Ask Lafeber

Question:

March 1, 2021

Harness for dove


Can I put a harness and leash on my pet dove to take her outside?
If so, any good recommendations for one?


Answer:

Hi Ashley,

My first thought was yes, why not? However, since this is a dove, I can’t recommend this. Doves have a LOT of feathers, and it would be hard to find the right fit for a harness on a dove. My main concern is that they are prey animals, just like our parrots. But doves have the ability to release their feathers, in particular their entire tail, as a means of escaping a predator. I would be afraid that if she became startled, this could happen and might allow her to slip out of the harness. Doves are also common prey for birds of prey, even if she isn’t a native species of dove. Even parrots on harnesses have been attacked by hawks when outside with their owner. So I would be very concerned about this type of attack. And finally, should she escape, she might be able to survive in the wild, and it is unlikely that you would be able to catch her. If she is the ring-necked variety, these are considered a feral species that have established flocks from escaped pets. They are an invasive species because they can displace the native species of dove. If you take her outside, have her in a secure cage and stay with her to protect her from predators.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda

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