Keeping pigeons with roosters?

[MinervaTheHen]

Hello, I posted this on another forum but realized this one might apply more.

So I have three bantam roosters who are just not integrating with my flock. I don’t mean they are aggressive; actually the opposite. They move in a little pack, don’t ‘talk’ much with the other chickens or ducks, and aren’t showing any mating tendencies or normal roo behavior. They really seem to only care about each other.

Unfortunately it’s gotten to the point that I don’t think they’re happy or caring for themselves, as they stay inside the coop all day and don’t look to be getting the enrichment they deserve.

I am going to move them to a new coop (which I would have done anyway, as I don’t want that many roosters in my main flock) but I was wondering if I could pop a few pigeons or doves in too. I really think the roosters would enjoy sharing space with an independent and non-aggressive bird, one that has its own behaviors and routines. I am hesitant to put them in a new coop by themselves because I think they would struggle to have the confidence to go outside/forage/be normal chickens. They absolutely are not mean or territorial. There three are the ONLY roosters I have EVER seen act like this, and honestly, I don’t know what to do with them.

So what do you think? Are pigeons are good option for my socially awkward roosters?

(They are much smaller than the picture below makes them look)

 

[LamarshFish]

Pigeons and chickens don't go well together as a general rule, but there are of course always exceptions. I've heard of folks who integrate them just fine, but I've heard of way more with the opposite experience, most of which result in pigeons getting killed.

Not trying to discourage you, just pointing out you may be facing an uphill battle. Only way to find out is to try it. If you do so, just make sure the pigeons have BOTH perches and nest boxes high enough up that the chickens cannot reach them, as well as enough space for the pigeons to fly away from danger. I'd build a shelf that only the pigeons can access for food, grit and water. If they feel safe I'm sure they'll hit the ground and peck at whatever the chickens peck at and drink from the chicken drinkers, but I think they should have the option to eat and drink safely away from the chickens.

Last, chicken grit is really just a bit too large for pigeons. If you provide pigeons with chicken grit they will likely pick through and get the smaller pieces and manage ok, but I would still try to provide the pigeons with pigeon sized grit in an area the chickens cannot access.

Another step you could take to stack the odds in your favor is to try to get them used to each other first in a manner that does not let them access each other physically.

Best of luck!