Basics for House Pigeons

[Birbseeb]

Hello, I'm planning on getting a pair of pigeons as house birds next year-ish, and have been reading and watching a lot of things about pigeon-keeping recently to get an idea of what all I will need. Most of the sources are for loft birds, whereas lots of advice about house birds are geared for parrots, so not sure how well that some of that info carries over... I've had dogs and rats, but this would be my first bird. I've always loved pigeons, so I really want to give mine a good life.

I'd like some advice as to what medicines I should have in a basic health kit, and how often to deworm/delouse a house bird (I assume not as regularly as outdoor loft birds). I've read that a little Borax in their bathwater helps with lice and such, though I've seen pre-bottled 'bird bath salts' for sale as well. What do most people here use?

Also, apparently diet needs to vary by season? There are so many different formulations of pigeon foods out there, I'm a little confused by which would be best for a non-performance pet. Would a mix of pellets with a general seed blend cover most bases? Should it be 50/50 or another ratio?
So many brands of pigeon food seem to come in huge bags, so I hesitate to just experiment.
And what types of vitamin mixes are recommended, and how often. I see there are powder and liquid types; what are the pros and cons for each?

I've seen dog crates, double flight cages, and two-story small animal cages all recommended, and they seem to all have potential to work. If anyone has pictures of their house pigeon's cage setups, and what toys they seem to like, that would also be cool to see.


Thanks for your time.

 

[backyard pigeons]

I'd like some advice as to what medicines I should have in a basic health kit, and how often to deworm/delouse a house bird (I assume not as regularly as outdoor loft birds). I've read that a little Borax in their bathwater helps with lice and such, though I've seen pre-bottled 'bird bath salts' for sale as well. What do most people here use?

You are asking questions that are not asked enough! Great job! you have done some research.

for medicine in a basic health kit, I would recommend getting a simple 4 in 1 powder mix, so it covers a broad spectrum of diseases in one treatment. And for mites, I would get Permethrin . it can be misted on them, or give them a pan of water to bathe in to treat for mites. Once mites are gone, in an indoor bird, they will probably stay gone. Same with diseases. For bird bath salts, regular Epsom salt will do just as good for 1\8 if the price! The bath salts don't help much with mites.

Also, apparently diet needs to vary by season?

yes, it does, especially for outdoor birds. But for a indoor bird, not as much as they won't be in extreme heat it cold. But, I would recommend any general pigeon mix with 12-14% protein, and 3 or 4% fat, but doctor it up as needed. and fiber is a must, something that pellets don't provide enough of, so aim for about 8% fiber.

This will be your staple, but when molting season comes, (typically about September through October) they will need more pellets, as they have the necessary minerals needed to produce strong feathers, as well as a bit more protein. When molting season comes, do 40% pellets, 60% grain.

your grain mix should be about 40% wheat, 20% millet, 10% whole corn, 10% peas, 5% milo, 5% oat groats, 5% white kafir, and 5% buckwheat. The more grains in a mix the better, as any flaw in the nutrients will be more balanced out with more grains.

and grit is essential. All nutrients in the grain will be lost without grit, as they will have no way to digest it. I recommend Mineral grit for them.

And what types of vitamin mixes are recommended, and how often. I see there are powder and liquid types; what are the pros and cons for each?

I like to add minerals in their water. Apple cider vinegar is a amazing immune booster. I add two tablespoons of ACV per gallon of water. It also kills any bacteria that enters in the water, (yes, good and bad bacteria, but more bad bacteria enters than good). I also give rooster booster Vitamins, as well as Probiotics.

My water schedule is this:


Sunday: two tablespoons of ACV
Monday: Probiotics
Tuesday: Two tablespoons of ACV
Wednesday: fresh water
Thursday: rooster booster vitamins
Friday: two tablespoons of ACV
Saturday: fresh water

I hope this helps. Ask anything else you need to know!

 

[Birbseeb]

They're here! :3

 

[Serin]

and grit is essential. All nutrients in the grain will be lost without grit, as they will have no way to digest it. I recommend Mineral grit for them.

Provide grit, but don't worry if they don't eat much.
I keep a cup of mixed grit in my bird's cage, but she hasn't eaten any since I think last July when she laid eggs last and was craving minerals. She's obviously able to digest her food anyway.

 

[Serin]

Yes, the lights are used some. I have never used them though, so I cant give you much advice.

I have never used them, but recently read the benefits and will be ordering one. It may be less important for birds that eat mostly formulated pellets and get regular vitamin D via diet but Olive, though she does eat some pellets, probably isnt getting enough.

 

[Birbseeb]

Here is my current set up. I didn't want to clutter it with too many things.
I got a bird lamp for the top and a toy that has paper shreds in it, since I heard pigeons aren't big on toys but maybe paper bits would be fun for them. Would they eat a millet spray if I put one in the holder, too?

In summer the window will be open most of the day.

 

[backyard pigeons]

I hear you! I had my whole loft built before I got my birds.

Your such a prepared person. I can't say I did it your way. Haha!

 

[Birbseeb]

Husbird and wife will finally be arriving at the end of this month! I hope they like their new home.

 

[cavemanrich]

Let me offer some suggestions:
For an Indoor pet, it is better to get one, rather than 2. I will Tag @Serin , since he keeps one indoors, and is a wealth of info on keeping indoor pigeon. If you choose to keep 2, they do not bond to you personally, like a single. You also will be faced with possible of-springs down the road. If you keep 2 hens, then still no of-springs, but they still may tend to lay eggs. If you keep 2 males, sometimes they are not the friendliest to each other.
Food: a wild bird seed mix would work. Available in smaller quantities than 25 pound bags of pigeon seeds. You would want to provide fresh seeds, so after a stretch of time, get fresh bag, and offer rest of seeds to wild birds outdoors.
I will tag @backyard pigeons , he has feed down pact. Can suggest how you can formulate your own mixes.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and,

 

[cooingdove]

I used to have a house pigeon. (our cat killed her) any way w poor birdie I did not know all this stuff so she just ate birdseed and water sometimes other things she never really got sick but she was probably a bit deficient