Possible Doves

[ClickerChick]

I'm thinking of possibly getting some doves or pigeons. I have raised many chickens in the past, but I was thinking about going for something new!

I have a few questions:
1. What breed would be best for a beginner to start with?
2. What kind of cage would be best and what size?
3. Should I get just a pair? I don't want too many, and I might eventually want to breed them once I have gained experience.
4. Do you think that my farm supply store would sell pigeon and dove food? If not, what should I feed them?

Any other info on the care of pigeons or doves would be helpful!

Thanks in advance!

 

[fowlsessed]

1. What breed would be best for a beginner to start with?
2. What kind of cage would be best and what size?
3. Should I get just a pair? I don't want too many, and I might eventually want to breed them once I have gained experience.
4. Do you think that my farm supply store would sell pigeon and dove food? If not, what should I feed them?

I'm also new to pigeons, but since no one has answered I'll go.

1. I think they say you should stay away from breeds with really short beaks and often times those with feathered feet and crests or muffs. So you are still left with allot of breeds to choose from.

2. I think they recommend 4 square feet per bird. Pigeons can adapt to many different lofts. Anything that stays dry, protects them from drafts and predators should work, flying space is a plus but not a necessity. You should also have a place where they can get out into the sun.

3. A pair would be fine.They are prolific breeders and if all goes well you will soon have an abundance of young. They are really easy to breed, they pretty much do all the work.

4. They may and they may not. You could order some online. Some people say they do fine on different grains and layer pellets and chick feed. The pros. might not agree with that, but I think it is true that they can survive, breed and do well on that diet.

Hope that helped some.