Any tips on how to make my birds happier?

[Chookchicken]

Pssst. This is in pigeons and doves. I don't think they want worms and corn. XD

oh, wells that kind of embarrassing

 

[biophiliac]

oh, wells that kind of embarrassing

Love your participation anyway! This is not the first time.

 

[biophiliac]

https://www.menards.com/main/building-materials/fencing/outdoor-dog-kennels/master-paws-reg-6-x-4-x-8-black-kennel-kit/1711668/p-1444430942935.htmThat’s what I’m thinking. I’m planning on building a larger loft (going to use the red rose plans off pigeon.biz) so hopefully once I move all the young birds and a couple pairs of breeders into the new loft there’ll be more room for the captive breeders. They’re got decent room as is, but more is always better, especially more roosting space.

I think the best thing I did for my birds was attach the flight pen to the loft. I used the dog kennel linked below and I'm 200% satisfied with it. I don't use the canopy, instead I covered the top with wire fencing. They love to 'shower in the rain' and just hang out. The space gives them enough room to flutter around quite a bit. They are very happy to stay in all winter when increased hawk pressure precludes free flying.
https://www.menards.com/main/buildi...-black-kennel-kit/1711668/p-1444430942935.htm

 

[biophiliac]

@degunuts - Another advantage of my kennel aviary is it give ME a chance to hang out with them in there with no worries of excess exposure to the pigeon dust which may cause lung disease.
My birds love it most when I sit down cause that's when the peanut treats are handed out.
I don't find that pigeons play with toys but I have been thinking how to put up a mirror. I read somewhere that pigeons like chimpanzees, dolphins, etc, are able to recognize themselves. I would like to see if that's true.

 

[Qwerty3159]

A mirror could be a good choice. Maybe use a magnet on the back of the mirror to stick it to some metal in the loft/aviary.
Mine have played with some toys and some have been snubbed. One of my young birds really loved to carry a fishing bobber around in his beak but eventually got bored of it. Sometimes I’ll put some cut pine branches on the ground which they like to pull all the needles off of. I grew some pole beans along the outside of their aviary this summer and they enjoyed eating/destroying whatever grew through the wire.

 

[biophiliac]

A mirror could be a good choice. Maybe use a magnet on the back of the mirror to stick it to some metal in the loft/aviary.
Mine have played with some toys and some have been snubbed. One of my young birds really loved to carry a fishing bobber around in his beak but eventually got bored of it. Sometimes I’ll put some cut pine branches on the ground which they like to pull all the needles off of. I grew some pole beans along the outside of their aviary this summer and they enjoyed eating/destroying whatever grew through the wire.

Catnip growing outside and through the wire was very popular with my birds last year.

 

[backyard pigeons]

To preface, I think my birds ARE happy, at least, as happy as breeders can be who are away from their home lofts, but I think they could be happier. Should I give them treats or anything? Do y'all have any tips for keeping your birds as happy as they can be? The young birds seem happy and energetic, luckily. Just want some tips for keeping them all the happiest they can!

Good question. For me, my pigeons are happiest when they are HEALTHY and FLYING. But, if these are prisoners you can't do the flying part, you CAN do the HEALTHY part! Focus on health.

My birds get a weekly bath, and if there prisoners, they enjoy millet spray. They're horrible at getting the seeds, and most will be lost, but they enjoy it. Also, a big aviary like already mentioned. Breeding is very time consuming and instinctual for them, so that helps keep them happy.

Pigeons also love raw unsalted peanuts! Give that to them once a week. Also, get a pigeon grit pick spot. It is hardened grit and minerals in a pot that the pigeons pick at to receive a few pieces of grit at a time. There awesome.