Can I put some Pigeons in with my Chickens?

[Joe.G]

I Plan to get 2 Guinea Hens, 1 Rooster and 9 Chickens of assorted kinds. I am new to this. I have a Rabbit Hutch Built for two rabbits off the front, I had Pigeons as akid and would like to get two, Can they go in the same coop? Can they eat the same foods? Thanks a lot

 

[Tippler]

I see you posted this elsewhere in regards to Peafowl. Really with all these birds someone is going to be sick or injured.
I suppose if you build your loft large enough you could be okay. The Peafowl alone should be in a 10'x10'+
Sure they can all eat the same food but I would not recommended keeping them together. The only reason zoos get away with this is 1. they have very large pens. 2. They only put animals which share the same requirements.

The Rooster can get the Pigeons, the Peafowl could go after the Chickens. ext.

If you must keep some together I would do two pens.
One for the Peafowl and Guinea and the other for the Pigeons and chickens.
Make them both large!

 

[Joe.G]

Sorry for the confusion I do not plan on getting all of these birds, Just looking into option on birds that could be kept with my Chickens if I do Decide to add some. I do Plan to make an addition to my coop or build another.

 

[Sumatra503]

I have had no problems with keeping pigeons and chickens together. I have two coups which they have their choice of. One is equipped with special pigeon perches, the other just has the basic chicken perches. My pen is 40x20 and each coup is 10x10. I haven't had problems with either bird getting sick, nor have i had problems with my roosters attacking and injuring the pigeons.

The key is space and not overcrowding them. Pigeons are weaker and have no defenses against a large rooster and both pigeons and chickens maintain territories. Having a large enough space will help to prevent disputes over territory and places to sleep. Be sure there are places above the ground where the pigeons can get away if they need to. I've found that my pigeons and chickens don't even bother each other unless it's time to eat.

Pigeons and chickens can eat the same foods without much trouble. All of my birds, even the quail, are fed a 16% protein all purpose poultry ration, both Albers and Payback carry a similar ration. Layer pellets and scratch grains don't hurt either, since occasionally I am forced to switch feeds. I have not had a problem, even with breeding pairs when I feed these rations.

Be sure to feed in a large enough area that everyone can get enough to eat. The chickens tend to push the pigeons away from the feed if there isn't enough room. Feed in two different places to avoid problems.

Anything else you want to know.

 

[Joe.G]

I figured I d Put the Pigeon food up a little higher and make some higher Perches as well for them.