How long do Diamond Doves live?
Diamond doves commonly live 8-12 years in captivity with good care.
What do Diamond Doves eat?
Feed a small seed mix (millet, canary seed) plus a few pellets, with grit and calcium available; avoid avocado and chocolate. Fresh water and a shallow bath daily. They forage on the floor, so scatter some seed and offer greens occasionally.
Diamond Dove cage and daily life
Keep a pair in a cage at least 18 x 18 x 18 inches (45 x 45 x 45 cm), bar spacing about 3/8-1/2 inch, with a flat perch or shelf and a ground area; they prefer low perches and a bath. Keep warm (above 65F / 18C) and draft-free. Keep away from kitchens (Teflon/PTFE fumes are lethal).
Common mistakes with Diamond Doves
Common errors are cold or drafty housing (they decline fast), no grit/calcium, and too-wide bar spacing for their small size. Nonstick-fume exposure and toxic foods like avocado and chocolate are acute risks.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
- Cold or drafty housing, which weakens diamond doves quickly.
- No grit and calcium, causing egg-binding and weak bones.
- Bar spacing too wide for such a small dove, risking escape or injury.
- Exposing the cage to Teflon/PTFE fumes or toxic foods like avocado and chocolate.