Care

Schedule:

• Annual wellness check with an avian veterinarian

• Recommended vaccinations (paramyxovirus, Salmonella paratyphoid)

• Regular parasite screening, especially for outdoor birds

• Monitor health daily

Finding the Right Vet

Not all veterinarians treat birds, and even fewer have experience with pigeons and doves specifically. Resources like the American Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAAV) can help you find a qualified professional.

Recognizing Illness: When to Worry

Contact your vet if you notice:

• Fluffed feathers and lethargy

• Difficulty breathing

• Weight loss or decreased appetite

• Changes in droppings

• Unusual posture or lameness

• Swellings or lumps

• Cloudy eyes or discharge

Bird Personalities: What to Expect

One of the joys of keeping pigeons and doves is getting to know their unique personalities and behaviors.

Natural Behaviors

Social Structure

Columbidae are naturally social birds that:

• Mate for life and form strong pair bonds

• Display courtship behaviors (males bow, coo, and dance)

• Lay eggs approximately every 4-5 weeks

• Share incubation duties between pairs.

Daily Activities

Your birds will spend time:

• Ground feeding and foraging

• Bathing and preening (they're meticulous about cleanliness)

• Sunbathing when possible

• Nesting and defending territory (mildly)

• Lounging and relaxing.

Training and Bonding

With patience, many pigeons and doves can be:

• Hand-tamed

• Trained to come when called

• Taught to perch on hand or shoulder

• Some can even learn simple tricks like spinning or stepping up.

To bond with your birds:

• Spend time near their cage, speaking softly

• Offer treats from your hand

• Move slowly and predictably

• Respect their boundaries

• Be patient—trust takes time.

Social Butterflies: Meeting Their Need for Company

One of the most important considerations when keeping Columbidae is understanding their social needs.

Singles, Pairs, or Flocks?

Pairs

Most pigeon and dove experts recommend keeping birds in pairs because they:

• Provide natural companionship for each other

• Display fascinating natural behaviors together

• Reduce dependency on human interaction

• Experience higher quality of life

If you're concerned about breeding, don't worry—fake eggs can be used to prevent population growth.

Single Birds

If you do keep a single bird, be prepared to:

• Spend several hours daily interacting with them

• Provide extra enrichment to prevent loneliness

• Be their primary social outlet

• Deal with potentially stronger bonding behaviors.

Multiple Birds/Flocks

With enough space, multiple birds can work well:

• Creates a more natural social environment

• May reduce handleability of individual birds

• Requires larger housing and more management

• Can occasionally lead to territorial disputes.

The Fine Print: Legal Considerations

Before bringing home your new feathered friend, it's important to understand the legal landscape.

Ownership Regulations

General Legality

Good news! In most areas:

• Domesticated pigeons and doves are legal to keep as pets

• They're not classified as exotic animals

• Many areas differentiate between wild/feral pigeons and domestic breeds.

Local Ordinances

However, check your local regulations for:

• Housing limitations in urban/suburban settings

• HOA restrictions that might prohibit outdoor aviaries

• Limits on number of birds allowed (e.g., Long Beach allows a maximum of 40 pigeons).

Special Permits

Some localities require:

• Permits for racing/homing pigeons

• Authorization before releasing birds

• Registration with local animal control.

Bird Budgeting: What Does It Cost to Keep Columbidae?

Let's talk numbers—how much should you budget for your new pet?

Startup Costs

Bird Purchase

• Ring-necked Doves: $20-100

• Diamond Doves: $30-75

• Common Pigeons: $10-50 (often free from rescues)

• Fancy Pigeon Breeds: $50-500+ depending on rarity.

Housing Setup

• Quality cage or aviary: $150-600

• Perches, dishes, nesting materials: $50-100

• Initial supplies (food, grit, bedding): $50-75

• Total initial investment: $250-750+

Ongoing Expenses

Food and Supplies

• Monthly food costs: $6-20 depending on number of birds

• Grit and supplements: $5-10 monthly

• Bedding/cage lining: $5-15 monthly

• Pigeon pants (if kept indoors): $20-30 each, replaced as needed.

Veterinary Care

• Annual wellness exam: $50-150

• Vaccinations: $25-75 annually

• Emergency care: $100-500+ depending on condition

• Treatments for common issues: $75-300.

Long-Haul Companions: Lifespan and Commitment

When you bring a pigeon or dove into your home, you're making a long-term commitment.

How Long Will They Live?

With proper care:

• Ring-necked Doves: 12-20 years

• Diamond Doves: 12-15 years

• Domestic Pigeons: 15-20 years.

Compare this to the 3-5 year average lifespan of wild/feral pigeons, and you can see how significant proper care is!

Time and Space Considerations

Daily Care

Plan for:

• At least 30 minutes daily for basic care

• 1-2 hours daily for out-of-cage time and interaction

• Quick daily cleaning plus thorough weekly cleaning.

Space Planning

Consider:

• Need for a dedicated bird area in your home

• Potential expansion if your flock grows

• How you'll manage care during vacations or moves

• Impact on your living space (noise, dust).

Clean Freaks: Managing Hygiene and Cleanliness

Let's be honest—all pets create some mess. Here's how to manage hygiene with pigeons and doves.

Regular Maintenance

Cage Cleaning

Establish a routine for:

• Daily spot cleaning of droppings

• Fresh food and water daily

• Weekly thorough cleaning of all surfaces

• Monthly deep clean of entire habitat.

Bird Hygiene

The good news is:

• Pigeons and doves self-clean through bathing and preening

• You'll just need to provide bathing opportunities 2-3 times weekly

• No need for manual bathing or washing.

Environmental Considerations

Dust Management

Be aware that:

• Columbidae produce significant dander/dust

• Air purifiers are recommended for indoor birds

• Regular vacuuming/dusting is necessary

• Those with allergies or respiratory issues should test their tolerance before committing.

Indoor Droppings Management

For indoor birds:

• Pigeon pants can be used for free-roaming time

• Cage liners make cleaning easier

• Designate specific areas for out-of-cage time

• Accept that some mess is inevitable with any pet.

Peace and Quiet: What About Noise?

Worried about disturbing your neighbors? Here's what to expect noise-wise:

Volume and Patterns

Doves

• Diamond Doves: Very quiet with a soft train-like coo

• Ring-necked Doves: Moderate cooing, males louder than females

• Most active vocalization occurs in morning and evening

• Males are typically more vocal than females.

Pigeons

• Generally quieter than many pet birds

• Cooing mainly during courtship or territorial display

• Female pigeons make minimal noise

• No screaming or screeching like parrots.

How They Compare

Compared to other birds, Columbidae are:

• Significantly quieter than parrots

• Less persistently vocal than many finches

• Produce gentle cooing that most neighbors won't notice

• Ideal for apartment living with proper management

• Their sound typically can't be heard outside a closed room.

Multi-Pet Households: Can They Get Along?

If you already have other pets, you may wonder if pigeons and doves can safely coexist with them.

Safety First

With Dogs and Cats

• Can coexist with proper supervision and training

• Never leave them unattended together

• Some pets may never overcome their prey drive

• Always provide birds with safe spaces inaccessible to other pets

With Other Birds

• Different Columbidae species may not mix well

• Ring-necked Doves can harm smaller Diamond Doves

• Generally not recommended to house with parrots

• May coexist with similar-sized, peaceful species with careful introduction

Making Introductions

For successful multi-pet households:

• Begin with slow, supervised introductions

• Use neutral territory for first meetings

• Keep birds safely in their cage initially

• Watch closely for signs of stress or aggression

• Accept that some pets may never safely interact

The Bottom Line: Is a Pigeon or Dove Right for You?

After exploring all aspects of Columbidae ownership, let's summarize the pros and cons to help you decide if these feathered friends might be your perfect pet match.

The Good Stuff

Temperament and Care

• Generally quiet and peaceful companions

• Less destructive than parrots

• Relatively easy to care for

• Lower maintenance than many other pet birds

• Longer lifespan than small mammals

Practical Benefits

• Suitable for apartments with proper management

• Less expensive than many exotic birds

• Hardier than many other bird species

• Adaptable to various living conditions

• Often available through rescues

The Challenges

Care Considerations

• Significant dust production (potential allergy concerns)

• Daily cleaning requirements

• Need for specialized veterinary care

• Long lifespan commitment (15+ years)

• Social requirements (pairs or significant human interaction)

Practical Limitations

• Limited interaction compared to parrots (no talking, fewer trainable behaviors)

• Messier than some other pets

• Substantial space needed for proper housing

• Fewer resources and experienced vets available

• Potential legal restrictions in some areas

Conclusion: Ready to Welcome a Feathered Friend?

Pigeons and doves offer a unique pet experience that differs from more conventional choices. Their gentle nature, reasonable care requirements, and calm temperament make them suitable for many living situations and lifestyles.

For beginners, I'd recommend starting with Ring-necked Doves or King Pigeons. More experienced bird keepers might enjoy the delicate Diamond Doves or specialized fancy pigeon breeds. Whichever you choose, remember that proper housing, nutrition, veterinary care, and social interaction are all essential for your birds' health and happiness.

If you're ready for a 15-20 year commitment to these peaceful companions, you may find that the members of the Columbidae family offer a quieter but equally rewarding alternative to more traditional pet birds. Their soft cooing, distinctive personalities, and gentle presence could be just what your home needs.

Have you ever kept pigeons or doves as pets? Considering adding one to your family?

Share your experiences or questions in the comments below!