Pigeon Talk

[biophiliac]

View attachment 2118879View attachment 2118880
Warm weathers finally here! I'm going to have some climbing plant grow on that lattice thing to give them some shade and keep the hutch part cooler. Probably morning glories and I'll be vigilant about getting rid of any seeds before they fall into the aviary.

@biophiliac did your hen (I think) with the pulled out tail grow hers back yet? Mine had his fill in a few weeks ago as seen in the picture but I forgot to take a picture earlier

I like your trellis idea, you are good to your birdies! And yes, #743, now Harriet has a nearly complete tail. It started growing back within a week - for which I am grateful. She doesn't seem traumatized by the incident.

Hey guys, how many weeks old do you think a squab should be before I start taking it out of the nest, to hand tame it? And also, how should I go about doing it? Should I stay in the sight of mom and dad and stay in the aviary? Should I pet it or just hold it in my hand for a little bit? I can't believe how big they get so quick! He's already around twice the size of my budgies and he's less than a week old. Crazy!

I think I usually start to handle them around the time they are banded? At first I just gently hold them for a short time, and visit them often once their eyes are open so they habituate to you as just a harmless part of their world. As they develop more you can interact more. Just use your good judgement. If you have room in the aviary and are comfortable in there, that sounds like a good place. My birds don't seem to care if I take their babies for awhile, but I can't guarantee yours will be as tolerant.

 

[biophiliac]

I have my fingers crossed too!

I'm debating pulling it from the parents when it's older to finish handfeeding it so that it's friendly. The parents are pretty skittish and I'd like the baby to not be that way.

Any update?

 

[cavemanrich]

Probably morning glories and I'll be vigilant about getting rid of any seeds before they fall into the aviary.

I understand your concern,,,,,, so here is an IDEA. Plant some beans, and train them up some strings that you would attach to your trellis. I also suggest a planter at base, filled with good potting soil. This way you can water, and fertilize, and those beans will grow really well, and fast.
After summer, when growing stops, just rip vines off and resume next spring.

 

[Pyxis]

Any update?

He is adorable His eyes are open and I rebanded him and it stayed on. I'm holding him daily for awhile. He doesn't seem bothered by me.

 

[backyard pigeons]

I understand your concern,,,,,, so here is an IDEA. Plant some beans, and train them up some strings that you would attach to your trellis. I also suggest a planter at base, filled with good potting soil. This way you can water, and fertilize, and those beans will grow really well, and fast.
After summer, when growing stops, just rip vines off and resume next spring.

I like that idea. Get purple pole beans if you want some color.

 

[memphis]

Pyxis...sounds like the baby is doing well! Keep socializing him & I'll bet he ends up friendly despite his parents!! Of course now you owe us pics!!

 

[biophiliac]

Pyxis...sounds like the baby is doing well! Keep socializing him & I'll bet he ends up friendly despite his parents!! Of course now you owe us pics!!

Yes, @Pyxis you owe us more pics!

 

[Bdg1104]

Day 7. Getting nice and big and healthy! Mom and dad don't seem to mind me taking him out for a couple minutes.

 

[Bdg1104]

Does anyone have swings in their loft or aviary? I was thinking of constructing a couple out of rope and branches. Wondering if they will enjoy it or if they would get freaked out by the movement. I know some people have them for chickens so I'm curious what you guys think!

 

[biophiliac]

Does anyone have swings in their loft or aviary? I was thinking of constructing a couple out of rope and branches. Wondering if they will enjoy it or if they would get freaked out by the movement. I know some people have them for chickens so I'm curious what you guys think!

Interesting question! My guess is that they will ignore it, unless they have a good reason to land on it and learn to balance. For example, if you place a desirable treat where it can only be reached from the swing, then I think they would learn to use it to get the treat. I don't think they will be freaked. Lol Why don't you try the experiment?