I place a rounded dowel lower at one end of the cage and a wide flat perch up higher at the other end. I also place the nest bowl in a back corner at the height of the flat perch and hidden by some pine greens. One of the perches must be low enough from the cage top to allow the male to perch on the females back during mating, about 10 inches should be adequate space for Diamond Doves. It is natural for Diamond Doves to find seeds and water at ground level. This is where I provide all feed, water and supplements, in clean containers protected from droppings and contamination.
Doves throw seeds as they search for their favorites.
A shallow container with a hole large enough for the dove's head cut in the lid will allow the birds to eat but not throw the seeds. Be sure to keep your enclosures dry at all times. Dry droppings will not smell and will not attract insects. Clean them as often as possible and disinfect everything with a bleach and water solution a few times a year. With housing being such a large and important topic, I will go into greater detail on individual cages and flights in the next article.