Newbie Questions about pigeons

[TK Poultry]

Ok so I've not even had my pigeons for a week now and they are doing just fine but I don't know a whole lot about them. All I knew was I've been wanting them since I saw some at a poultry show. Ok so here are my questions

I am feeding them 20% Grower Finisher just like my chickens and ducks is that ok?

Can I give them water in a poultry waterer?

If I put in a pie pan with water in it will they use it for bathing?

How long will it take them to pair up?

After they pair up how long will it take them to lay their first batch of eggs?

How long will it take them to hatch out babies?

How does the baby raising process work?

 

[cochinGurl]

1. chicken food will do in a pinch, but you realy should try to get some real pigeon food from your local grain store.
2. some people say a poultry water dish is to easy to get their droppings in, but if you clean it quite frequently, it should work...how many birds do you have?
3. as for that pie pan, i would use something sturdier, as they will most likely stand on the edge and tip it over.
4. depending on the individuals, it can be love at first sight, or it may take sevral weeks.
5. pigeon eggs take an avarage of 18 days to hatch.
6. the parent pigeons will both be doing a lot of work. Baby pigeons are fed on a protean rich substance known as pigeon milk. its not realy milk because it doesnt have any lactose, but its production is stimulated by prolactin, the same hormone that stimulates milk production in mamels. It builds up in the crop, then is regugitated for the babies. ok, im too layZ to write the rest, so heres a link http://www.pigeonsandracingpigeons.com/pigeon-breeding-cycle

good luck with you birds and have fun!
-cochingurl

 

[TK Poultry]

I just have a pair.

I haven't been to the feedstore this week so I will take a look.

What would you recommend for them for bathing?

I also have a couple of other questions lol!

If I keep rabbits and pigeons will one make the other sick? I haven't asked Mom yet but I also have the urge to get some rabbits as well. Even though I breed and show Ameraucanas and Call Ducks and I just got a new puppy and these pigeons.

and can anyone tell me what color these are? I had another thread but didn't really get many answers

I think this is the female

and I think this is the male

Sorry they are a bit dirty I had just brought them home in this picture....

 

[cochinGurl]

for bathing, well, mine are a bit spoiled. I sometimes actualy let them take a bath in my bathtub with warm water, lol so cute.

but only as a treat. usualy i let them bathe in a large (but low rimmed) plastic tote, but even an overturned garbage can lid would work. as long as its heavy enough that it wont tip over when they stand on the side.
so about the rabbits: do you mean you want to house them together? if thats what your saying, its best if you dont. when ever my own pigeons and rabbits come into contact, they fight. also, its possible the rabbits might EAT newborn squabs. they sometimes eat their own newborn babies.

i dont know a lot about collors and genetics, but my guess is pied something? lol good luck with your birds.

 

[TK Poultry]

No I just mean on the same property but not in the same cage.... I plan on just keeping my pigeons in pairs so I can learn genetics better....

 

[GLBRWyans]

Quote:
Howdy , I raise pigeons and use bath salts for my birds . Foy's Pigeon or New England pigeon supplies sells it . It helps keep mites off and helps keep nice plummage . I don't know about rabbits and their diseases , but to be on the safe side keep their feeding and water supplies separate . Chickens and pigeons can share diseases for sure . Pigeons will drink their bath water so be sure to get something that will not harm them . Get pigeon pellets and stay away from chops or scratch . Make sure they have grit also . I use crushed oyster shell . Dampness is their biggest enemy . Please feel free to ask me any questions you may have . I raise Indian fantails , Modenas , Homers and satinettes .

Clean fresh water everyday and make sure they can't poop in the watering unit you use . For treats you can buy popcorn and green peas at the grocery store , they like those .

 

[TK Poultry]

Quote:
Howdy , I raise pigeons and use bath salts for my birds . Foy's Pigeon or New England pigeon supplies sells it . It helps keep mites off and helps keep nice plummage . I don't know about rabbits and their diseases , but to be on the safe side keep their feeding and water supplies separate . Chickens and pigeons can share diseases for sure . Pigeons will drink their bath water so be sure to get something that will not harm them . Get pigeon pellets and stay away from chops or scratch . Make sure they have grit also . I use crushed oyster shell . Dampness is their biggest enemy . Please feel free to ask me any questions you may have . I raise Indian fantails , Modenas , Homers and satinettes .

Clean fresh water everyday and make sure they can't poop in the watering unit you use . For treats you can buy popcorn and green peas at the grocery store , they like those .

What colors do I have?

 

[cowgirl11]

As Mary of Exeter stated you have an ash-red grizzle and ash-red check splash.

 

[TK Poultry]

Quote:
I just read that.... thanks.... I asked in the other but can you give me the genetics behind them and can someone confirm I have a pair because they were either fighting intensly or doing something kind of intense last night