Originally posted by popcornbird

I don't know much about doves, other than they're CUTE! I would *think* birds from the parrot family are more playful/intelligent, though I'm not sure.
My brother had a couple of doves when I was younger because he did magic. They are really cute, and they have SOME personality. They are pretty messy with the seed. I remember them flicking seed all over the floor. If you are looking for a bird the more personality I would get a tiel.

Make sure you get a hand raised one because some can be really mean. I got Milton from a shelter in July. I'm sure he was never handled and he took a big chunk out of my finger. He's going to be my winter taming project . However, Alex, my 8 year old female that was hand raised takes a vet prescribed calcium supplement at night and when I grab her I don't even use a towel. If she nips me a little I barley feel it. Same with, Evie, my very young hand raised female. I think hand raised tiels don't know they can bite hard . Danny, my other male, bit me once but that was when Alex was sick and I think he was under a lot of stress. (He is VERY in love with her) Milton is my only aggressive tiel.

As far as seeds, I would suggest a cage like this... my cage This is the cage I bought for my girls. Actually that is the exact auction. Notice the seed guard. It is GREAT. My boys have plexy glass around the bottom, but it doesn't work very well.