Pigeon care basics? What are basic pigeon housing requirements?

[NatJ]

It's probably a little over 3 feet long, with the interior height of the wire part being about 16 inches. The width might be 18," but I'm less sure about that. Total height from garage floor to top of cage is probably a bit over 3 feet.

(I am assuming the wire mesh on the side has 1" by 2" holes, because that is a very common size of wire for making rabbit cages and similar things. So I counted holes in the nearest side, and guessed the rest of the scale from there.)

 

[black_cat]

It's probably a little over 3 feet long, with the interior height of the wire part being about 16 inches. The width might be 18," but I'm less sure about that. Total height from garage floor to top of cage is probably a bit over 3 feet.

(I am assuming the wire mesh on the side has 1" by 2" holes, because that is a very common size of wire for making rabbit cages and similar things. So I counted holes in the nearest side, and guessed the rest of the scale from there.)

Shoot. Very good logic on your part, but also very small.

 

[backyard pigeons]

View attachment 2297879
Loft contender #3. Only 45$. dimensions unknown.

looks a bit small. But cute! I would go for the other one though.

 

[black_cat]

So far, we have these 2 contenders:
#1
Actual loft, made for pigeons
Dimensions: 4'x3', not including aviary.
Price: $300
Location: 2.5 hours round trip

#2
Rabbit hutch for rabbits, needs modifications.
Dimensions: unknown
Price: $25
Location: 2 hours round trip

Edit: i forgot the one i'd possibly build! i'll get back to that with plans in a sec. I have them on paper but not digital.

 

[NatJ]

#2
Rabbit hutch for rabbits, needs modifications.
Dimensions: unknown
Price: $25
Location: 2 hours round trip
View attachment 2297931

That looks like 1/2 inch hardware cloth. You might be able to zoom in and count the squares to find some of the dimensions.

Without bothering to count, I'm guessing about 3 feet total height (1 foot under the house, 2 feet of house.) That would make the house about 2 feet long, the wire front part 3 or maybe 4 feet long, and the width 2 or 3 feet. Those guesses are assuming the builder liked whole-foot measurements.

It looks like it could be a good choice, but I suggest you ask the seller for measurements if you think you want it--measurements are sure to be more accurate than guesses from a picture!

 

[black_cat]

males will coo, dance, and have some green and purple shine through on its neck. The hens can have the same, but usually not as distinct. Hens are usually smaller than males,and usually quiter. It can take a bit of practice, but you will get it. I would recommend getting a hen, if at all possible. since we don't know the gender of yours, a hen would be better. As for hens will get along better than two males. And a hen and a male will get along fine as well.

As far as stopping breeding goes, you need to get some fake pigeon eggs and when they lay eggs replace the real with the fake. They will sit and when they don't hatch, give up.

Different breeds get along fine together, so go for it!
do a 3 by 3 loft, and then once you are able bump out a 3 by 3 aviary. that's what i would do atleats.

The more space the better for the aviary.

Yes, there are very few diseases that pigeons can pass to chickens, and vice versa. so it is fine.



If you want a bigger loft for cheap, take apart pallets. They are free pretty much everywhere, and work great once taken apart. I made a 6×8 walk in pigeon loft 99% out of pallet wood. I pretty much had a new hobby for about six months,,, Taking apart pallets. But, if I wanted a coop, i was going I need to do it, so I did it! The total came out to be about $200 ...not to bad considering it's size! View attachment 2297813View attachment 2297814View attachment 2297815View attachment 2297816

The Windows were free out of a dumpster too!

Would you be able to recognize a male vs female from a picture? Pigeon has mostly just sat quietly without making any noise.

 

[tacothechicken]

So sweet looking! No you can't it's generally behavior based, once the bird is adjusted a male will 'strut' and bow coo to claim territory and let other pigeons know he's the boss, hens are much quieter and more shy until you get in their space and earn a wing slap or nip, but they don't go at you full force like a male will. If you're bird grew up in a loft it's whole life it may have a hard time setting in without another bird. I sold all my Homer flock of 30+ and kept one fancy bird I was given free. He was depressed and silent for the 3 straight months till I could buy more birds, moment they came home he pepped up! Another bird won't impact your bond as pigeons bond with a mate can still hang out and socialize with others, if they feel your bothering them they'll let you know. I kept my pairs in 2*4 rabbit cages for 3 months while moving, I have figuritas wich are half the size of a Homer so a 2*4 would probably be fine temporarily for a single bird who got let out frequently, I got it for like 45$ on Amazon

 

[tacothechicken]

Lol I currently use it for a prairie dog, ignore the mess

 

[black_cat]

Lol I currently use it for a prairie dog, ignore the mess
View attachment 2298665

Yes, ours has mostly been sitting on it's roost that we made. I will be going down to friend's house and we are moving pigeon out of cat carrier and into dog crate. Thoughts on using sand on the floor? I've watched a few pigeon care videos and one of them suggested it. I'm also a bit concerned that ours isn't drinking enough water. We have it readily available to it and the water is deep enough for drinking, but there is not much drinking going on.

 

[tacothechicken]

@black_cat sand is fine but keep in mind pigeons have strong wings and will fling it around, may be easier to do puppy pads wieghted down instead. Sand can also get stinky and muddy if wetted. If you have enough space try a pie pan, pigeons LOVE baths (even in sub zeros) take a pan of water and splash it around, baby may just be drinking when you're not there too, I'm in Texas and the birds are pretty good at temp regulation, I see my birds take a drink once to twice an hr in 95+° so I wouldn't worry, pigeons aren't like parrots in that they're keen on self harm if depressed, they'll eat and drink but won't be overly active or make noise. Baby will settle in eventually, you can tell by a glance that birds not even a year, it has time to learn