A question about pigeons...

[arherp]

I want to get a few pairs of these. But do these never like, try to fly away? I can build a hutch inside my chicken coop for them and put in a door to the outside. And they will fly around and just hang out?

 

[chinbunny]

yes they can fly away. You woul dned to let them get used to area so they learn where their loft is before you let them fly. Some breeds like homers can't be let out after they are purchased from anoter breeder. They will fly back home.

 

[Mary Of Exeter]

With all new pigeons, you need to keep them locked up for a while before letting them out to fly. Depending on the breed, it may be up to a month before you can let them out. The age also makes a big difference too. If you get homers, and you want to be able to fly them, then you'll need to get birds that are 1-2 months old. Preferably still squeaking. With other breeds, a few weeks is all you need.

When you let them out, always do so before feeding them. Feed them twice a day (morning/evening). It's only a tablespoon of food per bird in the morning, and two per bird at night (well, that's how I prefer anyways). You can also get them used to a feed call. This can be the shake of the feed can, a whistle, or whatever sound you'd like. Just make the call everytime you feed, for a little while as they're eating. They'll learn to associate that call with food, so when you let them out for the first time, you can easily call them back in to eat

This is really good because the longer they are out lounging around, the more time a hawk has to attack. If you're out and about the yard, usually you won't have a predator problem. But if you hear a hawk, or maybe you have to leave or go inside for a while, being able to call the little guys inside will insure they're safe!

On weekends when I'm outside basically all day, I give my birds an 'open loft', where they can freely go in and out. No food in the cage, so I can still have a little control over them, but they're allowed to pick at the grass, sunbathe, or take a bath in some water if they want. A day to just chill

 

[arherp]

Ok, tganks for the help! I really appreciate it!
Does this work for white doves too?

 

[HeelerDawg]

Quote:
To answer your question, no. Doves can't be released like pigeons because they won't come back. Not all breeds of pigeons have the "homing" ability either. Like my rollers, they fly close to home and identify the kit box by sight. The birds in "white dove releases" are auctually white homing pigeons.