A dove bird cage is more than just a home, it’s a peaceful sanctuary for your feathered friend. Whether you’re a beginner bird owner or a seasoned avian lover, giving your dove the right environment makes all the difference in its health, comfort, and happiness.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know: from indoor and outdoor cage setups to DIY ideas, designs, proper sizing, and how dove cages compare to pigeon enclosures. Let’s dive in!
Dove Bird Cage Indoor: Creating a Safe and Stylish Home
If your dove will live inside your home, choosing the right dove bird cage indoor is crucial. Indoor cages offer a secure environment that protects your dove from predators, harsh weather, and pollutants.
What Makes a Good Indoor Cage?
- Spacious width (at least 24″ x 36″) for comfortable horizontal flying
- Bar spacing of ⅜ inch or less to prevent escape
- Made from powder-coated or stainless steel (avoid galvanized metal or wood)
- Equipped with natural perches, food bowls, and soft toys
Tip: Place the cage in a quiet, well-lit area, not too close to windows or vents.
Recommended Indoor Cage:
Prevue Pet Products Flight Cage, ideal for a pair of doves, with wheels and built-in feeders.
Dove Bird Cage Outdoor: How to Build a Weather-Safe Haven
Setting up a dove bird cage outdoor can offer your bird access to fresh air, sunshine, and natural enrichment. However, it’s important to protect them from:
- Predators like hawks, snakes, and cats
- Extreme weather (rain, direct sun, wind)
- Toxic materials in untreated wood or mesh
Outdoor Cage Essentials:
- Enclosed aviary-style cage with mesh fencing
- Weatherproof roof or cover
- Wooden shelter area inside for roosting
- Natural branches and UV lighting alternatives when needed
Browse durable outdoor aviaries built for all seasons.
Fun Fact: Doves need UV rays to synthesize Vitamin D and maintain strong bones!
Dove Cage Setup: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Setting up a dove cage properly ensures your bird’s well-being from day one. Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-Step Dove Cage Setup
- Choose the location: Well-lit, draft-free, and quiet
- Install perches: Mix of textures and sizes (avoid sandpaper)
- Place bowls separately: Water, food, digestible and indigestible grit
- Add toys: Cardboard, rope, and soft wood
- Line the bottom tray: Use paper cage liners or safe bedding
- Mist for bathing: Use a clean spray bottle or shallow dish
Want to see it done? Watch this dove habitat setup tutorial.
Dove Cage Design: Combining Comfort, Function & Style
Your dove cage design can be both functional and beautiful. Whether rustic or modern, your cage can blend into your home’s interior while still providing a safe habitat.
Top Design Ideas:
- Vintage-style white cages with ivy or drapery
- Multi-level metal enclosures for indoor spaces
- Wood-and-wire aviaries for the backyard
- Compact modular breeder cages for small apartments
- Minimalist indoor setups with natural perch accents
Pigeon Cage Indoor vs Dove Cage: What’s the Difference?
While pigeon cage indoor setups may seem similar, doves have unique needs:
| Feature | Dove Cage | Pigeon Cage |
| Cage Width | More important than height | Needs both height and width |
| Bar Strength | Soft-beaked, so lighter bars work | Stronger bars for heavier pigeons |
| Foraging Behavior | Ground-based, low perches | Mixed, more flight-centered |
| Noise Level | Quiet cooing | More vocal, especially in groups |
Pro Tip: You can use pigeon cages for doves, but not all dove cages suit pigeons due to strength and size differences.
Dove Bird Cage DIY Ideas: Affordable Solutions That Work
Not everyone can afford expensive setups—and that’s okay! A creative dove bird cage DIY project can still provide everything your bird needs.
Materials You Can Use:
- Wire shelving units + zip ties
- Plastic storage tubs for flooring
- Mesh laundry hampers (temporary option)
- Wooden frames with secure metal mesh
See a real-life DIY dove cage guide made by a bird lover using common household materials.
Avoid using painted wood or galvanized wire unless properly treated, as they can release toxins.
Dove Cage Size Guide: How Big Should Your Dove Cage Be?
When it comes to dove cage size, bigger is always better. Doves love to fly back and forth, so width is more crucial than height.
Minimum Dove Cage Dimensions:
- For 1 pair of doves: 24” L x 36” W x 24” H
- For 3–4 doves: 36” L x 48” W x 36” H
- Bar spacing: ≤ ⅜ inch
Buying Tip: Check for cages that offer wheels, multiple doors, and removable trays to make cleaning and moving easier.
Daily & Weekly Maintenance Checklist
A clean cage = a healthy dove. Stick to this schedule:
Daily:
- Replace water and food
- Spot clean waste
- Check perches and toys for wear
Weekly:
- Replace paper liner or bedding
- Clean dishes with hot water
- Mist your dove for grooming
- Sanitize the cage with bird-safe cleaners
What Doves Eat Inside Their Cages
Feeding your dove right starts with balanced nutrition:
- 60–70% of diet = pelleted dove food
- Treats: small seeds, sweet potatoes, leafy greens
- Grit: both digestible (calcium) and indigestible (aid digestion)
- Fresh water: changed daily
- Avoid: avocado, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, salty snacks
Final Thoughts: Your Dove Deserves the Best
Your dove relies on you for safety, nourishment, and love. Choosing the right dove bird cage, whether it’s indoor, outdoor, DIY, or a breeder setup, shows you’re committed to their wellbeing.
No matter your budget or style, this guide ensures you’re fully equipped to give your dove a happy, healthy life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of cage is best for a dove?
A wide, horizontal flight cage with narrow bar spacing (≤ ⅜ inch) is best, allowing room for flying and ground foraging.
What is a dove cage called?
A dove cage is commonly referred to as a dove aviary or flight cage, especially when designed for space and movement.
Do doves need a cage?
Yes, doves need a secure, spacious cage to ensure safety, exercise, and comfort, especially when kept indoors or in urban environments.
What size cage for 2 doves?
The minimum recommended cage size for 2 doves is 24” L x 36” W x 24” H, with ample space for flight and perching.
Do doves lay eggs twice?
Yes, doves can lay multiple clutches per year, often laying two eggs at a time and sometimes re-laying after each brood is raised.