I'm interested in...pigeons/doves!

[awesomefowl]

I was reading "Making Pigeons Pay" and am now rather interested in them....are they hard to raise? Can I see photos of yours? Can you keep a pair with chickens? WHat other questions should i have asked?
Thank you! ! !

~ The Queen of all Awesomefowl (not really!)

 

[awesomefowl]

 

[BillQuick]

Pigeons aren't too hard to keep, you'll just need a good loft! I use a couple of places for information on keeping mine. There's a forum called pigeon basics which I like to post on, and a website called pigeons and racing pigeons.

I wouldn't recommend keeping them with your chickens because they have completely different needs and feed. Let me know if there's anything else in particular you want to know and I'll see if I can help!

 

[awesomefowl]

Can I see some photos?
Are they hard to hatch in a incubator? I know I'd have to hand feed....what is the best beginning breed?

 

[arherp]

No, they can not be kept with chickens. It is impossible to even the most experienced breeders to raise a piegon from out of the egg, you must buy a pair of adults to get your start.

http://www.pigeons.biz/forums/ will get your questions answered a little faster/better.

 

[awesomefowl]

I don't know if I can get any, but was just interested in them fom reading the book. What are the best breed of pigeons OR doves to start with? Can I puleeez see some photos?
Thank you for replying!

 

[arherp]

What do you want out of your pigeons? To show them? Fly them? Eat them? Keep Caged? Free Loft? Are you looking to invest a lot of money? How much money? What region of the world are you in? Are you in a wooded area? Grassy area? Suburban area? City area?

 

[abluechipstock]

there are tons of pigeon breeders and tons of breeds to fit your fancy, ones that do acrobats in air, ones who race, ones you eat and a lot that just look pretty, you can usually find them at poultry auctions really cheap, a couple dollars a bird, just make sure they are healthy and quarentine them from your other birds, there's a ton of info on the net, hope you find some that fit you well

 

[awesomefowl]

What about doves? I think they are pretty but don't know anything about them.

 

[Okla-doodle-doo]

Doves are pretty but they do best in individual coops and can not any drafts what so ever! Pigeons are much hardier,and once started will proliferate quickly!Start with an easy breed like rollers(you don't have to fly them if you don't want) ,or if there are kings in your area they would be good to start with. Even homers would. Its a fun hobby but I wouldn't plan on making a business out of it,especially a "meat" supply business.