Buying a Dove

Dove known to be a symbol of peace can also be a good pet for you. Dove can be of various types and varieties having different behavioral nature. If you are up to buying a dove, you are recommended to go through great deal of research on the dove species before selecting the ideal one for you. One thing you must keep in mind that though you will find a similarity in the physical appearance of dove and pigeon, but the two species of birds have varied instinctive nature. Pigeon has a homing instinct while doves prefer to stay at homes. In fact, the doves that are released into the air as a sacred ceremony in marriages are actually white pigeons.

Steps Taken on Buying a Pigeon

You have to take care on some aspects of pet care for buying a dove. The following information on the steps taken on buying a dove would help you effectively in purchasing and maintaining a healthy pet.

• Since there are varieties of doves, you should make a prior decision on the type of dove you are willing to buy. If you go to a nearby pet store you may not get an exhaustive range of doves because of space constrains. On visiting any pet store you may have to choose among three varieties of doves, the ring neck, the white and the diamond. There are also other exotic breeds of doves like the beautiful golden heart dove and the great Australian crested dove. You probably have to go for a longer search to get such exotic species than for the usual ones.

• While buying a dove you should make sure of purchasing a healthy bird as your pet. You may trace out a good breeder who in fact specializes in breeding the variety of dove you are willing to purchase. The internet has a store house of information on the ways by which you may detect a healthy bird while buying them. You may also consult a veterinary doctor or an expert breeder regarding the ways by which you can take care of the health of the bird.

• Do not go for buying a dove which is lethargic in appearance. The bird having disheveled feathers and discharge from eyes and nose is infected with disease and you are advised not make any consideration on the health of the bird while buying it.

• While transporting the pet dove from the breeder house to your own house, you should make sure that the breeder gives a proper box for the bird with proper arrangement for ventilation. The dove should get enough air to breathe and ample space to stand without facing any hindrance.

• In case, you have taken the decision on buying an exotic breed of dove that would be coming from far distant land you must make sure of providing proper shipping facilities to get your dove safe home. United States Postal Service has a separate section for dove poultry which can transfer your dove overnight. Private breeding shipping may charge quite a hefty sum for pet transference.

• If you are buying a dove which is of exotic breed, you may have to pay some extra dollars than the usual rate of doves. Generally, a dove of a common breed will not cost more than 30$. You have to pay an additional sum of around 20$ to avail shipping facilities.

• The very first step of taking care of your bird is to by allowing the dove to settle down and get adaptive to his or her new home before physically handling it.

Doves are usually of quite natured and do not have the habit of biting. They can be trained to some extent and produces a soothing cooing sound. Buying a dove means a long term commitment for your pet as they can live up to 20 to 25 years of age.