Dove eating plants???

[CCsGarden]

I would like some help here. My almost 2 yr old dove has been getting more mischievous! I have a little indoor garden growing with lots of veggies and poinsettia plants. He somehow found the plants and now eats them or steps on them. How can I stop him from doing this? I already put up wire and he goes and pulls it down for "nesting supplies" even though it's bigger and taller then him.
He does have his own feeding areas to eat and drink at. I thought doves don't eat plants but maybe they do....

Thank you!

Picture or my little garden.

and the dove

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Cute dove.

You may have to put up a more secure barrier. Perhaps some plastic mesh "wire" that can be hung and secured, but you can still easily take down to tend to your plants.
Screen?

As for do Doves eat plants. Yes, from what I've read they do. Observing the few wild Mourning Doves I have here, they tend to nip at grasses and weeds. Of course they likely find seeds, insects, etc. But I would assume that seeds are not always available year round, so they take advantage of young spring sprouts/seedlings and grasses, then as the year progresses and plants begin to seed, they take advantage of those too.

Your Dove may enjoy you sprouting a little oat, wheat, etc. to nip at. Or research what type of plants they like, I'm sure you can find a list.

 

[CCsGarden]

Thank you so much for the awesome reply! I'll try those things!

 

[Zenmonkey]

I'm unaware of any plants that eat doves.