New Here and Losing Sleep

[Hoshizuke]

Hi everyone! My name's hoshizuke and I'm in Minnesota. I've got a problem I'm hoping someone here can help with.

On Monday I received a pair of diamond doves from a lady off craigslist; she had two pregnant dogs and was expecting at least 15 puppies so could no longer take care of the doves as well. When she dropped them off, she showed me some basic stuff, like how to put the cage together, what they eat and that was about it. I think these doves are about 6 months old; but they may be older.

Anyway, yesterday I went out and got them some millet spray and thought I'd offer it to them as a treat ( a peace offering? :lol: ) One of the poor doves *FLIPPED OUT* and the flapping startled me so bad the dove managed to get out of the cage! Thankfully it landed on a house plant and my husband was able to get his hands on it and put it back in its cage.

I feel really bad about the whole thing and when I opened the door to their room this morning, the door squeaked a little and sure enough, that made the one skittish bird freak out again. I keep them in a cage in a room upstairs, and hang out downstairs when I get home from work. Should I do something like move my computer to their cage room so they get used to me? Should I leave them completely alone save for food/water/bedding changing for a couple weeks? I realize diamonds aren't as friendly towards humans as ringnecks are but I don't want these lovelies to be so terrified of me! Help!

[Florence]

Yes, I think it's best to be around them (not necessarily close by) more. It will give them the opportunity to get used to you

Good luck!