Ask Lafeber

Ringed neck dove

Is it safe to keep the cage outdoors with a wind protection year round? I live in Central Texas. When should I bring the cage indoors? Should I cover the cage at night?

Hi Elaine,

Birds can handle cold better than heat. An outdoor enclosure needs protection from the sun and other weather. Once it gets over about 85-90, a bird can overheat and die. They also can’t handle temperatures much below 50. Ring necked doves are not native to this country, but there are feral flocks that survive and breed. However, their mortality rate is much higher than native doves – only the hardiest manage to survive. The white ringnecked doves generally do not survive harsh summers or winters. I would bring the bird in when it’s really hot or really cold weather is expected. But you will have to acclimate the bird slowly before returning it to the outside. There are misters for aviaries and heaters if you try researching as some people do leave some birds outside year round.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda