Customer Reviews

Doves (A Complete Pet Owner's Manual)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The major flaw in this book is that it is nearly totally devoted to the wild dove and pigeon species. It makes very little reference to the domesticated Ringneck and White Doves (Streptopelia risoria), which make excellent, tame pets and have different requirements, in terms of caging and care. Also, what references it does make to domesticated doves is somewhat confusing and inconsistent.

For example, photos of domesticated Ringneck and White Doves (Streptopelia risoria) are labeled, alternatively, "collared pigeons" on page 16, and "collared doves" on pages 37 and 40. However, on page 5, the birds labeled as "collared doves" are probably the Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia deocato). I realize that both species may be described by the same common names. However. I think the author should have done a better job in describing which is which, since 'Streptopelia risoria' is extremely domesticated and suitable as a finger-tamed house pet whereas 'Streptopelia deocato' is a wild species suitable only for an outdoor aviary.

This confusion is not only in the photos but in the text as well. For example, the sections on "Housing" and "Doves as Pets" make little or no distinction between the wild and domesticated species. It implies all doves are basically untamable and require large aviaries but then also gets into a discussion about cages. Cages are really only suitable for domesticated species but the book doesn't SAY this anywhere. There is also no mention, anywhere in the book, of the great pet qualities that domesticated Ringneck and White Doves have. So, in my opinion, this book would be very confusing for someone who purchased a tame, domesticated Ringneck or White Dove and want to know how to care for their new pet.

I think this book would be fine if it just stuck to wild dove species. In fact, it should be renamed "Wild Doves". Domesticated Ringneck and White Doves (Streptopelia risoria) really deserve their own separate book but, unfortunately, there really isn't one out there yet. "Doves" by Michael Gos makes a better distinction between domesticated and wild species but his book also tries to cover both types, in one one book, and can also be similarly confusing in text and photo labeling.

As a dove owner,I have found this book to be a very clear treatment of dove species, behavior, and health needs. The pictures are interesting and the information provided is far superior to other books on doves that I have read. My only complaint is that more information could be provided on nutrition, but since most dove are such easy keepers (mostly eating seed, millet spray, whole wheat bread, vegetables, and grit) the information on this need not be extensive. I would recommend this book to anyone who is considering adding a dove to their household.

There is not enough information given on the domesticated Ringneck Dove. The book emphasizes too much on avaries and wild dove behavior and husbandry. It actually states that keeping a Dove in a cage is not a good idea when the Ringneck is a very good cage bird--but they do have specific husbandry requirements that need to be addressed.

I have looked for books on doves and believe me they are hard to find. This book starts with understanding how a dove thinks and goes into breeding, behavior, feeding, handling and types of doves. This book is a keeper if you are a novice or expert. It covers all the need to know information and more. In my opionion, this is the only book you need to buy if you are interested in doves.

The information provided in this book is very informative. However, I would have liked to have seen a chapter dedicated to caged doves, as indoor pets and the husbandry requirements but there was more focus on wild doves and outdoor aviaries in general. Would these same principles apply to indoor caged doves? What type of dove is the one pictured on the front cover? This type is often commonly seen in pet stores.

This book gives hard to find info about Doves and their lifestyles. It also gives useful info and advice on how to keep them as pets. The photos were also nice. I was disappointed with the bibliography. I would have like to see more useful addresses as well.

Dr. Vriends does an excellent job of explaining the hobby and task of dove keeping. The pictures are beautiful but not complete. I also noticed that many species commonly raised in the States are not included or have an incredibly limited entry. Still, the prose is accurate and qualified. Bravo Dr. Vriends

This is the most comprehensive dove book I found here on Amazon. Contains good information about many subjects including illnesses and treatments unlike the other books. If you have doves then I recommend this book.

I bought this book, and it's sister book Pigeons, the day after I was given an orphan day-old pigeon chick to raise way back in 1997. Normaly I deal with domestic birds (bantams, budgies, ect.) so when my Pidgie came to me, I knew the basics, but I also knew I didn't know enough about pigeons to raise him on my own. These 2 books were all I needed, they provide all the info needed to raise happy healthy pigeond and doves from chick to adult. I am so glad these 2 German classics had been translated and reprinted into English, I don't know what I would have done without them.

~~EK

This book is great. I looked for the information in this book all over the place for months. This book has absolutely everything you need or would want to know about being a dove owner. This book should be in every dove owner's book collection.