Advice for a pigeon newbie?

[RareFeathers]

so, i'm interested in getting some fancy pigeons. at the local poultry auctions, there are frillbacks and fantails, and sometimes, but not too often, the occasional modena. out of these breeds, which one is the best suited for a person just starting out? i'm also interested in german croppers, but fat chance of those.
i was also hoping to get some info on housing, which will require several questions-

1. what is the minimal space requirement for them? there's a local store with an aviary for sale that's about 2mX1.2mX0.7m, could that comfortably house a pair?

2. if not, could i keep them with my chickens? i could keep them in my coop (4mX3.5mX5m) with my chickens, but is there any risk of disease in both parties?i can easily get several perches. i know a breeder who successfully runs a flock of about 6 modenas with about 19 chickens, 7 ducks and 2 turkeys and 3 guineas.

3. i am also worried about them flying off, so which breed is least likely to?


thanks,

james

 

[BorderKelpie]

I have a pair of pigeons in with my chickens. I plan on moving them out, though as some of the chickens like to pick on them. (covered run)
Fantails don't fly very well, so they probably won't leave, but they are raptor snacks.

edited to correct spelling - they're 'raptors' - not 'raptures' oops lol (I hate to think what I must have been thinking.......)

 

[larrylofts]

fantails are your best bet of the three breeds . frillbacks are slow to show there sexs and quite shy modenas are some what aggressive and require more room if more than one pair is kept in a small pen fantails are easy to raise and most people are attracted to there beauty and grace . 2 feet x 2 feet is right size for medium size breeds.

 

[RareFeathers]

thank you for your help. could i potentially train the fantails to maybe stay on my shoulder and eat out of my hand? or is this just a hope? i was just wondering.a breeder i have close contacts with has 2 pairs of capuchine pidgeons, one red and one andalusion? i think? he's selling them at $50 a pair. i haven't heard of these before. what are they like, and are they worth the $50?

thanks

james

 

[Stevo]

Fantails are easy to train to do anything. I used them for years as droppers for my racing homers. My wife hand raised the fantails as they are terrible parents. Most times they wont even sit eggs. $50.00 IMO is alot of money for any pair of pigeon. A nice pair of fantails should be 10 bux.

 

[puredelite]

RareFeathers, Capuchines are a beautiful breed that is similar to Jacobines if you are familiar with them. Jacobines are a small breed and Capuchines are just a little bigger. They have a ruff of feathers on each side of their neck up to the top of the head. Fancy looking birds. All pigeons have increased in price in the last few years so hard to say what if $50 is pricy where you are. Fantails are a nice breed and are usually quite easy to tame.

 

[larrylofts]

If You Want Really Tame Birds .start Hand Feeding Them When They Are Young And Handle Them All The Time. Raised A Brunner Pouter That We Showed Could Take Her Out At The Shows And Walk Around With Sittng On Our Shoulder

 

[Teach97]

$50 for a good pair of cappuchines...yup paid that and it was well worth it. Birds came from a lineage that held national champions...for just regular cappuchines no way. Same goes for fantails...great birds from great lines are well worth that money...normal pet quality never...so trying to tell you a price is impossible

I have all of these breeds...and a few others...I don't really see any major differences...I keep all of mine so that they can't fly away and are protected from predators...

I have seen many breeds raised so that they would ride around on a shoulder...my oldest boy had a roller that would do that...wouldn't come near me but he came in and it was on his shoulder

 

[LAseramas KP]

i had pigeons for a long time now i would say now matter what breed dont let them out for at least a month in a half so they can get use to the place and yes they will fly off even if they cant fly that well.

 

[RareFeathers]

The capuchines are very much a rare breed here, and the ones offered are top quality. how are capuchines? temperament wise, willingness to stick around, etc. what breed would be a good step up from fantails? and which are easier to breed, indian fantails or american/UK fantails? i was also wondering about croppers, so the same questions for the capuchines, but on croppers please