Zebra doves are relatively small and about 7 to 8 inches in length. They are mainly herbivorous, which means they primarily depend on plants based food.
In the wild, they feed on different plant materials and insects such as mealworms, seeds, fruits, berries, grains, grasses and weeds, leaves, etc. Zebra doves are considered to be one of the most consuming seed eaters in their natural habitat.
In captivity, zebra doves can eat a variety of fruits and seeds. However, they will always have their preference on what to eat. The following table below represents feeding guidelines when they are kept in captivity.
| Food Type | Guidelines |
| Seeds | Provide a variety of seeds, including grass seeds and small grains. |
| Fruits | Offer a variety of fruits, such as apples, bananas, and berries. |
| Vegetables | Include leafy greens and other vegetables in the diet. |
| Protein | Provide a source of protein, such as mealworms or cooked eggs. |
| Toxic foods | Avoid feeding avocados, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and xylitol. |
| Moldy or spoiled foods | Do not feed moldy or spoiled foods to your dove. |
| High-fat or high-salt foods | Avoid feeding doves fried foods or processed snacks. |
When you keep zebra doves as a pet, it is important to provide them with a balanced diet that includes a variety of different type’s plant base food. It is also necessary to keep fresh and clean water in their cage . However, if you are unsure about anything, you should consult a veterinarian for guidance.
Zebra Dove: Food Frequency Guidelines
| Food Type | Frequency |
| Seeds | Frequent – zebra doves feed on the seeds of grasses and other plants. |
| Fruits | Occasional – zebra doves have been known to eat the fruits of trees and shrubs. |
| Leaves | Infrequent – zebra doves may eat the leaves of certain plants, but this is not a common part of their diet. |
Compared to other types of doves, zebra doves are relatively easy to take care of, making great pets for people looking for a small, colorful bird. As long as you provide with a varied diet and access to fresh water, they will thrive in captivity.
Do Zebra Doves Eat Fruit? What food do they like most?
In the wild zebra, doves eat different types of wild fruits. However, in captivity, zebra doves can feed them on different types of traditional fruits such as:
- ApplesBananas
- Berries (such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries)
- Grapes
- Melons (such as watermelon and cantaloupe)
- Peaches
- Pears
- Plums
When preparing fruits for your zebra doves, it is important to wash the fruits to remove any unwanted substances, dirt or chemicals. It can be done by rinsing the fruit with warm water and gently scrubbing the fruits with a vegetable brush.
After cleaning the fruits, you can cut them into small pieces that are appropriate for the size of your zebra doves. Larger fruits, such as apples and pears, can be sliced or diced into bite-sized pieces. Smaller fruits, such as berries and grapes, can be left whole.
What to feed baby zebra doves?
Baby zebra doves are primarily fed by their parents in the wild. The parents will feed the chicks mostly a substance called crop milk. This substance is regurgitated by the parents and fed to the chicks. They are also fed on insects like mealworms, small seeds, and other plant materials by their parents.
However, if you have baby zebra doves in captivity, it’s important to feed them a special hand-feeding formula designed for their specific nutritional needs. Following is the homemade hand-feeding formula for baby zebra doves:
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of plain, unsweetened evaporated milk
- 1 tablespoon of plain, unsweetened yogurt
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1/4 teaspoon of calcium carbonate powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of poultry vitamins
Make sure to mix the ingredients and feed the baby doves. You can also store the leftover food in the refrigerator for about 48 hours and use the same meal to feed them again.
How to care for zebra doves? Diet, Housing, Health and More!
| Diet | Zebra doves should be fed a diet that consists of a high-quality dove mix, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. |
| Housing | They should be housed in a large enclosure that provides plenty of space for them to fly and move around. The cage or environment should be kept clean and free of drafts. |
| Temperature | Zebra doves prefer warm temperatures, so the enclosure should be kept at a temperature between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit. |
| Socialization | Zebra doves are social birds and should be kept with other doves or birds of similar size. |
| Exercise | Zebra doves need plenty of room to fly and move around, so it is necessary to provide them with a large enclosure and plenty of toys and perches. |
| Health | Zebra doves are generally healthy birds, but it is important to keep an eye out for symptoms of illness and to take them to a veterinarian if necessary. |
Note: this is just a general guide, and it is always best to consult with a veterinarian when you have specific questions or concerns about the care of your zebra doves.
Did you now know the answer about what do zebra doves eat?
Zebra doves are small, social birds that require a mostly plant-based diet to thrive in captivity. Their diet should consist of different types of seeds as well as fresh fruits and vegetables.
They are generally easy to care for, and they can make wonderful pets for bird lovers. However, as with any pet, it is important to do your research and consult a veterinarian to ensure that you provide the best possible care for them.
However, consult me if you want to know more about zebra doves’ diet.