Diamond Dove (Geopelia cuneata)
| Diamond Dove Geopelia cuneata | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Diamond Dove |
| Name Lat. | Geopelia cuneata |
| Family | Pigeons & Doves |
| Family lat. | Columbidae |
| Order | Pigeons & Doves |
| Order lat. | Columbiformes |
| Origin | Australia |
| Climate | Subtropical - tropical |
| Diet | Exotic Birds seed, veggies, fruits |
| Keeping | Pair, group |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Reproduction | Cup nest |
| Life Span | 7-10 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 20 cm |
| Temperature | Room temperature |
| Housing | 120 x 60 x 100 cm |
| US Units | |
| Size | 8" |
| Temperature | Room temperature |
| Housing | 50" x 25" x 40" |
Distribution and habitat
Diamondbacks are ground doves and are common in northern and central Australia. They live in the dry tree and shrub savannahs near waterholes. Since the export ban in 1960 they are only available as offspring in many color mutations.
Cage size
The cage size should be at least 120 x 60 x 100 cm (L x W x H) for a pair and should not be less than this, even in justified single keeping. For an additional 2-3 birds, the floor space must be increased accordingly, provided that the species is compatible. The cage must be placed in a bright, draught-free and quiet place at a height of at least 80 cm (except aviaries), have a rectangular base and should be opaque on one side. Keeping in an aviary is preferable to keeping in a cage.
Maintenance
The floor must be covered with sand, wood granulate, bark mulch or similar material and must be cleaned regularly. At least 3 perches made of wood or branches of varying thickness and height must be installed in such a way that they can only be reached by flying and that the longest possible flight distance is created. They need sufficient free space to run, biotope-like hiding, roosting and nesting opportunities as well as a shallow water basin as a bathing opportunity and dry sandy areas for sand baths. It is recommended to provide grasses, twigs and bushes. They should be kept at room temperature.
Diet
Ideal is a mixture of in the specialized trade available "Exotenfutter" mixed with "Waldvogelfutter" in premium quality, supplemented with red cob millet, green fodder (dandelion leaves, chickweed, green panicle millet etc.).), vegetables (peppers, cucumbers), fruit, insect food and especially for raising young germinated seeds (millet, oats), egg and soft food and insect larvae, such as small, skinned, cut meal beetle larvae and ant pupae. Charcoal, vitamin lime and shell grit are needed as digestive aids. Water must always be available in birdbaths or in stable, open containers. Food and water must be offered fresh daily, and the containers must be cleaned beforehand.
A varied diet promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.
Reproduction and breeding
Males have a coral eye ring, which is paler and less pronounced in females.
They like to breed in open wire, willow, plastic or wooden baskets. Suitable nesting materials include coconut fiber, short grass, moss, and small twigs. The clutch usually consists of 2 eggs, the incubation period is about 13 days. The incubation period is, biologically speaking, from April to August when kept in outdoor aviaries. During the breeding season they must be kept only in pairs. No more than three broods should be allowed in a year. When breeding, the room temperature should be at least 15 °C.
Important
An indoor aviary with a floor space of at least 1.5 m² and 1.5 m in height is recommended.
In the case of outdoor aviaries, they also need a heated shelter with a floor area of at least 1 m², which can be visited by the birds at any time. The temperature in the shelter must not fall below 10 °C and the furnishings must be similar to those used in cages.
They may only be kept in pairs or in a group or flock. They can be well socialized with other small birds
In rooms, including shelters, adequate daylight or flicker-free artificial light (stroboscopic effect) corresponding to daylight should be provided. The lighting duration shall be 8-14 hours per day and the natural day-night rhythm shall be observed. Adequate indoor climate shall be provided. The health condition of the birds shall be checked daily
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Othmar Sieberer; Image: petdata
Source: ROBILLER (1986): Lexikon der Vogelhaltung, Edition Leipzig; GRUMMT & STREHLOW (2009): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Vögel, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF