Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've had 2 Ringneck doves for about 3 months now. I 'rescued' them from a bad home. They are very aggressive towards each other and coo/bow at each other all the time. I have them in separate cages because of their fighting and were told they were both males.

About a week ago, one of them started sitting in it's food dish 24/7. It will perch for about 2 minutes when I put it on the perch but then goes right back to sit in it's food dish.

Droppings have changed and have become huge but not runny. When I take it out of the food dish and put it on the floor of the cage, it walks very low with it's chest touching the floor and it ruffles it feathers until it goes back to the dish. It shakes a little also.

What could be wrong? I am looking for a vet that knows about doves, but am hoping for answers until then

Thanks so much,
Lynnsea

I have the same problem with my female. So was wondering if you had any responses to your question, or if you did find a vet with answers? Bird vets are sometimes hard to find in small towns. I worry about her when she goes through these phases of not being able to walk, and staying on the floor or dish. She started this behavior about a year ago, and is 3 years old. I have noticed it happens around the time she lays her eggs, but don't know if it is the cause or not. She has all the same symptoms you discribed.
I will keep looking for an answer, but if you found anything out...I would be VERY grateful.
Thank you, Jessi

this happened to my female ringneck too, she always looked so hurt after laying eggs and it got worse as she got older. i worried about it for years but she always was ok in a few days after laying the eggs. the poops will be huge when she sits thats just because i think they sit for so long and it builds up, and it smells too. but just give her plenty of grit, that is what i gave mine and it seemed to help some.

The part that worries me so much, is that today makes day four since she has been all "balled up". She doesn't, or can't straighten her legs, or walk. I have to take her to water so she can drink and even let her sit in warm water to clean her underside. I also hope that the warmth will loosen her legs up, which it doesn't, but seems to help her feel better.
My male is always cooing at her too, and cuddles with her. I know he's 'worried' too in his own way, and tries to get her moving.
I just wish someone had a reason for this, for now I can see other birds are having the same problem.

Sounds like your male is a female (IMO). I realize that there are no eggs so I would be curious if she does end up laying. Doves and pigeons share nesting duties, picking a nest, building and incubating the eggs. Since yours are seperated then the female ends up with all of the work which may explain why she would be walking oddly. I know it isn't much help but this is based on my experience with homing pigeons. Please keep us posted.