A Detailed Guide to the Living Habits of Turtle Doves and Key Points for Raising Them

The turtle dove is a common bird, found in many parts of our country, but it appears relatively rarely in cities. The number of wild turtle doves is not large, and artificial breeding is gradually emerging, because the turtle dove has certain medicinal value and can serve as a food therapy ingredient, combined with some medicinal herbs to play a role in improving eyesight. So what are the living habits of the turtle dove? What are the key points for raising them?

1. What are the living habits of the turtle dove?

The turtle dove is a bird that likes quiet, likes cleanliness, fears dampness, fears dryness, and fears disturbance.

The turtle dove mainly feeds on plant fruits, weed seeds, insect larvae, and so on, usually flying to the ground to forage.

The turtle dove's habitat is farmland, rural dwellings, grasslands, trees, and so on; it generally moves in small groups and will perch in trees for a while. Turtle doves usually build their nests in large trees, on house balconies, or in bushes, generally simply built with twigs and at a certain distance from the ground.

The turtle dove's flight movements are similar to those of a pigeon, and it makes a cooing sound that is quite pleasant.

2. What are the key points for raising turtle doves?

1. Choosing turtle dove breeds

To raise turtle doves well, breed selection is crucial. First, see whether the head shape is small; generally, small ones are more agile. Second, see whether the turtle dove eats well, has strong disease resistance, has a gentle temperament, and has strong reproductive capacity. Third, see whether the breed is one that the state permits to be raised; if it is one that cannot circulate on the market, do not choose it. Fourth, buy from a regular seedling market, so that the purchase is more guaranteed.

2. Breeding density

The density for raising turtle doves must not be too high, otherwise it will affect their normal growth; generally it is similar to the density for raising pigeons. During the brooding stage of turtle doves, a large number can be raised in one cage, but by the growing stage, the number in one cage should preferably not exceed twenty.

3. Scientific feeding

Turtle doves have a relatively small appetite; if they eat too much, indigestion can occur. So we should also follow the practice of eating small meals more often, generally five times a day. Choose rice, wheat, corn kernels, vegetables, and so on that they like to eat, and try to choose fresh food that has not become moldy, otherwise diseases are likely to occur. After eating, turtle doves also need to drink water; feed only a small amount, and try to choose water of relatively good quality, so as to reduce the occurrence of diseases.

4. Environmental hygiene

When raising turtle doves, hygiene work must be done well, because turtle doves like a clean environment, and only then will they grow better. Usually pay attention to clearing away leftover food and turtle dove droppings, and keep the cage dry and clean. Carry out disinfection measures regularly to reduce the spread of pathogens.

Finally, we should also do a good job of ventilating the breeding site; only by maintaining indoor ventilation can the environment be kept dry and the occurrence of disease be reduced. But when the weather is cold, the ventilation time can be reduced; generally one to two hours is enough.