UK pigeon owners

[CCUK]

Looks good. Simple to put up and take down. I'll have to find something for a bit more space for them. They seem ok at the minute but they will start going stir crazy after a month or two stuck in the loft.

 

[cavemanrich]

I placed tree branches, inside and food and water of course. They would stay there all day. I had no way to connect to my loft in top portion of garage, so had to carry them home each eve. They did fly around since the tent was good size. Then parked on the tree branches. None chose to be on ground, except when grazing on grass, or drinking/eating.

 

[CCUK]

The only problem I have is catching them though. They don't particularly like being handled and I go in they fly all over. I don't really want to grab them. Is there a effective way of catching them without them stressing?

 

[biophiliac]

It think my postman hates me. I ordered a 25kg sack of pigeon grit! Got delivered today, he wasn't smiling! I have found somewhere about 15 miles away that does all pigeon and poultry supplies. I have ordered another 5 wooden perches. Not bad for £1.15 each! I put some hay and straw in the loft for the two love birds! I think there will be an egg soon!

I'm fantasizing that you pack up 5 K of your abundance of grit and leave it as a peace offering for your pyromaniac neighbor, and the 2 of you bond over pigeons

The only problem I have is catching them though. They don't particularly like being handled and I go in they fly all over. I don't really want to grab them. Is there a effective way of catching them without them stressing?

You will build up trust with them over time. They like you to move slowly and predictably and talk to them softly. As trust builds there will be less flying all over and more interest in whether you have a treat. The worst way to catch imo is to chase them down. Easiest is to go in after dark with a low light and grab them when they are roosting like with chickens. If I need to catch one I try to grab it when it's not expecting it, planning how I can get it without much drama. I don't stare at my target - they can tell. I look out of the corner of my eye til I see the opportunity and try to get hold in such a way, one hand under the belly and one over the wings to stop flapping. Watch some youtube vids** and you will see how people handle their birds. The guy who sold me my birds uses a net to get his - his loft had such a high ceiling that they could go up out of reach. My youngsters born here are different, very tame. I avoid unnecessary handling, show them respect and they tolerate my handling when necessary.
eta Why did you want to catch one? It is good to give a health check periodically...

** Sean of Aloha Pigeons has some tame birds and some videos. Also D Busecan...

 

[Hokum Coco]

I avoid unnecessary handling

Excellent post. Thank you for sharing.

 

[biophiliac]

The only problem I have is catching them though. They don't particularly like being handled and I go in they fly all over. I don't really want to grab them. Is there a effective way of catching them without them stressing?

One other thing I would say is that even after you build trust many will still resist handling by slapping and pecking. Annoyed bird is not necessarily a stressed bird. Panic is different.

The only problem I have is catching them though. They don't particularly like being handled and I go in they fly all over. I don't really want to grab them. Is there a effective way of catching them without them stressing?

If you want to move them to a tent like @cavemanrich suggests, this may interest you. I sooo respect this guys pigeon skills!

Check out this other one with the whistles attached!

 

[biophiliac]

You may want to consider using a dust mask if you go inside your loft and for cleaning especially. The birds produce lots of dander that can cause problems for your lungs.

If you can get inside and just sit quietly while they eat or anytime. They habituate very readily. They like to see you doing predictable things, but do something different and they get excited again. lol

 

[CCUK]

One other thing I would say is that even after you build trust many will still resist handling by slapping and pecking. Annoyed bird is not necessarily a stressed bird. Panic is different.

If you want to move them to a tent like @cavemanrich suggests, this may interest you. I sooo respect this guys pigeon skills!

Check out this other one with the whistles attached!

That first video is testament to what can be achieved with dedication and training. I think I'm a long way of that. But it certainly isn't impossible. The second video, well WOW! That was just WOW! I could see my neighbours all outside wondering what the **** is going on! They were fantastic!

 

[CCUK]

Another weekend bites the dust and another busy day. I have finished the loft! I have got the trap finished and the sliding poop tray done!

They only ones that have gone in it are Mr & Mrs! They seem to enjoy looking around!



I've enjoyed building this. It's been quite alot of work but I think it looks and works quite well! Now I just need some babies! The nest is getting deeper and deeper and there is alot of procreation happening and another pair have also started! Hopefully now I'm not working on it they will settle down without me disturbing them!

 

[cavemanrich]

Your loft is looking FANTASTIC.
I like the pull out drawer to EZ clean.
All that effort sure shows,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,