How To Keep Pigeons As Pets?

Do you want to keep pigeons as pets? If yes, then you are in the right place. Here we are going to discuss more about keeping pigeons as pets. This guide is especially for beginners.

If you are a beginner, then you can raise one or a few pairs as pets. Probably you already know that pigeons are wonderful birds, they are very friendly and have been domesticated for long time.

Pigeons were used to carry messages in the past. But today the pigeons are kept mainly as a hobby and also for business purpose. And pigeon farming business has proven itself as a profitable business and its popularity is increasing day by day.

What to Consider Before Keeping Pigeons as Pets?

Here are some special considerations before getting pigeons as pets:

• You must have to have a safe place for your pigeons for keeping them as pets. Build a safe place for your birds with access to indoors and outdoors, and the place also needs to be protected from weather and predators.
• Ensure enough space and room to move freely.
• You must have to ensure availability of a very good quality and nutritious diet for your birds for keeping them healthy.
• Their cage/loft/home should have the facility to clean it properly.
• Ensure company for your pigeon, and don’t keep a single pigeon. Because pigeons are social birds.
• If you have a pair of male and female pigeons, they will breed and increase their numbers naturally. If you want to keep just a pair, remove or replace their real eggs with fake one.
• Ensure availability of avian vet care.

How to Keep Pigeons as Pets?

Pigeons are very friendly and social birdss and they prefer to have company. If you are planning for keeping pigeons as pets, you should consider at least a pair (one male and one female).

But if you plan to have only one, you should be committed to giving it a lot of attention and also ensure that you have enough time for your bird. However, here we are describing more about how to keep pigeons as pets.

1. Keeping Pigeons as Pets Require Enough Time

First of all consider whether you have enough time for keeping pigeons as pets or not. Pigeons are social birds and keeping a single bird is only recommended if you have enough time to give it companionship for keeping the bird happy.

There are many different types of pigeon breeds available and the social needs of each breed vary from another considerably. You should have enough time to be able to set aside some time daily to help socialize your bird.

2. Make a Suitable Home

You can either make a loft or purchase a cage for your pigeon. Loft is the preferred choice in which birds are provided basic sheltered area for the night and also can provide room during the daytime. Size of the loft may vary depending on the number of birds.

If you keep your birds always inside, you will need to purchase a large cage that will allow the bird to flap their wings and move around. Ensure that the loft or cage is easily cleanable.

3. Nesting

Pigeons generally build nests by themselves. Keeping some nesting materials inside or at a corner of the loft or cage will encourage the birds to build nest.

4. Select & Purchase Pigeon

After setting their home, it’s time to purchase pigeon. It’s always good to purchase pigeons from local breeders. Select the breed first, and then find it within your area. If you don’t find your desired breed within your area, then you can consider searching online classifieds.

After finding the pigeon and bringing it home, you need to keep the bird indoors first for a few days or week. Keeping the pigeon indoors will help you to bond with it, and gradually the bird will be okay with you.

5. Feeding

Feeding is the most important part of raising pigeons. Good quality and nutritious feeding not only keep the birds healthy but also help them to stay happy.

You can either purchase ready-made feeds or feed the bird with some grains or seeds. Actually pelleted diets are the best source of nutrients for the pigeons.

You can supplement your pigeon’s regular diet with pears, apple, berries, chickweed, spinach, lettuce, endive etc. Keep some girt and gravel within their access.

Because pigeons take gravel and grit and these generally help the bird to digest food. You can also consider calcium and vitamin supplements which help the bird to improve their body condition and health.

6. Water

Keep water pot inside their home, so that the bird/birds can easily access water when they want. Keep the pot filled with clean water, and always clean the pot on a regular basis.

7. Ensure Vet Care

Ensure availability of vet care. Contact with your vet as soon as possible if your bird/birds become sick or injured.

These all are the ways of keeping pigeon as pets. If you want to keep pigeons as pets, consider first that it will take some time and continuous tasks to perform. Good luck & have fun!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

People ask many questions about how to keep pigeons as pets. Here we are trying to list the most common questions about raising pigeons as pets, and trying to answer them. Hope you will find your answer. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.