i love pigeons

[birdking11]

it all started about 2 years ago when i caught a guys pigeon that he let out because he couldnt keep them any more so i had 1 single male i eventually found a female at a bird swap they were a great pair they hatched out two babies but my blue eared phesants killed and ate them. then about a year ago i got a pair of white pigeons they also raised 2 but the nest broke and they fell and died. sounds like bad luck but im still trying and now ive got 4 faintail pigeons white. and a pair of regular whites and grey homers. im on the pigeon craze.

 

[chicmom]

Unfortunately, sometimes that's who you learn.....trial and error. I would get a good pigeon care book or look up pigoen care on the web, so this time, you'll be prepared for ANYTHING!

I think pigeons are pretty. I've seen so many really amazing looking breeds of pigeons. I understand why you like them.

Good luck with your new pigeons!
Sharon

 

[birdking11]

thanks ill take that in to considerance do u know where i can get a book like that do u think they have them at lowes

 

[Faith SL]

Birdking11, the Barron's Pigeons Pet Owners Manuel is a great book for beginners who are interested in keeping pigeons but are just learning about the care requirements needed. The book gives easy-to-follow information about proper housing, nests, feed, signs of disease, and a small amount of information on some of the different breeds of pigeons available.

I would highly recommend it for starters: http://www.amazon.com/Pigeons-Compl...F8&qid=1341850680&sr=8-1&keywords=pigeon+care

Unfortunately I do not know of any good intermediate books on keeping pigeons which are available, but if later you want to learn more advanced knowledge containing specifics on the characteristics of different breeds of pigeons and also learn about pigeon genetics, Wendell Levi's two books make a wonderful reference.

Encyclopedia of Pigeon Breeds by Wendell M. Levi:
http://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-...51192&sr=1-1&keywords=encyclopedia+of+pigeons

The Pigeon by Wendell M. Levi:
http://www.amazon.com/Pigeon-Wendel...51192&sr=1-3&keywords=encyclopedia+of+pigeons

When you say the pigeon nest your white pigeons built broke... what type of nesting situation did they have to build in? Generally each pair of pigeons which you wish to let breed and nest are given a box, shelf or compartment in which to nest. Pigeons are usually not good nest builders and need a box, wooden box nest or a flat surface or compartment with a nest bowl to build a place which is sturdy and will contain their young. A racing pigeon fancier I know uses cardboard banana boxes for his fosters and extra pairs of birds. He securely stacks the boxes on top of each other in a corner of the loft (making absolute sure that they will not topple over) and cuts a doorway out of the side of each box - each box is claimed by a pair of pigeons, and the holes in the banana boxes help give more ventilation. This is one of the most cost efficient ways to give your birds a nest, just remember to replace each box with a fresh, new one after each round of youngsters has been raised to maintain a cleaner environment. You can usually find banana boxes at your local grocery store or supermarket - just ask one of the produce guys if they have any empty boxes available.

That is one of the most cost efficient ways I know of, but the way I prefer is to make large compartments in a loft for each pair of birds to occupy. Nest compartments can measure about 17" deep, 24" wide, 18" high. I tend to build my compartments a little larger for more space per pair. Each compartment has wooden dowels or wire on the front so the birds can see out, wooden floor or wire floor with a tray underneath, a sliding or swinging door which can be opened and closed to allow the pair free access to the loft or to keep them in, and sometimes an added food and water container per compartment. If breeding multiple pairs in a loft, some may not be faithful to each other and you may have to lock specific pairs in their compartment for a little over a week or until the hen lays her next batch of eggs or until the 'cheating' problem is resolved with other pairs.

The pictures below are not from my lofts but show what type of compartment/nesting arrangements could be set up.





In terms of nesting, different types of pigeon nest bowls can be purchased from pigeon supply businesses such as Foy's or Jedds. All different types of nest bowls are available - it is really your personal preference as to which one you want for your birds. The plastic weave or 'airluxe' nest bowls work great in the summer to provide a sturdy nest which is well-ventilated and which will not overheat the chicks during hot days. For colder months, Belgium nest bowls with a nest pad in the bottom and a lot of warm nesting material works great, however if you want something a little more economical simply buying large, cheap plastic dog food bowls which will not tip over and drilling a few holes in the sides for extra ventilation works great. Simply set the nest bowl in a corner of the nesting compartment and watch the birds build. Any plastic or most stoneware bowls can be washed and re-used after each round of chicks is raised.

Clean nesting materials is a must - do not allow the birds to build with dirty, moldy or muddy materials or you are practically asking for disease. Dry, clean pine needles are a great material and can help deter external parasites, as can dried tobacco stalks rubbed between your hands to help soften them. Straw is okay, but only if it is absolutely clean and dry and if it is rubbed between the hands first - if straw or tobacco stalks are too hard the parents may not be able to manage building with them and broken eggs crushed against the hard materials may be the result. Thin, dry wild grasses collected during summer or fall also make a nice soft material for the nest. Unless a nest pad is in the bottom of the nest, make sure that the birds have access to enough nesting material to build a solid foundation for the chicks to grasp with their feet. If there is not enough nesting material in the bottom of the bowl, the chicks slip around on the bottom trying to gain a solid footing and can easily develop splayed legs, which is definitely not good.

Hope this helps, happy pigeoning!

 

[birdking11]

thankyou ill try it

 

[gunnarwordon]

Pigeon books are actually relatively hard to find.........