Pigeon Talk

[Bdg1104]

Hi Everyone, first post here.

My fiance and I have just bought a place with a few acres out in the country. This means that we can finally look into owning some poultry. Ever since watching a documentary on racing pigeons, i'd decided i'd like to have some at some point. Though i'm in the Midwest, and the're really aren't too many people interested in pigeons here.

I've tried to do some research, but seem to be having some issues finding info. Would someone be able to point me in the right direction for some research material for someone looking into pigeons? Stuff like coop design, feeding, training, where to find breeding pairs, etc. I've looked at the articles on here, but there are only a couple short ones.

I'm not planning showing or racing, so i'm not too concerned about pedigree or something like that, but I would love to find a "show flight pigeon" I found the domestic show flight pigeon on a google search and would love to find some birds similar.



Thanks!

If you aren't worried about pedigree, as others said I would check Facebook or craigslist in your area. If you don't have any pigeon breeders nearby, I recommend looking at the "palomacy" rescue group. I was able to find 5 pigeons in my area through it and a few are pretty fancy show breeds. You may get lucky and find a few rescues nearby. They are very nice people but firmly against breeding, which is understandable. I did not adopt directly from palomacy, just through their group and the people I rescued from were ok with me breeding them. Plus, you'd be giving them a home! Animal rescues and wildlife shelters are also great and they'll occasionally get domestics in. There is also the option of shipping birds, though that is less desirable. There are pigeon breeders who will ship and also rescues who will ship.

As for research, I find its very hard to get specific information about pigeons online and your best bet is to order some books ASAP. Most of the time when you Google a question you'll either get a very vague answer or an article from a pest control company comes up haha. This group is also a great resource and we love answering questions.

 

[WVduckchick]

Welcome @NBraun !
Others have given great suggestions. You may also check your state (or neighboring states) threads here on BYC.
Here’s an auction site that you might find some unusual breeds, and some common breeds.
http://fancypigeonauction.com/cgi-bin/auction/auction.pl

Foy’s Supplies is one of my favorite for supplies, meds, etc. They sell live birds too.
https://foyspetsupplies.com/

Check out the NPA National Pigeon Association website too!

 

[biophiliac]

@NBraun I did most of my research online before I got my birds. There is tons of useful info there but it takes time to find and there are so many different ways to do things that you have to figure out what will work best for you and your birds.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=maney+lofts+youtube
Above links are some YT pigeon content you might find interesting.

 

[Qwerty3159]

Get yourself a set of measuring spoons and and just use a half dose to a half gallon of water. On a side note... you aren't planning on using that now are you? I think I saw you just had babies hatch recently. Not a good idea to use medications when they are feeding babies unless absolutely necessary.

Good catch! It came in the mail the other day but I'm waiting to use it until they're done feeding.

 

[NBraun]

Thanks everyone for the help! I appreciate it!

If you aren't worried about pedigree, as others said I would check Facebook or craigslist in your area. If you don't have any pigeon breeders nearby, I recommend looking at the "palomacy" rescue group. I was able to find 5 pigeons in my area through it and a few are pretty fancy show breeds. You may get lucky and find a few rescues nearby. They are very nice people but firmly against breeding, which is understandable. I did not adopt directly from palomacy, just through their group and the people I rescued from were ok with me breeding them. Plus, you'd be giving them a home! Animal rescues and wildlife shelters are also great and they'll occasionally get domestics in. There is also the option of shipping birds, though that is less desirable. There are pigeon breeders who will ship and also rescues who will ship.

As for research, I find its very hard to get specific information about pigeons online and your best bet is to order some books ASAP. Most of the time when you Google a question you'll either get a very vague answer or an article from a pest control company comes up haha. This group is also a great resource and we love answering questions.

Do you have any recommendations for books? I've found few that appear to be good, but just figured i'd ask first!

It looks like there is a local group which I may be able to get some birds from.

I've been searching through YT as well.

Another quick question though. What's the best way to "dip your toes in"? Should there be a minimum number of birds? Ideally i'd like to start off small, under 6 birds, that way if I decide it's not for me it's not a huge hassle to find homes. Would it be easier to start off with a pair and breed, or try and find a few squeakers to train.

Thanks!

 

[Bdg1104]

@NBraun Here is a link to a book that @backyard pigeons recommended to me a while back that I ordered. I haven't taken too good of a look at it yet but it seems like a pretty good resource.

https://www.amazon.com/Pigeons-Complete-Pet-Owners-Manual/dp/0764129910

As @biophiliac said, it's definitely possible to research completely online, if you'd like to save money, but you do have to dig through forums and things in my experience at least. Maybe I just wasnt looking in the right places haha.

I'm glad you found somewhere local!! Always better than shipping IMO. Shipping is possible but I'm assuming it's stressful for the birds. Good luck on your journey and don't hesitate to ask for more help here. I'm still a beginner as well and this group is always super helpful and kind, even when I screwed things up haha.

 

[cavemanrich]

It looks like there is a local group which I may be able to get some birds from.

I've been searching through YT as well.

Another quick question though. What's the best way to "dip your toes in"? Should there be a minimum number of birds? Ideally i'd like to start off small, under 6 birds,

A good way to look at it.
Get to know some of those local pigeon keepers, and view their lofts. Then construct one for your self, a little larger than you think.
Get 2 mated pairs from 2 different lofts. This way when you have offsprings, you can/will avoid inbreeding somewhat.
If you choose squabs, then also get from 2 different lofts. Only situation that is of concern; you do not know sex of birds until they are grown. You may end up with too many of hens, or cocks.

 

[KiwiandPeachthePigeons]

Nugget update! He’s huge!

 

[memphis]

Look how pudgy Nugget is! LOL! His mom & dad are doing a good job. Is that mom or dad in the background?

 

[memphis]

Apparently a pigeon thought to be a Pakistan spy was caught & detained at the India border. Just read this on my news feed.