Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 1/26/2008

Question
i have recently purchased a dove two months ago and he/she has been classified by me as an ok pet. the store i bought my first dove from has just got a new dove in. i am interested in purchasing the new dove but am worried about fighting between my old dove and new. i do not know the sex of my old dove or the new one. Do doves need company (i do have school alot and the bird is left home alone for about 8 hours a day). should i buy the new dove as a companion to my old dove Spirit. Would they hurt each other.

I am i newby to the whole pet bird thing.

thanks brett.

Answer
Hi, Brett,

What kind of doves are you referring to (diamond doves, white doves, mourning doves, etc.)?

It is difficult to answer your question about fighting because each bird is different, they have individual personalities just like we do.  Whether they would get along together, I can't say.  It's a chance you take when you buy birds.  There would be a better chance if they were opposite sexes, but then if you have opposite sexes, there most certainly will be eggs/offspring.  

Even though you are gone 8 hours per day, this doesn't mean your pet dove needs a companion.  YOU are your pet dove's companion.  Just like pet dogs and cats, etc., pet birds don't have to have their humans around all the time.  They need time to preen themselves, nap, bathe, bask in the sun, etc., so they do need time to themselves.  Whether you purchase another dove is up to you, of course, but it is not a necessity just because you have one at home already.

Chrys