Diamond Doves are one of the smallest species of dove along side the Zebra dove and peaceful dove. Their diet in the wild is consistent of wild grass seeds. In captivity they do well on a diet of finch or canary seed and enjoy finely chopped spinich leaves which provide an essential sorce of vitamin A. They require a digestive aid such as bird grits. These aids help in griding seed as they do not
shell their seed and the absortion of calcium and other vital nutients required in their daily diet. Indoor birds lack sun light, sunlight is essential for vitamins they can not receive from a seed diet. If you house your doves indoors it is a good idea to suplememt their diet with vitamin drops you can pick up at any local pet or feed store. I tyipically use a vita drop for vitamins and oyster shell grits for digestive aids. Oyster gritz typically hold more calcium which is essential for egg laying females. You can also bake egg shells and grind them into a powder and mix with grits for more calcium rich diets. Doves are bottom dwellers and do not require a wire bottom infact wire bottom cages can cause damage to the feet of the dove. It is best to use corn cob bedding or simple paper towels to line the bottom of the cage, news paper tends to dry the feet. Plenty of perches are required, different size perches are a good choice when selecting this will prevent cramping in the doves feet. Doves if housed indoors in small cages should be let out during the day to fly around, if you let your doves out be sure all celling fans are off and there are no spaces the doves can fall through where they may become trapped, stuck or injured, so before each flight time be sure to check for any dove hazards. If you wish to keep your doves inclosed in a cage indoors a suitible cage would allow for flight so birds do not become obese. Diamond doves are warm weather birds and do not do well in cold weather. If they are housed out doors it is best to provide a covered shelter and a heat lamp during the winter months. Out door doves will discontinue breeding during winter months and will resume in the spring. Indoor doves will breed all year long. for further information seek reference site below. Or simply ask and I will answer your questions. References matirial from www.diamonddove.info , and personal exsperience.
