Some questions about keeping pigeons with chickens and more

[RachelFromTheBlackLagoon]

I work for AC and several months ago we picked up a beautiful crested helmet pigeon. He (I don't know if it actually is a 'he') has been living in a cage in our cat room with no takers. I've posted him on a couple forums and he's on Petfinder. Yesterday I decided to take him home to live in my coop, but I'd like some opinions and advice first.

I'm not quite sure of the best way to set up for him. I don't have a barn or shed-type coop where he could loft in the rafters or something. Here are some pics of my setup:

I don't have a picture of the coop interior, but basically it's just 2x4 roost on the wall opposite the next box. What I'm most unsure of is whether I should set the pigeon up inside the coop or build him his own platform, perches and box in the run. (Please note that the run, minus the door, is currently covered in clear plastic for the winter) I could also do both if he would likely venture inside to use the coop. I would give him access to his own feeding/watering station. I no longer free range after a recent hawk attack, so the pigeon would be secure in the run, which is being expanded four feet width-wise in the spring. Is it possible to keep a Pigeon happy and safe in this setup? Any recommendations or advice?

Next question. Assuming this all is a good idea, should I get him a companion? Does it have to be another Helmet or would any similar sized pigeon suffice? Should I have him DNA sexed before finding an appropriate companion or does that not matter if it's only going to be a single pair? In other words, I don't want baby pigeons, but if two males is a bad idea I'd like to avoid that, etc.

Annnd, I think that's it for now but I'm certain I'll have more questions later! Thank you!!!

 

[truecolorsloft]

One of our Red ash spread Giant runts has taken to our single Russian tumbler. We've seperated them because we try to keep our flocks pure to the breeds. However if you're planning on only keeping your pigeon as a pet, then any bird your pigeon becomes friends to will be ok. Another example is with one of our ringneck doves, who takes after my buff cochin cockerel.

Your set-up should be ok, just make sure there's areas your pigeon can escape to. They should be ok, but just like having several children under one roof, your birds need "their special retreat" spot. Below is a picture of out first loft/run. The top part is the "flight cage" to the shed which housed a 4'X8'X6'tall area. We're only changing the loft because we've outgrown that loft.

The lower portion is a 6'X7'X5'tall per with a "gambrel barn house(Gotta have style.) The floor of the pen is a wire grid that's stapled to the pen panels. The top has chicken wire to keep predators out. Hope this helps.

 

[RachelFromTheBlackLagoon]

It does, thank you! Would you recommend building him a separate "house" in the run instead of expecting him to enter the coop? Something like a large nesting box hung in a high corner?

 

[Mom 2em All]

I have this posted somewhere else on the boards- but:

I have a rescue pigeon who lives with my chickens, acts like a chicken- even walks with the girls more than he flies. he coos to the girls and he has adopted their eggs, and sits on them for a great portion of the day while they are out scratching and being chickens. He enters and exits through their pophole.

I tried to find him a mate, feel sorry for him but I have been unable to locate one. So, I always leave one egg in the nest for him.

 

[RachelFromTheBlackLagoon]

Awwww! How sweet is that?! When you first introduced him did your girls try to pick on him? I hope mine get along that well!

 

[Mom 2em All]

They didnt really pick on him- he hid under stuff like a rabbit hutch for the first couple days. Clipped wings and couldnt fly when I first rescued him. By the time his feathers grew back in, he knew where his food was coming from- and didnt leave. No, the girls did a little shooing away from the food, water- you know putting him in his place in the pecking order but nothing big. He spends alot of time sitting on top of the coops "front porch"- but waits at the gate to their yard to walk out to free range with them instead of flying over. lol.

 

[Mary Of Exeter]

Some perches along the run would be great for him to get away from the chickens. I have had bantams and pigeons together before with no problem.

 

[RachelFromTheBlackLagoon]

Excellent, I can do that! Thanks!

I've got some biosecurity type questions. Are there illnesses I should be concerned about? Are there precautions I should take? My girls are all healthy and all were treated for worms/mites/lice before winter. They were also treated for coccidiosis in the fall as a precautionary measure because one of them seemed a bit under the weather. She ended up back to normal within a couple of days. Should I do anything for the pigeon before putting him in with my flock? I joined the Pigeon Talk forum and asked over there, but so far a lot of members are just saying that my chickens will likely injure or kill the pigeon

There are really only one or two of the girls that I expect to get the least bit feisty, (the Sultan, Silkies and most of my Polish are docile wussies who scatter at the first sign of conflict!) but I'll be sure to offer many safe places and lots of supervision.

I've decided to wait to do this until spring if he hasn't been adopted by then. He's used to being warm indoors so I'd rather not stress him with a huge temperature difference. I also figure, if all goes well, it'll be easier to find him a companion during the warmer months.

 

[Mom 2em All]

I was pondering your earlier question about a nesting box- more like a shelf or platform for pigeons would be better- you can even run a shelf on the outside of your coop, within their yard for him to roost on. They dont use 'boxes', at least that is my experience. I guess they use open-face boxes, but I think your single guy would be happiest with his own shelf style roost for sleeping, etc. just in case he doesnt want to enter the coop.

Good luck, and I hope it all works out for him and you.

 

[nzpouter]

some chickens you can leave with pigeons.... but you got to watch them... pigeon eggs are easy meal for a hen..