Pigeon Talk

[Serin]

 

[memphis]

Wow...what a night Serin. Thankfully all the birds were ok. And how nice that the neighbor called. Olive loves you!

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

because things are never easy..

Last night I got a call from a concerned neighbor of the house where the aviary is at that all of my birds were screeching and thrashing in the enclosure. So at midnight, in the rain, I rushed over. There was a large rat inside which bolted down a burrow when it saw me, and birds going every which way. It had dug a burrow in under the wire even though its buried a full foot down. We never have had rats before but new neighbors across the road who just toss open sacs of garbage out in the alley have clearly brought them in.

The fertile pigeon egg was cracked in the chaos though she remained brooding it. She must have been dusturbed by other birds fumbling into her nest and stepped on it in the dark trying to defend it. Rowan was also standing in the nest when normally he roosted on the edge.

It was not safe to leave the birds out. A rat can easily kill a parakeet or maul a pigeon. I caught up all 18 present birds and took them home.

I took both eggs and she continued to sit at the house. But this morning its very apparent the fertile one was not salvageable and the second egg is not fertile. So the clutch is a loss.

But all of the birds are okay. They had a nice week outside at least.

Thankfully none were eaten.

And they'll probably lay more eggs. But ill have to decide if I want to let them hatch any while they're indoors.

Olive has been very affectionate sitting on my shoulder and seems like she missed me this past week.

Rowan has no manners and promotly knocked over a lamp coming out today.

But I love him anyway.

At least all your birds are safe. Thank goodness for that neighbor. Rats will come out during the day as well so if you plan on putting them back you should set up some traps. I hope olive lays more eggs. I gasped and ran to tell my SO the ghastly news.

 

[Serin]

At least all your birds are safe. Thank goodness for that neighbor. Rats will come out during the day as well so if you plan on putting them back you should set up some traps. I hope olive lays more eggs. I gasped and ran to tell my SO the ghastly news.

I've decided this was a failed venture. They aren't going back out. This was never an issue before and I would not forgive myself if the birds were hurt! A 5 day old egg is one thing.

 

[Serin]

I was able to return the terrible pet playpen to Amazon after all, I was surprised but they took it back with glue all over it.. but if anyone can afford to do so they can I guess. They even picked it up today as soon as the truck was gone the refund was in my bank account.

So I just placed a new order on Chewy.com for a 48" x 30" x 32" dog crate for the pigeons new indoor quarters, because I know they wont break that! Olive's original cage (which I had since taken apart and connected with my budgie's cage to make a double length flight cage) was 30" long x 34" tall x just 18" wide and Rowan could barely flap his wings in there. So this will be more comfortable for him for sure. Using two offers from the company a $77 order came down to $50 and that is a quarter or less of what an indoor bird cage that size retails for. That company must take a loss on their sales, I don't know how they are in business but I recommend them for any pet supplies because the prices and customer service are unbeatable.

I was planning to have the birds out of the house for the time being before the rat incident and we were doing some minor house renovations, so the pigeons are cooped up in one of my small spare cages for the next couple days until the new housing comes, but they don't seem to mind. I found a pet bed big enough for both to sit in, and they have been snuggling most of the day.

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

I was able to return the terrible pet playpen to Amazon after all, I was surprised but they took it back with glue all over it.. but if anyone can afford to do so they can I guess. They even picked it up today as soon as the truck was gone the refund was in my bank account.

So I just placed a new order on Chewy.com for a 48" x 30" x 32" dog crate for the pigeons new indoor quarters, because I know they wont break that! Olive's original cage (which I had since taken apart and connected with my budgie's cage to make a double length flight cage) was 30" long x 34" tall x just 18" wide and Rowan could barely flap his wings in there. So this will be more comfortable for him for sure. Using two offers from the company a $77 order came down to $50 and that is a quarter or less of what an indoor bird cage that size retails for. That company must take a loss on their sales, I don't know how they are in business but I recommend them for any pet supplies because the prices and customer service are unbeatable.

I was planning to have the birds out of the house for the time being before the rat incident and we were doing some minor house renovations, so the pigeons are cooped up in one of my small spare cages for the next couple days until the new housing comes, but they don't seem to mind. I found a pet bed big enough for both to sit in, and they have been snuggling most of the day.

I havent personally had much experience with Chewy but we did use 1800petmeds for our dog and cat. They even included a dog treat in the box and a voucher for wine. The dog got the treat and my sister got the wine. Both were very happy.
Im sure they are very happy to be alive after that ordeal and considering what happened...well...what happens in a small cage STAYS in a small cage .

 

[memphis]

" What happens in a small cage stays in a small cage"...LOL!

I'm disappointed we didn't get pics of them in their new double bed.

 

[CCUK]

Ash's babies. 10 days old and a clean bed!

What colour do you think they'll be?!

 

[CCUK]

And a couple of the fancy pants fantails!

 

[biophiliac]

Ash's babies. 10 days old and a clean bed!
View attachment 1878440
What colour do you think they'll be?!

I can't tell yet, especially by photo which doesn't always represent the true color...should be clear pretty soon though when the feathers start to unfurl. The one in back looks to be definite blue but the one in front, ... ?

And a couple of the fancy pants fantails!
View attachment 1878443 View attachment 1878444

So pretty! The difference from when you got them is obvious. They are showing their true selves under your care. These birds are in heaven - the new loft will be icing on the cake for them.
Can't remember where I saw them referred to as 'chicos' (maybe on this thread? ) by racing folks who use them as droppers. The clean feet make them easier care than other fantails.