I have a pigeon that has joined my hens !

[Buckeye Amy]

Have you thought about reaching out to your local pigeon clubs to see if anyone could help you out?

 

[lisette30]

Have you thought about reaching out to your local pigeon clubs to see if anyone could help you out?

 

[lisette30]

There are no "pigeon clubs" close to me in Muncie, Indiana, but, I have reached out to a local hunting club. I don't know.

 

[Old_Strain_Lover]

Just a quick question. About a week ago, a pigeon just flew in and joined my flock of Brahma hens. The bird eats their food, dust bathes with them, follows them around all day, joins them in the coop at night, etc. The bird has NO BANDS on its feet. I know *nothing* about pigeons. Can anyone help with the breed/sex of this pigeon ? Also, is the Purina Omega chicken feed ok for this bird or do I need to provide something else ? Also, is this common ? It's kind of cute for me, and the girls tolerate the addition, but, they let the bird know it's place for sure, LOL.

It's just a common feral pigeon... no particular breed. It's a young bird from this year... a fairly recent hatch. I don't know if I would say it's a common thing to happen, but as a general rule, young pigeons are pretty curious and if they are alone they will definitely be looking for some "buddies". If you want to keep the pigeon, then yes that feed is fine for the most part. I would also at least give it some wild bird food or scratch feed... the layer feed alone will be too much calcium in the long run so you would need to dilute that down with some seeds/grains. As far as the sex... it's hard to say as it's a very young bird, but it does kind of look like it has some hen qualities.

 

[lisette30]

It's just a common feral pigeon... no particular breed. It's a young bird from this year... a fairly recent hatch. I don't know if I would say it's a common thing to happen, but as a general rule, young pigeons are pretty curious and if they are alone they will definitely be looking for some "buddies". If you want to keep the pigeon, then yes that feed is fine for the most part. I would also at least give it some wild bird food or scratch feed... the layer feed alone will be too much calcium in the long run so you would need to dilute that down with some seeds/grains. As far as the sex... it's hard to say as it's a very young bird, but it does kind of look like it has some hen qualities.

Thank-you so much ! This is a big help. I'll get some wild bird seed to supplement her feed and I'll take photos of her later if she sticks around to confirm her sex. Thank-you so much again.

 

[backyard pigeons]

I'll take photos of her later if she sticks around to confirm her sex.

We can guess, but it's behaviour more than appearance that gives away then gender.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Also, I sprinkle the hems and their coop with diatomaceous earth on a regular basis. I guess I need to grab the pigeon now too.

My local friend also use DE... and still has to treat for lice etc... it's completely ineffective in my area due to the humidity.. a real false sense of security for so many who use it.

https://the-chicken-chick.com/the-cut-dry-truth-about-diatomaceous/

https://the-chicken-chick.com/diatomaceous-earth-de-benefitrisk/

https://the-chicken-chick.com/raising-chickens-naturally-diatomaceous/

Anyways, it's pretty clear I'm in the anti DE group.. We all have reasons we do what we do... and no two situations or environments is exactly the same.

Good luck and best wishes, thank you for sharing!

 

[biophiliac]

Also, I sprinkle the hems and their coop with diatomaceous earth on a regular basis. I guess I need to grab the pigeon now too.

I wouldn't do the DE on your pigeon friend. It might get into his lungs and that can be harmful. A quick spray with permethrin should eliminate any mites or lice if he has them. Also, pigeons do not need the higher protein mentioned for game birds, 11% to 16% is fine.
Edit - Unlike chickens, pigeons prefer to bathe in water. She will love a bath pan once a week or so.