how to sex a pigeon and a dove

[lotsofloveforchickens]

I have a homing pigeon that I rescued about a few years ago and it has never laid a egg. I'm not sure if I have feed it the right stuff to help produce a egg or is it a male? it likes to lay on a bread roll that I gave it in its cage is this normal for a male pigeon?

 

[cavemanrich]

Chances are it is a male. You only have one? (I know you rescued)
If you would get an egg without a partner pigeon it would of course not hatch anything.
One way to see if you have a male;;;; You would have to bring in a known male into cage. (from someone that keeps pigeons)
If they start fighting, it is a confirmed male. Two females are not likely to fight.
If you are going to keep as pet since you rescued, it should not matter M or F.
If you are interested in raising pigeons, then you would need some larger loft facilities to do it successfully. I keep pigeons myself, but currently have none. (long story)
I can answer most of your pigeon questions or direct you to those that can.
WISHING YOU BEST........

 

[lotsofloveforchickens]

Chances are it is a male. You only have one? (I know you rescued)
If you would get an egg without a partner pigeon it would of course not hatch anything.
One way to see if you have a male;;;; You would have to bring in a known male into cage. (from someone that keeps pigeons)
If they start fighting, it is a confirmed male. Two females are not likely to fight.
If you are going to keep as pet since you rescued, it should not matter M or F.
If you are interested in raising pigeons, then you would need some larger loft facilities to do it successfully. I keep pigeons myself, but currently have none. (long story)
I can answer most of your pigeon questions or direct you to those that can.
WISHING YOU BEST........

I was just wondering. I thought it was a male all along but wanted to know for sure. do you know how to get him to stop attacking my hand every time I go to feed or water him. I want him to like me . it's hard to open his door without him coming after me. I don't want him to get out of cage when I go to give him something. I have to let him attack one hand while I'm giving him stuff with the other hand. any thoughts?

 

[cavemanrich]

That involves pigeon psychology. I think it is a gesture of friendship or dominance??? I have came across that questions in some of the postings from the pigeon forum. Just cant recall which posting it was.
It was answered to the best of that persons knowledge/opinion. If you read thru the pigeon postings, there is a lot of interesting info and fun facts there.
Your option is to wear a glove if it hurts.
Pigeons are not friendly to handle like doves. Doves are smaller and friendlier to people than pigeons. They are also much more suited to confinement in cages. Pigeons prefer larger lofts and free flight. Afterwards the like to return (if trained, and homeset) to their home loft. Doves , once let loose, do not return.