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RealDeal JU Veteran user New Jersey 375 Posts |
I have considered getting into dove magic for quite some time now. I love watching dove magic so I know it has a big impact. How hard are doves to care for and what are the main problems you guys/girls have experienced with owning doves. I hear they create a lot of "dust". Also how expensive does it get to care for them? I'm really not even sure how much doves cost. Does anyone know a good place to start looking for doves? Are they in a common pet store or are there specialty stores for them? I realize that all these questions sound like they are coming from someone who is inexperienced, but in all honesty, I am inexperienced with doves, lol. Thanks for all the help.
Jim
"Challenge yourself to come up with your own
material, rather than buying into the idea that you have to do the same thing that everyone else is doing to be a good magician." |
Dave Scribner Assistant Manager Lake Hopatcong, NJ 4849 Posts |
Jim, all of these questions and more have been asked and answered throughout this forum. You might want to look through those topics for more detailed information. I'll try to answer some of your questions though.
Doves are no more difficult to care for then any other pet. You must provide a clean living environment, food, water and vitamins. It is more time consuming than difficult. Caring also takes in training. You must work with your birds everyday and depending on how many you have, this can take a lot of time. I used to have over 30 that I practiced with everyday. I'm sure Bob Sanders with jump in here sooner or later and he keeps over 100 birds. Dust, or "dander" as it's called is a concern. Doves give off a fine white powder that attaches itself to everything including your lungs. It's best to keep you doves in a garage or outdoor aviary if possible. One dove isn't bad but once you start increasing the family, the problem gets worse. Expensive depends on how much you put into the bird. For me, these are the costs I have every month. 25 lbs for $20 and it's called dove mix. I have 11 birds right now and 25 lbs lasts over a month. Then there's vitamins @$5, treats @$5 vet bills twice a year for checkups. I take all the birds in at the same time and I get a deal from my vet. He charges me $50 for the total visit. Cage protectors to control mites are a few dollars each and last about 1-2 months. Doves from a pet shop (which I don't recommend) usually run anywhere from $19.99 to $29.99. When I raise doves for magicians, I charge $10 each. Magicians will generally charge you $10 to $15 each. Some states have bird farms and farm supply stores that have doves however, that's not the case in New Jersey. Where in New Jersey are you located? I might be able to help you some more if I know where in the state you are.
Where the magic begins
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RealDeal JU Veteran user New Jersey 375 Posts |
Dave,
Thanks!! All that info helped a lot. I am in South Jersey. I see that doves are very time consuming. Maybe I will have to think about this decision a bit before I jump in and get in over my head. I love dove magic but I'm not sure I'm ready for it just yet. I value all the info you provided and will keep it all in mind. Thanks again. Jim
"Challenge yourself to come up with your own
material, rather than buying into the idea that you have to do the same thing that everyone else is doing to be a good magician." |
Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
Jim,
I respect your honest judgment of requirements of dove (or any other animal) magic. The animals are there to be taken care of 24/7. If they fit your lifestyle, they are no trouble at all. If you are not equipped to deal with them and enjoy it, it's just not fair to you or the animals. They are also family members. Sometimes it is just not the right time for "more family". Times and circumstances change. You and your audience can enjoy magic either way. Enjoy! Bob Magic By Sander |
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