Instructions

• 1). Secure appropriate housing for the turtle dove. Choose a rectangular cage with bars that are close enough together so that the dove cannot fit its head between them. If the cage has a wire bottom, cover part of it with paper or grassy sod because turtle doves tend to spend a good deal of time on the ground. Also, make the cage partially enclosed because this gives the doves a sense of security.
  
  
• 2). Arrange appropriate food and water for the turtle dove. A commercial mix of seeds supplemented with vegetables such as lettuce or spinach, or fruits like berries, apples and pears will suffice.
  
  
• 3). Provide supplements such as grit and gravel to help digestion. Add vitamins to the water, and crushed oyster shell for calcium.
  
  
• 4). Allow the dove to bathe either in a shallow basin of water, a dust bath, or by misting it with a soft spray of lukewarm water.
  
  
• 5). Clean the water, food and bathing bowls daily. Wash all perches and platforms once a week.
  
  
• 6). Allow the dove to leave its cage every day for the opportunity to fly and exercise.