WHAT MAKES A PIGEON A GOOD PET?
There are many reasons why pigeons make such great pets! Chances are that you already love birds, or you would not be considering keeping a pigeon in your home.
The truth is that there are many birds out there that need to be adopted so if you are not interested in a dog or a cat, a pigeon makes sense as an alternative.
One of the best reasons to keep a pigeon as a pet is that they are quiet.
Unlike many other birds that people keep as pets, such as parrots and cockatiels, pigeons make small cooing and chuckling sounds, rather than the loud, harsh squawks that other bird species make.
Pigeons are attractive birds, so they are nice to look at. They are docile and friendly and enjoy interacting with humans and other pigeons.
You will enjoy spending time with your pet pigeon, and it will enjoy sitting on your shoulder or talking back and forth with you.
Another reason people love having pigeons as pets is because they are laid back birds, which makes them very easy to take care of.
Food is relatively inexpensive, and your pigeons will not need a lot of toys and other accessories.
A constant water supply, a perch and cage and few things to play with are all they need to be happy.
Pigeons are usually healthy birds, which makes them hardy and enables you to enjoy your pet bird for many years.
In the wild, pigeons only live an average of three years, but kept as pets, they can live up to 15 years, sometimes even more.
Of course, proper care of your pet pigeon dictates their lifespan so be sure you are ready for the commitment before you decide to keep one in your home.
You might have heard that pigeons are easy to train and that is the absolute truth. Many years ago, pigeons were trained to carry messages behind enemy lines during the war, saving many hundreds of lives.
If you dedicate the time and effort, you can train your pigeon to be a homing pigeon, which means it will find its way home from many miles away. You can also train pigeons to be racing birds.
Finally, if you are interested in breeding pigeons, you will be happy to know that they make great parents and it is fairly easy to do.
Pigeons lay eggs a few times each year and take care of their babies until they are ready to leave the nest. You will love watching your pet pigeons nurture and raise their young.
INDOOR OR OUTDOOR?
One of your biggest questions about keeping pigeons as pets is whether they should live inside or outside.
Rescued pigeons often do better outside since it is closer to their natural habitat, but they will need a coop or aviary that protects them from predators.
If you live in an area that gets cold during the winter, you will want to make sure the enclosure has a source of warmth for your pigeons. You might also consider moving them indoors during the cold seasons.
Pigeons also do well live indoors with you and your family. Even indoors, they will need a cage or coop as their home.
They should not spend all their time in their enclosure, however, and will need to be out for exercise and interaction for part of every day.
As a rule, pigeons kept in your home will walk more than they will fly, but they will need room to do so.
Pigeons typically do well with other pets, but if you have dogs, cats, or kids, you will need to watch your birds to be sure they are safe.
WHAT YOU NEED FOR YOUR PET PIGEON?
One of your biggest questions about keeping pigeons as pets is whether they should live inside or outside.
Rescued pigeons often do better outside since it is closer to their natural habitat, but they will need a coop or aviary that protects them from predators.
If you live in an area that gets cold during the winter, you will want to make sure the enclosure has a source of warmth for your pigeons. You might also consider moving them indoors during the cold seasons.
Pigeons also do well live indoors with you and your family. Even indoors, they will need a cage or coop as their home.
They should not spend all their time in their enclosure, however, and will need to be out for exercise and interaction for part of every day.
As a rule, pigeons kept in your home will walk more than they will fly, but they will need room to do so.
Pigeons typically do well with other pets, but if you have dogs, cats, or kids, you will need to watch your birds to be sure they are safe.
FEEDING YOUR PET PIGEON
The right food is important for keeping your pet pigeon healthy and thriving. Pigeons need good quality seed blends, but they also eat a variety of grains, which can be mixed with the seeds.
Pigeons also need a protein source and enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. You can make your pigeon’s feed yourself or you can buy pre-mixed versions at pet supply stores. Pigeon pellets are another option that you might want to try.
Adding grit or gravel to your pigeon’s diet can help with digestion, but do not offer too much as it can take up space that is needed for vitamins and minerals. It is also vital to provide a constant source of water to your pigeons so that they do not get dehydrated, which can be detrimental to their health.
VET CARE
Just as with any other pet, you should have a trustworthy and reputable veterinarian that will help you keep on top of your pigeon’s health. This vet can provide regular check-ups for your pigeon to be sure there are not any health problems.
You should also call the vet if your pet pigeon is sick or injured. Proper medical care ensures that your pigeon stays healthy and lives a long life.