Dove Behavior

name Ana
status other
grade old

Question - I just bought another dove for my other dove so she
wont be lonely and as soon as i put the new dove in the cage my old
one started makeing a weird cooing noise like i screaming mixed
with a coo and then the old one started biting the new ones beak.
The the old one would try and stand on the new one and just sit
there. What is wrong with my old dove?
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Ana,

I don't have an exact answer for this, except to say I would check with the
pet store owner where you purchased the dove, to verify that the cage you
have is large enough for the pets you own, i.e. you *might* need a larger
cage.

It might be common for a single pet to react the way you describe when a new
one is introduced.  I know my dog did not exactly welcome a new puppy into
the household.  Whether it is due to space, food, or affection limitations,
the new pet will have to learn to accept the new one.  If the space is
sufficient, i would continue to observe the behavior.  Because I recently
purchased 4 finches, and, I wanted a variety, I was going to buy 4 different
types.  The clerk warned me that in the case of the finches, not all
varieties get along well together.  Ultimately, I only bought 2 types that
are known to get along, but I looked for variation in their appearance
rather than choosing different species.

In the case of your doves, there might be an option of having 2 cages
sitting side by side so the two doves can become accustomed to one another.
If you do this, you might eventually be able to move them in
together...this, assuming they can and will get along.  Be careful to check
on them when they are together so neither of them becomes injured through
their interaction.

Again, the pet shop owner or clerk should be the best person to consult on
this, and they may be able to steer you to internet resources that explain
the behavior of your particular doves.

Thanks for using NEWTON!

Ric
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