Pigeons and doves have long been considered pests, but in recent years, they have been gaining popularity as pets. Keeping pigeons as pets can be a unique and rewarding experience, but it’s important to know the pros and cons before making a decision.
The purpose of this blog is to inform readers about the potential benefits and drawbacks of keeping pigeons as pets and to provide a comprehensive guide on how to care for them.
Pigeons as pets Pigeons, also known as rock doves, have been domesticated for thousands of years and are now found in cities and towns all over the world. They are known for their homing abilities and have been used as messenger birds throughout history.
In recent years, many people have started to keep them as pets due to their distinctive personalities and entertaining behavior.
To inform readers about the pros and cons of keeping pigeons as pets The blog will cover both the positive and negative aspects of keeping pigeons as pets, such as their strong bond with the owner, entertaining behavior, unique personalities, low maintenance, and good for breeding, as well as the potential downsides like droppings, noise, health concerns, potential aggression and space requirements.
The blog will also provide information on how to care for pigeons as pets, including housing, feeding, health and grooming, training and socialization, and considerations for city living. The ultimate goal is to provide readers with the information they need to make an informed decision about keeping pigeons as pets.
Pros of Keeping Pigeons as Pets
Strong Bond With the Owner
Pigeons and doves are known to form strong bonds with their owners. Over time, they will see you as their mate and will have a strong attachment to you. This can lead to a lot of affection and entertainment from your pigeon.
Entertaining Behavior
Pigeons have a variety of entertaining behaviors that can be enjoyable to watch. Some males may dance and sing, and some have been known to follow their owners around, even hopping up on their feet and untying their shoes. They are also known to play tug-of-war with their beak and may even cuddle up to a pet.
Unique Personalities
Each pigeon has its own unique personality, which makes them interesting and fun pets to have. Some may be more outgoing, while others may be shyer. This can lead to a lot of personality quirks and interesting behaviors that you can enjoy.
Low Maintenance
Pigeons are relatively low-maintenance pets. They don’t require a lot of grooming, and their food and housing needs are minimal. This makes them a good choice for busy or first-time bird owners.
Good for Breeding
Pigeons are also good for breeding. If you have a hen, she may lay some eggs for you, which can be a fun and interesting experience. They make great breeding birds and pets.
In summary, pigeons can make great pets for those who are looking for a unique and entertaining companion. They form strong bonds with their owners, have entertaining behavior, and unique personalities, are low maintenance and are good for breeding. It is important to keep in mind that each pigeon has its own personality and not all pigeons will act the same way as pets.
Cons of Keeping Pigeons as Pets
Droppings
One of the main cons of keeping pigeons as pets is the droppings. Pigeons can produce a significant amount of droppings, which can be messy and require regular cleaning. However, you can use bird diapers as a solution for this.
Noise
Pigeons can be noisy birds, especially during mating season or when they are in distress. Their cooing and other vocalizations can be loud and persistent, which may not be suitable for everyone.
Health Concerns
Pigeons can be prone to certain health issues, such as cankers, respiratory problems, and parasites. Regular check-ups and preventative measures are important to keep your pigeon healthy.
Potential Aggression
Pigeons can be territorial and may become aggressive towards other birds or animals, especially during mating season. They can also become aggressive towards humans if they feel threatened or scared.
Space Requirements
Pigeons require a certain amount of space to fly and stretch their wings. They can be kept in cages, but they will need to be let out for exercise and to fly. They may not be suitable for those who live in small apartments or who have limited outdoor space.
In summary, keeping pigeons as pets can have its challenges, such as droppings, noise, health concerns, potential aggression, and space requirements. However, with proper care and management, these cons can be minimized. It’s important to consider these factors and make sure you are prepared for the responsibilities of owning a pigeon before making the decision to bring one home.
How to Care for Pigeons as Pets
Housing
Pigeons will need a suitable cage or aviary to live in. A rabbit hutch or a small coop can be used as a cage. Make sure the cage is large enough for the pigeon to move around and stretch its wings. The flooring should be half-wire and half-solid for the bird’s comfort. Pigeons also need a place to perch. A simple bar across the cage will be fine for one or two birds.
Feeding
Pigeons should be fed a diet of high-quality pigeon feed, which can be purchased from a pet store or online. They should also have access to fresh water at all times. Pigeons also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables as a treat.
Health and Grooming
Pigeons should be checked regularly for signs of illness and parasites. They should also be groomed regularly to keep their feathers in good condition. Pigeons are relatively low maintenance and don’t require a lot of grooming, but they will need occasional cleaning.
Training and Socialization
Pigeons can be trained to do simple tricks and can be taught to come when called. They also enjoy being handled and can be socialized to be comfortable around people. Handling them as babies will make them friendlier as adults.
Considerations for City Living
Pigeons are well adapted to living in urban environments, but city living can present challenges for keeping pigeons as pets. They will need a safe outdoor space to fly and exercise, and they may be subject to city ordinances and regulations regarding keeping birds as pets. It’s important to research and understand any local laws before bringing a pigeon home.
In summary, caring for pigeons as pets requires providing them with proper housing, feeding, health and grooming, training and socialization, and considering the specific needs of city living. With proper care, pigeons can make wonderful and entertaining pets. It’s important to do research and understand the responsibilities of owning a pigeon before bringing one home.
“Pros and Cons Table For Keeping Pigeons as Pets”
Here is a table comparing the Pros and Cons of keeping Pigeons as pets:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A strong bond with the owner | Droppings |
| Entertaining behavior | Noise |
| Unique personalities | Health concerns |
| Low maintenance | Potential aggression |
| Good for breeding | Space requirements |
This table provides a quick overview of the advantages and disadvantages of keeping pigeons as pets. It highlights the positive aspects such as a strong bond with the owner, entertaining behavior, unique personalities, low maintenance, and good for breeding, as well as the negative aspects such as droppings, noise, health concerns, potential aggression, and space requirements. It’s important to consider all of these factors before making the decision to bring a pigeon home.
FAQs
Yes, pigeons can be trained to fly outside and return home, a practice known as loft flying. This is a common activity among racing pigeon enthusiasts, who train their birds to fly to a specific location and return home. However, it is important to note that this requires a significant amount of time and effort, and not all pigeons will have the natural ability to be trained for loft flying.
The average lifespan of a pet pigeon is around 10-15 years, but some may live up to 20 years with proper care.
Yes, there are many different breeds of pigeons, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most popular breeds include Racing Homers, Tumblers, Rollers, and Fantails.
Pigeons can be kept with other birds, but it is important to keep in mind that they may be territorial and may become aggressive toward other birds. It’s best to introduce them slowly and supervise their interactions.
Pigeons can be kept in apartments, but they will need a suitable cage or aviary and access to an outdoor space for exercise and flying. It’s important to research and understand any local laws and regulations regarding keeping birds as pets in an apartment.
Potty training a pigeon is possible, but it can be difficult and time-consuming. It is important to be patient and consistent with the training process. Additionally, there are bird diapers available for purchase that can help with this problem.
Editor’s Note
Pigeons and doves can make great pets and they have unique personalities. They are known to be intelligent and can have strong bonds with their owners. They have the potential to be affectionate and entertaining, but some may be shyer or more aggressive.
They do not need a lot of perches, but a wire floor or hard floor is okay as long as it is comfortable for the bird. A simple bar across the cage will be fine for one or two birds. It is important to keep their living space clean and to provide regular cleaning to prevent any odors.
There are also bird diapers available for purchase, specifically designed for pigeons and doves, in case you want to let them sit on your lap while you work.
Conclusion
Keeping pigeons as pets can be a unique and rewarding experience. They have strong bonds with their owners, entertaining behavior, unique personalities, low maintenance, and are good for breeding.
However, there are also downsides such as droppings, noise, health concerns, potential aggression, and space requirements. It’s important to consider these factors before making the decision to bring a pigeon home.
Pigeons can make great pets for those who are looking for a unique and entertaining companion. They are relatively low maintenance, and with proper care and management, the cons can be minimized.
However, it’s important to be prepared for the responsibilities of owning a pigeon and to understand the specific needs of city living.
There are many resources available for those interested in keeping pigeons as pets, including books, websites, and forums. The American Racing Pigeon Union and the National Pigeon Association are two organizations that provide information and resources for pigeon owners.
Additionally, local pet stores, veterinarians, and bird breeders can provide information and guidance on caring for pigeons as pets.
In conclusion, keeping pigeons as pets can be a rewarding and unique experience. They are known for their strong bonds with their owners, entertaining behavior, unique personalities, low maintenance, and good for breeding.
It’s important to consider the pros and cons before making the decision to bring a pigeon home and to be prepared for the responsibilities of owning a pigeon. With proper care and management, pigeons can make great pets.