RING NECK DOVE (Barbary Dove) Streptopelia risoria

DISTRIBUTION: Domesticated

HABITAT: Suitable for an aviary.

SIZE: 25cm (10 in)

DIET: Seeds, green-stuff.

SEXING: Cocks tend to be paler.

COMPATIBILLITY: Best kept in pairs.

PET APPEAL: Very gentle.



Jimmy, was rescued after he fell out of his nest, and was attacked by some cats. He was fed every 2 hours and was taught to fly. I have always tried to keep him wild, as even though he has never known life as a free bird, I am hoping that I can release him into the wild. If this is impossible, he will remain in my aviary and hopefully I can get him a friend :-)

UPDATE 30TH DECEMBER 2001

After a lot of discussion with wildlife centres and other rescue organisations, I feel that to release Jimmy would condemn him to death. He would just not know how to defend himself against some of the local thug birds, nor would he know how to get food, so he will stay in the aviary (where he is very happy).

We get some friendly visitors to see him, some of the wild doves will come and land on the aviary to chat to him, they sometimes visit several times a day and make a stunning sight.


17th July 2003

Jimmy is still doing great, I am amazed at how much he has changed from the little pink wriggly body that he was. He is vocalising a lot with the local wild birds which is a pleasure to listen to.

7th January 2004

Well Jimmy is now 7 Years old.  It is strange to think that he has lived for so long, sharing his life with aviary birds.  I had to take Jimmy out of a cage he was sharing because the other birds were starting to pick on him a little (he is big and clumsy) but he is very proud of himslef and often displays.

21st June 2005

Jimmy is amazing, he is still going strong, he lives in a flight with a pigeon that came to us badly injured, and they spend all day chatting with the one rabbit and guinea pig that they share with, as well as the hundreds of local wild birds.

RING-NECK PARAKEET Psittacula Krameri

DISTRIBUTION: Africa, Asia (Pakistan, India, Burma)China.

HABITAT: Forests, Parks, cultivated land.

SIZE: 41 cm (16 in)

DIET: Parrot Mixture, pine Nuts, fruit, grain, green-stuff.

SEXING: Hens Lack the characteristic black neck collar of the cock bird.

COMPATIBILITY: Individually, pairs or groups.

PET APPEAL: Elegant, can talk.


Ghost has joined us after a vet wanted to have him put to sleep, but a breeder contacted us instead.

31st July 2002

Ghost has been with us for a little while now, and he came to us because a breeder had been given 4 chicks that the original owners wanted him to rear. One of the chicks (Ghost) had severely disabled feet and was unable to move around much. After consulting the vet, who recommended putting the bird to sleep, he contacted us. We had Ghost checked over and we were told that the disability was not hurting him, so he joined our family. He started off with platforms instead of perching, but as time has gone on, he has made such good progress he now has perches, swings and ladders that he masters with no problems at all. He does sometimes find it difficult to grasp his food and perch at the same time, but he manages fine and seems a lot happier now he is a bit more independent. We have left him un-clipped and his flight is so graceful.

He is now a much loved member of the family.


17th July 2003

Ghost is a star, he now comes to me to get a cuddle and wants to watch and join in when you are doing things, He is a real sweetie and I am thrilled that he never made it to the vets to be euthanised. He has a home for life here and we love him to bits.