Dove Sexual Maturity

[18angovem]

Hi, I have three ringneck doves that are about 3 months old, I have heard that females do not start laying until around 9 months is this true? I have not find where it says how old males have to be to be sexually mature. I have an aviary and want more doves but only have 3 doves and the place I bought them from only had the three. I have a friend who has 2 female ringneck doves who lay eggs readily but they do not have a male so none hatch. They said that if I brought a male over I could have all the babies but I don't know when males are sexually mature does anyone know?

 

[fadedracer]

Doves are like pigeons, they mature around 6 months of age, They pair up and raise young. If you have extra males with the pairs sometimes they can get aggressive and fight with other pairs looking for mates. But if you have most of the pairs equal in numbers, say 10 cocks and 10 hens, 5 pairs, you can have lots of young etc, in the pen with them with no problem fighting etc. Commercial pigeon squabbing plants will never allow extra odd cocks or hens in pens, because the extra males will fight, scalp young, and make a mess of things, wasting time, instead of producing squabs for resale. Hope this helps.

 

[fadedracer]

I might also add that doves like pigeons mate for life, unless of course something happens to its mate. It gets killed, lost, or if removed and put in a pen so the other mate can not see or hear it, The single bird will quickly remate with another bird.

 

[Nihal razak]

Usually they mature between 4 to 6 months

 

[fadedracer]

Males 4 to 6 months, females 5 to 7 months. Hey Nihal razak is that a buff, La Fleshe rooster? Picture is small, and my eyes are not too good anymore.

 

[jak2002003]

I might also add that doves like pigeons mate for life, unless of course something happens to its mate. It gets killed, lost, or if removed and put in a pen so the other mate can not see or hear it, The single bird will quickly remate with another bird.

They form pairs for life.. but I have seen them 'cheating' on their partners a lot.. and often the babies are from different fathers too.

 

[fadedracer]

They form pairs for life.. but I have seen them 'cheating' on their partners a lot.. and often the babies are from different fathers too.

I agree, illegitimacy can run 25% to even 35% depending upon the breed and the loft conditions. Thanks for the input, it is always helpful. Thanks