The two most common doves are Ring Necks and Diamond. Ring Necks are larger than cockatiels and are generally friendly. Diamond doves are canary sized birds that should be kept in pairs. Food : Ring Necks require a basic diet consisting of millet, milo, canary seed, wheat and cracked corn. Diamond doves need a finch mixture. Both species need grit to grind up seeds, cuttlebone and fresh greens. Housing : Ring Necks require a minimum cage size 24' square. Diamond doves a minimum of 18" square.

Water : Doves drink water by sucking up water with their beaks, so open water bowls are needed. They like to bath several times a week, a bowl of water needs to be provided for this.Heating : No special heating required. Breeding Ring Neck doves are easily bred. Provide a large bowl and loose straw for nesting material. Diamond doves breed well in captivity. Use a Canary nest and dried grass as a nesting material. Life Expectancy : 10 to 15 years for Ring-Necked doves . 10 years for Diamond doves