Pigeons vs Ringneck Doves as Indoor Pets

[emulhall]

Hi everybody. So I really want some indoor pet birds (and parrots are out of the question). Ideally, I would like them to be snuggly and loving, not standoffish. Would pigeons or ringneck doves fit this more? I also would want to have them in a mated pair, so would this effect their affection levels? Personal experiences and anecdotes totally encouraged!

 

[sourland]

Do a search on 'pigeon lung' disease. Some people are extremely sensitive to pigeon dander, and long term exposure can lead to serious health issues. I have experienced this first hand. It's real.

 

[emulhall]

Do a search on 'pigeon lung' disease. Some people are extremely sensitive to pigeon dander, and long term exposure can lead to serious health issues. I have experienced this first hand. It's real.

Meaning when pigeons are indoors, you get infected with this? Or simply any exposure to pigeons including outdoor? Also, does this pertain to doves as well?

 

[Serin]

I have a pigeon and she is the best indoor pet I have had bar none. Affectionate, quiet, gentle, dander and molted feathers easy to handle with vacuuming. Pigeon fancier's lung is not a likely issue with one or two indoor birds kept clean, lofts with many birds in a confined space are a different story. Some people have a higher sensitivity to the dander.


Pigeons are much smarter and more interactive than doves but can be less into you if you have two, whereas doves will let you hold them regardless but are not as interactive. They will eat from your hand but mostly view people as a moving tree, whereas a pigeon will view you as a fellow being.

 

[emulhall]

I have a pigeon and she is the best indoor pet I have had bar none. Affectionate, quiet, gentle, dander and molted feathers easy to handle with vacuuming. Pigeon fancier's lung is not a likely issue with one or two indoor birds kept clean, lofts with many birds in a confined space are a different story. Some people have a higher sensitivity to the dander.


Pigeons are much smarter and more interactive than doves but can be less into you if you have two, whereas doves will let you hold them regardless but are not as interactive. They will eat from your hand but mostly view people as a moving tree, whereas a pigeon will view you as a fellow being.

Thank you! Does your pigeon exhibit mating behavior with you? I wanted to try to get a bonded pair because I personally get weirded out when I hear of birds seeing people as their mate lol!

 

[sourland]

Meaning when pigeons are indoors, you get infected with this? Or simply any exposure to pigeons including outdoor? Also, does this pertain to doves as well?

It does not happen to all people. Generally those with extremely reactive immune systems are more likely. I made a career working in an animal care facility and developed reactions to rats, rabbits, and guinea pigs. With my pigeons as long as I used a canister particle filter while working with them I was okay. Without the filter I had problems. I mentioned this simply so that you would be aware.

 

[CCUK]

I wouldn't recommend a pigeon or dove as an indoor pet. As @sourland said pigeon lung is a real possibility. And it will be exasperated by being indoors. It's like the risk from smoking, it's unlikely to do anything short term but over a period of time it will have an effect. Hoovering will take the residual dust but it won't keep it out of the atmosphere. Pigeons can be very tame but best placed outside.

 

[Serin]

Thank you! Does your pigeon exhibit mating behavior with you? I wanted to try to get a bonded pair because I personally get weirded out when I hear of birds seeing people as their mate lol!

Yes but it only presents aas her wanting her wings stroked.

Pigeons are the best indoor companion birds and are not easier than parrots, coming from someone who has kept both in the house. Bird fanciers lung is not unique to piheon dander but any bird dust left to accumulate. Breeders who jeep dozens of budgies indoors are also susceptible. One pigeon or two is not going to cause problems unless you never clean.

There are pet pigeon facebook groups where you can see how well suited they are as house pets. Many there have had one or two birds indoors for ten to fifteen years without issue.

 

[Serin]

Not messier. Didn't mean to type not easier than parrots. They're easier actually and not messier. Trying to edit but having many problems on mobile.

 

[Serin]

I wouldn't recommend a pigeon or dove as an indoor pet. As @sourland said pigeon lung is a real possibility. And it will be exasperated by being indoors. It's like the risk from smoking, it's unlikely to do anything short term but over a period of time it will have an effect. Hoovering will take the residual dust but it won't keep it out of the atmosphere. Pigeons can be very tame but best placed outside.

Its nothing like cigarette smoke. Its just dander like any animal has.