Pigeon Questions

[JoJo 95]

Ok, so one of my friends just told me he has a pair of mixed pigeons I could have for school. His flock is composed of good homers and squabbers. I have never raised pigeons before and I have alot of questions so just bear with me. He's been raising pigeons for almost thirty years but he is too busy to give me much info because he works alot.

1. Can I inbreed to get a small flock from this one pair?
2. How big does a single pair pen need to be?
3. How big do my nest boxes need to be.
4. Can I feed them chicken layer feed mixed with bird seed?
5. Can they be housed with my broilers until I build a coop?

Thanks. I may add more questions as I go.

 

[JoJo 95]

I need some answers soon because tomorrow is the only day he can get them to me until november

 

[Mary Of Exeter]

1. Inbreeding in pigeons is the same as other animals. It is fine to a certain extent. Sometimes you never see a problem, and sometimes the family can barely handle much inbreeding without problems. It just depends on what evil recessive traits are lingering in their gene pool

You should be fine though, but if you can get some new blood to add in later, it will be beneficial.
2. Our individual breeding cages are about the size of a rabbit hutch, and some a little smaller. Gives enough room for a perch, food, water, and two nest bowls so they can lay again more quickly (sometimes they won't even wait until the babies are weaned before laying in the same nest, so having two bowls will keep them from dropping eggs in with the babies).
3. Our nest boxes are about 14in. square. We have some bigger and some smaller, but these seem to work just fine with our birds.
4. Yes.
5. Yes, as long as the pigeons have their own perching space so they can get away from the chickens. You don't want them crowded on the roost sticks or you may get some fights, haha. It'll be less stressful for everyone. If you see fighting over the food and water, then adding another set will help spread everyone out and keep them at peace.

 

[JoJo 95]

Does anyone know how to make a single pair pen with a white plastic barrel?

 

[Bossroo]

Good idea, if you want cooked squab !!!

 

[JoJo 95]

I found some really good items that would make a perfect single pair pen.
An old small dresser 19" deep, 34" tall, 24" long, a 10 foot roll of 2' chicken wire, and some milk crates to use as nests. I left the back on and made some adjustments to get it like a big box. then i took off one side of the dresser and put it in the front so that I would be something like a rabbit hutch. Now I would like to know, how could I place the nest box so that it would be easy for me and the pigeons to get to?

 

[Mader631]

Get plastic Milk Crates..........they work fine & easy to use.... I tip my grates bottoms srewed to a wall & the open end straight out.......

....

I add a botton to the milk grates & an edge, so the young don't fall out..........simple, easy & this works, Old Pigeon racers use this method also, it's proven.