Homing pigeons?

[joe17]

Well I have always wanted homing pigeons and want to get a pair of them. I have never raised or owned a pigeon before though. Are homing pigeons friendly? What kind of cage would be best for a pair of them? Is wire flooring best? I have a bunch of 2x3 show conditioning cages. I am also building a raised 6x2 rabbit hutch with wooden flooring. Can they live in that for a while? Can I let them out almost all the time?

 

[ramirezframing]

If you get an adult pair, you can't fly them. But you would be able to fly their babies. My moms fly whenever they want, she has the pop door open for them to go in and out as they please.

 

[Mary Of Exeter]

Yes, adults are better kept as breeders and you can fly their kids. Or you can start out with a couple squeakers. I really advise starting out with a pair though, just in case. That way, if you lose some to hawks, you aren't left pigeon-less. You'll still have the parents to pop out more babies and rebuild your flock. The show conditioning cages would make do as breeding cages (keeping a pair to each cage for them to raise babies in, then move the kids to the loft/larger cage when they are weaned). The rabbit hutch is fine for a few young birds, but you'll want to expand if you are serious about keeping and breeding homers. Once they get breeding age, they'll probably want more room and some space to themselves.



Here is a starter loft that most people build at first. It's a good size and doesn't cost a fortune to build. It'd be great for your flying birds.
http://www.redroselofts.com/starter_loft.htm