How to Earn a Pigeon or Doves Trust: Part 1 | First Contact

This video is the first in a series on earning a pigeons trust. Earning a pigeons trust can be a long challenging, stressful process, but it doesn’t have to be. In this series I’ve laid out the methods, tips and tricks I used to develop the relationship I have with Tallulah, who started out as an untamed, terrified of humans, adult bird. I’ve set up this series to walk you step by step from a new birds arrival to being well established. We’ll cover getting the new bird into the cage, getting close, feeding them without scaring them, how to convince them to come to you, having them voluntarily let you take them in and out of the cage, and activities to do together to help you be seen as a human they want to spend time with.
In this video we cover; Reasons it’s worth it to earn there trust, getting the new bird into the cage/aviary, and getting close.
If you have a bird that been with you for a while but is still terrified of humans I recommend starting here as the methods for interacting with a brand new bird are the same for an established yet terrified one.
Instagram: @eden.nightingale
Twitter: @NightingaleEden
©️2022
⬇️The not fun stuff⬇️
DISCLAIMER
I am NOT a Veterinarian. This publication and the information included is purely informational based on the creators experience and research and should be acted on at the users own risk. This content is not intended to substitute professional Veterinarian or Medical Professional advice in regards to you (and any other humans), or any animals.
We do not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability and accuracy of this information. Any actions you take upon this information on this website is strictly at your own risk, and we will not be liable for any losses and damages in connection with the use of our content.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE WILL THIS CHANNEL OR ITS AFFILIATES BE RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE IN ANY WAY FOR ANY CONTENT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY ERRORS OR OMMISSIONS IN THE CONTENT, OR FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE OF ANY KIND INCURRED AS A RESULT OF ANY CONTENT COMMUNICATED ON THIS KZbin PAGE OR ASSOCIATED SITES AND PAGES, WHETHER BY THIS CHANNEL A THIRD PARTY. IN NO EVENT SHALL THIS CHANNEL OR ITS AFFILIATES BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER RESULTING FROM LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE AVAILABILITY, USE OR PERFORMANCE OF ANY INFORMATION COMMUNICATED ON THIS KZbin PAGE.

[@coyote520]

I rescued a young pigeon that was near death, and within a month, she decided I was her best buddy. She hangs around me all day when I am at home. She follows me room to room. Her health is so much better, and she is a happy bird.

[@zewt]

Congrats.... she is grateful you saved her and evidently, has chosen you as her mate. Pigeons really make the best pet, they are just so affectionate and cute.

[@coyote520]

@@zewt She is my buddy. I work from home, and she hangs out with my all day. I never thought I could adore a pigeon, but she has stolen my heart.

[@zewt]

@@coyote520 yes, they are so loving. I never thought birds can behave like this until I got a pigeon myself. The only thing about them is… how we wish we can potty train them. Lol

[@coyote520]

@@zewt Ugh. I spend a LOT of time cleaning up pigeon poop. Especially off my office chair, which is her favorite spot.

[@zewt]

@@coyote520 lol… yeah, they do have their fav spot. Lucky it’s not your monitor, otherwise you’ll be cleaning the back of it. Maybe get her a pet rest pillow and see if he/she likes it.

[@wingedexperience4238]

Why do you have a piece of cloud as a pet?

[@animalpeople880]

Haven’t you heard?! Clouds make the best pets😂

[@dtbhoods]

@@animalpeople880 i have 4 pigeons lol

[@petronelabotgros4102]

​@@dtbhoodsI Have 3 😊

[@VinnyUnion]

​@@animalpeople880every drug addict ever lol

[@IbrahimKhan-ip9jc]

@@dtbhoodsI have 3😂

[@Howtoeatrocks]

Had a bit of a rough start with my boy, found him with a severe broken wing and had to syringe feed medication and handle a lot. He’s quite timid and hand shy and we mostly just exist in the room together. I read to him during feeding time and that seems to help a lot

[@ElfilinSupporter]

You read to your bird… you just earned a bunch of respect! I hope your friend is feeling better!

[@CaliWaege]

This is where I am at right now. Just rescued an injured former racing pidge. Have to start him on medication and he’s too scared of me to pick him up. I hope we can get pass this and can become best buddies!

[@Howtoeatrocks]

@@CaliWaege consult with your vet but if they’re reluctant to take meds depending on what med it is you may be able to liquidise it and put it on some bread crumbs. Gotta trick em sometimes and it’s better they’re less stressed

[@CaliWaege]

@@Howtoeatrocksthank you! That’s a great tip. The med is a liquid suspension Meloxicam. The vet didn’t suggest that method when I saw her yesterday but I think I’ll email her to ask

[@mariasolorio8542]

My son found a King Pigeon. I decided to keep and care for him/her. We named her Zen. They are still a little s scared but look forward to earn his trust. Thank you so much for your videos.

[@ivychicken]

Tallulahhhhh is soooo cuddly 🥰🥰🥰 I love this! She is so trusting of you despite her traumatic past ♥ I love when she turns to face you. Best of friends 💕💕

[@animalpeople880]

She’s amazing, I couldn’t be more proud of how far she’s come❤️❤️❤️❤️🥰

[@JulianM-zd8hf]

​@@animalpeople880 She's huge :0

[@minamina-np7lr]

just rescued a pigeon, watching this to make it feel more at ease :')

[@preventabletragedies]

I’m getting my pet pigeon (name is still being decided) Thursday and I’m so grateful your videos are the one I found 🙏🏼

[@user-xz3ck6qz7c]

Thanks for your expertise! My mom recently passed away and I had a release of 24 for her. All made it back home safely. it was a beautiful moment that the following day I decided to purchase them from the owner and keep them as pets in memory of my mom. I did build them a beautiful home and they seem to like it, was worried about them stressing out. I sure I will have work to do, but I will always have mom in my thought's.

[@NekuraRei]

Me on first day: *grab birb to put him in new home* Oops 😗 But hey, half a year of baby steps later, he's starting to not be scared of hands anymore. Patience is key 👌

[@animalpeople880]

😂 The beauty of hindsight! That’s great to hear! You should feel proud of what you two have accomplished so far, some people don’t get where you are even after five years.

[@Farmchic3185]

I was the same on day one lol. It's been about 3mos and "he" is starting to coo. He tells us when he needs food and water, but wants hands off. We on the other hand want a lovey bird.

[@NekuraRei]

Well now he requests fights with my hands. Fiesty little pigeon. I wish we went the love route but friendly rivalry will have to do xD

[@justinwatson1510]

​@@Farmchic3185just be patient and don't force them into activities they're not comfortable with. Have you tried offering finger millet from your hand before giving them their meal? It will allow them to eat without getting too close to you, while also helping them identify you as a food source instead of a threat.

[@seansmart2756]

Really looking forward to this series. I rescued two 4 week old racing pigeons a week ago. They’ve settled in well, relax when they are out of their cage during the day but are both quite timid still. ❤️

[@animalpeople880]

Congrats on the new additions!

[@seansmart2756]

@@animalpeople880 Thank you. I can’t believe how quickly they pick things up. ❤️

[@IanMitchell-hg7eq]

My best friend love wild/feral pigeons. The kind you find in built up towns and cities. I have watched your videos and researched pigeon keeping. My god these wee creatures are fabulous! I regarded them as flaying rats as most urban people do. Thank you for being such a insightful and educational person and channel. I love these beautiful little creatures.

[@edpankov]

love this! i rescued an injured rock dove i found in front of my house. I did not cage her, shes been flying around in my apartment to excercise as she recovers from a bruised wing. When shes bored she comes to my desk and we watch TV together. this is very important to let them approach you! (i personally dont mind cleaning up after all the poop)

[@magicschoolbusdropout7743]

Thank you so much for making these vids! I’m going to put this comment on all of your vids to help boost your videos, but you’ve helped me SO much!!! It’s hard to find sound info on pigeons, and your channel has literally saved my butt when it comes to research. Again, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!

[@ashhaggerty6995]

I found a dove egg the other day so I am doing my research so I can properly take care of it and your videos are really helping!

[@alicejackson9463]

This is amazing thankyou so much. I rescued a pigeon a couple of weeks ago and nursed him back to health. He wouldn't leave when I tried to release him. He's very comfortable coming in and out of his cage but at the moment he's still nervous when I get close.

[@ethaneggsontoast]

I just got my two rescue pigeons sharpie and stapler and this helped so much thank you!!

[@saltspringsail]

Very helpful. Thanks. I been feeding 88 feral checker and blue rock doves . Lots of birds get thread woven into toes and legs, I got lots of rescues done ,so as they meet me in the morning for there leg inspections. Thanks again ,

[@matandre]

Great video!! I can't reiterate enough how important it is to go at your bird's individual pace and to always respect their boundaries! Yes, you want to show them we can try new things and expand our boundaries, but never go more than a bird is willing to handle at the time. I have a young pigeon that came into my life (ie. my 10th floor balcony) a week ago and refuses to go... Crows are picking on her and nipping at (what's left of) her tail feathers... She has been so open and trusting and receptive with me from the moment she entered my apt--I have been slow, respectful, and pay close attention to her attitude and body language.. Within days--sometimes virtually instantly, and with minimal training--we have learned to be comfortable with palm and finger feeding, "Step Up", "Step Down", "Off", and "Summon!" ... (She also happily follows me from room to room, preens on me, and even snuggles on my arm/lap and with me in bed...) I didn't have a clicker at the time, but I noticed how receptive the bird was so I wanted to start training early... I just started using my mouth/tongue/cheek to just make a similar click sound, which seems to work just as well and is always available! TIP: If you have multiple pets and are training a new bird/animal, it may help to use different phrases for commands and positive reinforcement--I am out of town for work where I met the bird and my dog, Pamela, who came to visit for the weekend was getting quite jealous and confused when I kept saying "Good Girl!" and "Come!" to the bird--who I have since named "Cucchiaia".. We have since adjusted to "Good Bird!" and "Summon!". ;) The reason I mention taking it slow and always by the bird's timing and pace, is because, as blessed as I have been with Cucchiaia's disposition and willingness to learn and train, she is still not ready for hand contact/petting etc... My partner was so impressed by the bird that she insisted on trying to pet the bird multiple times, despite the bird hopping or fluttering away.... Within a few tries, the bird took to giving some "intimidation coos" and hand biting (not like the light and harmless exploring/preening they may do with your hands as shown in this video)... While my partner insisted the bird "could leave" / "knew they were playing around", once my partner went home, the bird had suddenly started "intimidation cooing" and biting MY hand when asking to "Step Up" .. which had never happened previously... We have had to take some steps back, almost further than we started with our hand comfort/training today, but we are building back the trust... and have since agreed as a furry and feathered family to always be respectful of eachother's boundaries... As we honestly usually are. :) You can "unlearn" bad habits and gain an animal's trust back, but it's much easier to earn it, keep it, and always continue to BUILD UPON that trust (never take it for granted-especially with a "damaged" animal...or person) and respect boundaries (even if they fluctuate in the moment), than to push and have to start over.. or even further behind. Respect your loved ones always and when in doubt, when it comes to boundaries and individual pace/learning, "The bird/dog/animal/person" is always right. Thanks again for helping us understand and befriend such loving and intelligent animal companions! All the best in your friendships and training, everyone! 🤍🙏✌️🪶

[@uabir8338]

THAT BIRB IS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO RELAXEDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Looking at her eyes makes me so happy 😍

[@hoihoipoipoi]

hey just wanted to say thanks. I have wanted a pigeon for 2 years now and all of this information has become very helpful

[@margaretaakermark2029]

Amazing video as always. I wish this information had been out there when I got Anastasia! Seeing you and Tallulah always makes me so happy and motivated to be the best companion to my bird as well!

[@animalpeople880]

Thank you! It makes me so happy to hear that💛

[@margaretaakermark2029]

@@animalpeople880 I actually started target training Ana after you last (second to last?) video and now she doesn't want to do anything but that 😂

[@animalpeople880]

@@margaretaakermark2029 that’s amazing!😂❤️

[@amandacarroll31]

Aww, I've had my rescued racing pigeon a couple of months and I've had to do the towel thing twice just for catching and moving into new cages etc, I felt a bit bad about that but it's amazing how many people think you can force trust or love. It doesn't even work on a human level let alone an animal one with something smaller and more vulnerable than us! I totally recommend setting up a space where you can stand or sit in the space with the pige loose on perches doing their thing too. Obviously some people only have a cage to keep them in, but even if you can set up a sort of tent somewhere indoors or outdoors to contain them safely while you interact, I think that helps the process a lot and it means they can approach you rather than seeing that boundary. Mine has a little box house high up in his aviary which is his safe place too, so he can be temporarily contained in that if he needs to be moved as that's where he will go if he gets scared 🐦🕊️

[@angelofkindness100]

I have 2 doves, im glad someone made a video about how to make them trust you 🕊 🕊 🕊 ❤❤❤

[@9ofcups915]

A dove from another country just found its way to me. At first i wanted to find out who the owner was, but than i read horrible stuff, saying those doves often get abandoned or killed by their owners because they're 'not useable' for sports anymore. At first i didn't do anything (thought it would go away on its own) but it kept coming back. I decided to take care of it (hes been here for about 5 days now 😊❤)

[@theplaguedoctor5016]

Got my first pigeon , a diamond dove , so this helps much (: She's easily startled as it is day 1 today , she got comfy though when i was minding my own business next to her cage , she started preening herself 🥺

[@robertp.wainman4094]

There really is something very special about pigeons!

[@butterbean3892]

I've just found a fledgling who's parent had been killed so I took it home, it's in a box downstairs right now. I'm really hoping it survives, I really like your advice about being gentle and building trust slowly. Thank you ❤️

[@animalpeople880]

With rescues before you start working on building trust it’s important to make sure if they are a spices that will be accepted by a wildlife rehabilitation center (some are, some aren’t) that they are brought to one as soon as possible. If that’s not the case then contacting people who can help you make sure it gets any medical care it may need (if it’s parents were killed by a predictor such as a cat for example, if they got even a tiny scratch they would need antibiotics to live) who can look at it, or pictures of it, and help identify any injuries or illness it may have. In addition to ensuring they are provided with food in an appropriate way and type for there age. This page is a decent place to start www.pigeonrescue.org/2015/10/01/how-to-take-care-of-a-rescued-pigeon-for-newbies/

[@pdsnpsnldlqnop3330]

Are pigeons more forgiving than cats or dogs when it comes to fearing humans that have caused them pain? Or do they hold grudges for longer? After a vet visit, how long will it be before all is forgotten with trust won back?

[@animalpeople880]

That would depend on the birds personally and how good the relationship with the human is beforehand. With a good relationship I’d say they are similar, annoyed for a bit but over it by the end of the day or sooner. If there isn’t a well developed relationship it will likely make them completely distrust the human and need to start near the beginning.

[@pdsnpsnldlqnop3330]

@@animalpeople880 I had to put some anti-flea killing juice on a cat, I got him on an open sore and the pain must have been intolerable. I still feel it, ouch! I was coming from a good place but the cat didn't see it that way. I guess it has been the same with Tallulah. I like the way of thinking that you explain here, to go back on a boundary to then move on from that trust level. Had I known this way of building up trust I don't think I would have behaved differently, I think it is innate to want to do what you say here. It is like a force you go with, to offer up only kindness, warmth and love, rejecting any inclination to behave otherwise.

[@animalpeople880]

@@pdsnpsnldlqnop3330 that’s a great parallel. It was a slow process for us since I so frequently had to be the scary person doing things that were for her, and like the cat, she couldn’t possibly understand. That’s a wonderful way of wording it. I feel like you fully understand the concept. What ever animal chooses your patio to ask for help on next couldn’t be more lucky❤️

[@pdsnpsnldlqnop3330]

@@animalpeople880 The slow process of winning trust does not make for YT content, a scared pigeon isn't going to have that much of a YT livestream audience. But you did a really good lesson. Just how you explain how to approach a pigeon applies to so many animals, we really should get kids to watch this exact episode at a formative age, 9 will do. Do you know of Jemima Parry Jones? Her reputation was global, albeit only to people into falconry. Falcons and pigeons prefer not to mix - according to the pigeons - however, there is a spot in the world for someone who does different things with pigeons, challenging the world to think again about the humble pigeon, with a mix of history, science, art, legend, a Tallulah and some Carl Sagan grade story telling. If the content is compelling then a large audience is possible, even if the central theme is pigeon.

[@pdsnpsnldlqnop3330]

@@animalpeople880 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJTFdZikrb5np7c Jemima Parry Jones was from a different era. Her classroom visit at the end of this documentary is historically interesting, as climate change was not the phrase used, yet.

[@sillygoose_stephie]

i’ve started feeding my neighbourhood pigeons, i have a flock of about 15 hanging out at my house and i just love them. i hope to earn their trust so i can help keep them safe 🥰🥰 i don’t know if i could ever bring any of them into my home because i have kitties but i love them.

[@lisamatheson3831]

What a sweet and fluffy little angel!!!

[@starx70]

You and ur pigeon both look gorgeous ❤️

[@AnneAndersonFoxiepaws]

Oh good. I have many pigeons visiting and I want to be able to handle them because some have ailments and I need to be ready for when one of my visiting birds presents with something I have to treat that doesn't just involve putting medicine in the drinking water (that's preventative and is apple cider vinegar for maintenance of acidity in the gut to prevent certain bacteria etc. and garlic cloves which are also good a couple of times weekly). I have subscribed and that's a gorgeous bird you have! Thank you for the advice. I rescued a baby crow and had him for 5 years but he couldn't fly due to a bad break when his family were all shot, he fell out of the nest and broke his wing at the 'elbow'(for want of a better word) joint. I took him to the vet who kept wanting to put him down until I sat him down and said "is the wing going to be so painful he won't have any life quality?" To which he replied no, so I paid for Panacur to worm him as he had gape worms too and for a spray to de louse him. When we got him home I sat him on a perch in the bath as the vet said the worming might be messy and he passed the worms and sneezed and coughed up the gape worms and throughout this I was feeding him on demand as he was still just a fledgling and we got used to each other. He hated everyone else but loved me and pretty quickly took over the house. I used to take him out in the garden and he could fly from my shoulder to the ground and back but not much further, he loved baths and playing hunt the insect in the grass (I didn't let him swallow them as gape is horrible) I think the pigeons who visit know me as the food giver and don't really mind me, in fact some come up to the window and knock if they want food or attention and none really give me a wide berth but I still need them to come to my hands and let themselves be handled if they need meds. I have a pair of crows visit too and not looking directly at them helps them to come closer without feeling I am getting ready to pounce. Tell me what is the red thing on her back? I am thinking its maybe a diaper of sorts?

[@animalpeople880]

What an awesome story about your boy, thank for sharing! Yes, it’s a harness/diaper, she has no intrest in potty training but don’t mind the suits, so it works out well.

[@kingzerox]

Long story short my neighbor found a white pigeon that was injured and after a few days it got out, ended up in our garage and wasn't able to fly away. I called several bird rescues but none were close enough and most couldn't take him as injured as he was (some thought he wouldn't recover as I described his injuries). So alas, I ended up with a white pigeon pet that I knew nothing about with a giant cage. I placed him by the glass sliding door and have cluelessly tried to figure out how to care for it properly. These videos are definitely the most informative of all of the videos I've found and have reassured that I have intuitively been doing things pretty well. His name is Buster and I'm at the point with him where he will land on my head, land on my shoulder but he will run anytime I reach my hand out or fly away. It has to be on his terms. I've also trained him to fly back into his cage after several hours out per day. I've been shocked at how much smarter these birds are then basically anyone gives them credit for.

[@LauraTryUK]

Do you still have Buster? How is he and you getting along?

[@moggioz7165]

My lovely pigeon Topaz has a large problem with hands, certainly. I hope I can maintain the patience, because I certainly have fumbled through my first few months with him. I did have to handle him to get him to the vet among other oopsies, he's quite aggressive towards my hands now. He is a biter 😅 But at the very least he doest appear afraid of me when I just stand or sit a few feet away from him. I do let him out and every once in a while he will choose a spot a few feet away from me and lay down and relax with me.

[@animalpeople880]

It sounds like you’re doing a great job working with him. Since his sometimes ok with you being close and is often clearly comfortable, it likely won’t be to long until you get to to point he’ll start excepting his meals from you. Small success like that make it easier to maintain patients. I think you two should be ok even with that rough start, it sounds nearly identical to my situation with Tallulah and it simply slowed down the process, it in no way stoped it. Tallulah bit and wing slapped sometimes at the very beginning as well, because of that I’d definitely recommend holding his food dish instead of putting the food in your hand when you get to that point, it will provide your hands with some protection in addition the the food as a distraction. Congrats on Topaz being comfortable in your presence, that alone is something to be proud of!

[@geniusinventorpanzer5760]

Here, piegon owns the human.

[@RADHARANIGAYATRI]

Namaste!great Informations!

[@monssidus1291]

i love pigeons and i think the presenter is really pretty, especially her dove companion. super pretty.

[@EvidentlyFire]

That bird is so adorable. They actually like being petted? That one looks like a contented cat as you pet it LOL

[@CompletelyWild04]

See I just got my first ever pigeon yesterday after years and years of research on birds and she's been handled enough this entire step I just skipped. She was given to me from an exhibition poultry breeder and judge we know! She's a very beautiful bird, and I'm very lucky she's at the hand slapping and pecking stage. (Not afraid of humans at all!)

[@CompletelyWild04]

Big update the pigeon, now named Lucy, is a big lovebug! Though she hates everybody else in the house but me. . .Lol!

[@cassandrascarborough6615]

I just got me why all the pied ringneck baby dove three months old. and I am having a little bit of trouble trying to get him to perch on my hand and let me hold him to put him on my shoulder.

[@chris5942]

I rescued an injured dove/pigeon a couple of days ago, with a leg band. It was bleeding rather bad. I hoped just being still would stop the bleeding and it has. I have no idea what the leg band means as far as belonging to anyone in particular. I am working on getting it used to me. I can't take it out of the carrier with 3 cats in the house. Hopefully whatever it's injury is won't become infected. I didn't want to hurt it by trying to figure out whatis wrong. It has a foot it doesn't want to stand on much and the wing on that side is drooping.

[@CandDsvlog]

I have a young collared dove and I can’t seem to find any specific videos for him! Do you think that these pigeon videos will relate to him?

[@rgyt1981]

good video

[@RAETT123]

How do i make a male pigeon be my pet like its so hard for me to feed him play with him he just runs away or ignores it do i wrap in a towel instead and interact with it?

[@NSANAGRO]

Nice pigeon 🎉❤❤

[@rozalina531]

I love pigeons 🙏🏻 💕 💞 🕊

[@JutsuTitan]

I have some diamond doves i took the wrong way there then did the first steps they didn't even move i think i have something wrong i need help

[@E3hre]

for a couple days ive been seeing these 2 adult pigeons on top of a Building infront of my house , that Place has potential danger for these 2 pigeons , so i was thinking about rescuing them , ( i do have a balcony infront of the Building) but i dont know how to rescue then (ive seen that those 2 pigeons are both able to fly) does anyone have some advice on how i could rescue them ?

[@brage4767]

what do you feed her

[@elecarherrera1360]

I have a 5 or 6 week old pigeon we found him in my uncles workplace so on the first day i picked him up on my hand he was fine but the next day he was scared of me?

[@milojones9107]

I've got a racing pigeon that's adopted me and roosts on my balcony. S/he definitely reacts and comes to humans but I'm really struggling. I've put a cat box out as I know they like boxes and he nearly flew over but my cat came bounding. My bad. I didn't ask for this. I worry about it and he's messed everywhere but I'm trying. He's tagged but I want to keep him or her. Very confident yet very skittish.

[@christopherallan3704]

Rescued two pigeons in my neighborhood that can't fly and both grunt at me!!also one seems to play with a feather all the time and seems to be gaurding the loft? Is this normal??

[@cassandrascarborough6615]

I would love it If you could give me some advice

[@user-sn3yy3sf6j]

How do I go from this situation I bought a pigeon for 50p and I had to transfer the pigeon 2x and it is terrified of me

[@user-cy3cl4if5r]

This video was informative and helped me a lot! Do you also know how to tell the sex between pigeons?

[@pigeonlegacy8935]

What if I’m keeping them in my room? Should I just avoid being near the cage the first couple of weeks until they are use to me? I was also considering getting a cat tower and pigeon diapers just to let them free fly in my room, that way they’re not really confined to a space, but then they might feel unsafe always due to it also being my space?

[@animalpeople880]

If they are in the same room I’d just recommend being aware of there body language to gage if they are comfortable with how close you are and what your doing. Pigeon pants and a cat tree sound great! But maybe hold off putting pants on until you know each other so you don’t freak them out (if your around them a lot it likely won’t be to long.) just know they will need to not wear the pants all day every day (not good for them, plus they need to be able to bath and preen), so either be ok with them being loose and naked or have a nice cage for them to be in during naked time.

[@uabir8338]

She is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO CUTEEEEEEE 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍 The hooman is okay too I guess.

[@deaosatori216]

Do you put the harness in the washing machine? How much of the day does she use it? Apart from the harness how do you deal with poop? I'd love a pigeon but I'm unclear about how to deal with the poop around the house

[@animalpeople880]

The harnesses I have are all hand washed, but since I use liners they stay clean for quite a long time. She only wears it about twice a week, when we’re at other peoples houses/in town or traveling. She’s getting quite good at not pooping on me or things like the couch so she rarely wears it at home. She wore it more earlier on, about once a day. Now she only wears it at home if I know I’ll be to distracted to keep an eye on her, such as when filming. They can be warn for 3-6 hours depending on the bird, and they can wear one longer if it’s changed regularly. There should never be poop on the bird, and if changed regularly the bird will remain clean. I mostly just facilitate an easy to clean space, and clean up after her throughout the day.

[@deaosatori216]

@@animalpeople880 thank you! Can you do a video on how you've encouraged her not to poop on the couch etc? When you say you facilitate an easy to clean space, do you mean you cover stuff that's hard to clean with a blanket, etc? Thank you again.

[@lellamas2778]

Love how you pronounce "birrrd" :P

[@EvidentlyFire]

Yesterday I found a pigeon outside a London shopping center. There was a storm and all the other pigeons had flown away but this one could only seem to fly sideways. I put him in my bag and took him home. I gave him seeds and water and it did feed initially by eating the scattered seeds but it's been 12 hours now and all it does is stand in corner and look at me. When I pick it up to put it down or back in its box it falls on its side and take ages to get back on its feet. I haven't seen it drink water once. I'm very worried about it but I don't have enough money to take it to vet. If it was in pain wouldn't it make noises? it just stays quiet and stays in corner all fluffed up. I keep my room warm. How long can they go without water? If it's thirsty why won't it drink. I'm really at a loss what to do.

[@TheShift_OfEnergy]

pets are for gentle people only to be honest. if somebody getting a pet cuz they are stressed and messed, then i suggest to do meditation or art rather than getting animals and causing suffering. ive seen examples like that,.. amazing video, you both adorable like from a portrait

[@ragnhildsjlie6334]

I don't really write comments but maybe someone here can help? Last week we were getting takeout and as we were waiting we saw a baby pigeon that had fallen about 4 floors down. She obviously fell on her back and has a wound that is now healing well but slowly. She seems scared but we don't know exactly. We believe she was about 8/9 days old when we found her so now she's about 15 days old. She keeps opening her wings, puffin her chest and squeaking a lot. She reacts when we talk or move and she sees us so unless we have the cage completely covered on the sides she might not fall asleep. I feel like the squeeking means something bad? But like for example earlier today when I was at my desk she wouldn't stop squeeking and was obviously looking at me almost like she wanted attention. She can also squeek a lot just from eating food almost like she's really happy so we're a bit confused. If anyone can tell us something about what this might mean we'll be very happy to try and connect better with the bird Thank you in advance 😊

[@E3hre]

I Will get 2-3 pet pigeons next month , (im getting prepared earlier , lol) when i Will get them they Will be 4-5 weeks old , but i Need help on how to keep them , does anyone have advice / tips??

[@IKitty-tl8dm]

Help my pigeon use to like me and use to Perch in my hand (I found her nursed her back to life but she was tame to begin with) then my vet had me put her in a medicated powder dip to remove parasites and now she is frightened of me. How can I regain her trust? I want to give her treats whether food or toys. What are most desirable for a pigeon?

[@edmontom9483]

hi i just got a pigeon recently her name is arrow she is an adult and i put food and water in her cage but she doesn't seem to care for the cage at all. any tips? also she love sitting on the back of the chair im sitting at and nibbling at my headset or my hoody.

[@animalpeople880]

Congrats on the new addition! Arrow is a lovely name and she sounds very sweet with her favourite spot on your chair. I recommend making sure you have all your bases covered. The recommended minimum size is 42″ wide, 27″ deep, 30″ high, if it’s to small that could explain it. Additionally making sure the cage has platforms, wide diameter perches (wrapping them with vet wrap will help them grip), toys that pigeons can use, a soft place to sleep (an old flannel folded on a high shelf works great), and foraging opportunities to keep them from getting bored will all help them be comfortable. Also check cage placement. If it’s to out of the way (like off in a spare bedroom) the bird will be to isolated and will stress, on the other end of the spectrum if it’s in the middle of the room without being up against a wall to provide a sense of security it will likely be overstimulating and stressful, and if it’s on the floor instead of raised up on something the bird will feel exposed and need the cage put on something like a table. Lastly making sure the cage isn’t sitting in front of a window that’s blasting them with direct light causing them to over heat for part of the day is something else to check. If you have other pets in the house one of them may be tormenting the bird when they’re in the cage which could also cause them to fear that space.

[@barthdry]

How can i teach a pigeon to fly if it is like first time flight or a pigeon who is used to being in the home. Also most importantly will it get lost or hurt if i do so. I have seen a feral pigeon chick (1 and half month since hatched) which was not able to fly still and is trying but just returning back to its nest.(in the balcony)

[@animalpeople880]

I think you asking two different questions, how to teach a pigeon that can’t fly to fly, and how to teach a pet pigeon to fly outdoors. In the case of the first, I’ve actually been researching and experimenting with that for a while, I’ll release a video when I have a succinct answer. In the case of the second; I wouldn’t recommend letting one or two house pigeons fly loose outdoors, even if they are strong flyers. Firstly homing instincts are not present in all pigeon breeds, which makes it likely a bird while get lost. Secondly a pigeons ability to protect themselves from predators is largely dependent on flock dynamics, which would not be present in that situation. Additionally if they’ve been a house pigeon for a while, even if they are good at flying indoors they are still weak by bird standards, and are unlikely to have the speed or stamina to avoid being eaten by a raptor. Over all house pigeons typically lack the skills and resources to give them a fighting chance outside.

[@barthdry]

@@animalpeople880 Thanks for replying

[@bookemk9474]

Pigeon has hatched in my balcony, now he is 5 week old, he flies and comes back. I feed him but just lay the nuts on the ground. Now it seems he has diarrhea, how do I approach him to shovel antibiotics?

[@anarchistschluddle3544]

I’ve been wanting a pigeon recently, but I’ve been wondering if it would be okay left alone for 8 hours? (Due to school) or would I need to get it a buddy

[@animalpeople880]

While not ideal, it’s doable. If you spend time together before and after you get home and make sure they have plenty to do (and a large space/cage) it’s likely to work. Lots of people successfully have pigeons/doves when working or going to school.

[@AmanRaj-zo7bx]

I found a Injured pigeon 🐦 today, it's last (the longest among all) wing is damaged. It's a wild pigeon, it's scared and I think it's in a trauma, unfortunately the area I live in has no veterinary facilities available. How can I gain trust so fast so that it can feel safe ? And start eating and become normal ?

[@animalpeople880]

Firstly, great job for helping! If it’s a species of pigeon that’s native to your area then I highly recommend contacting a wild life rescue near you and following there instructions. If it’s not a native species then put it somewhere quite and warm, like in a spare room in a box with holes on the top or in a pet crate, with a small amount of food and water. If you don’t have bird seed then a small dish of uncooked grains such as rice, quinoa, mung bean, buckwheat, whole oat/wheat, plain unpopped popcorn etc… will work just fine. Lastly when you get it set up take at least one picture of it documenting it’s injure and state. Once it’s set up just leave it be for the time being. It’s very common for injured birds to die from stress so the less your around it the first few days the better chance it wont die of shock. Since there’s no vet I highly recommend going onto the palomacy pigeon Facebook group since there are lots of people who are experienced with medical emergencies when no vets are available. When you post for help include the picture of the bird and as much info you have on its injury and whether or not it’s eating and drinking, to give them a clear idea of what’s going on. If you end up in a situation where your the one helping heal it then the priority will be reducing stress and providing medical care, I would recommend leaving any training/taming you wish to do until a later time when the bird is more stable as it’s not worth the risk of it dying from shock while new to human interactions and injured. In moments you have to be near or interact to provide medical care just move slowly and talk in a low calm voice to help prevent startling them.

[@AmanRaj-zo7bx]

@@animalpeople880 Thanks for your reply, I would take care of it as much as I can. I've rescued a baby pigeon before but since this is a grown one, it's much scared of humans. It does not allow me to catch it and apply medication, I don't want to get it hurt but it's very hard to catch it and apply some medication over the wound.

[@animalpeople880]

@@AmanRaj-zo7bx I wish you the best luck

[@AmanRaj-zo7bx]

@@animalpeople880 thanks a lot 🐦❣️

[@catherineharazi5849]

Hi we have just been given the same bird as this just yesterday so I don't know if it's male or female but it's a fantail I think it's male by the way it is Any advice is much appreciated It will walk amoung us today it came up to my son and just started to peck at his pants and was pulling at it and his chest was fluttering and it would pull on his clothes and look up at him and repeat the behavior And it was following me around the kitchen today it can be quiet intimidating sometimes I leaned to get him in today by just putting food In and it went in its self I don't pick it up my kids do Yesterday he was up in the fireplace on the top he cleaned it's self Fell asleep but didn't lie down stayed on its legs stood on one leg When my son went up to it it made pigeon sound and went around in the circle But did pecked at him and repeted this behavior I have to get cage tomorrow I kinda don't want to interfer with it as I like to get them to come to me I'm so used of cats

[@eileenspamer-kw3kz]

im a housebound uk granny i feed my garden birds so nice to see, i also have an old border collie Jenny, and 4 pet girl mice with me 24/7 i a huge Perspsect (sp, see though) rodent house the mice are such little clowns one yr old now thats middle age for mice

[@adibaivabdas4881]

Hello! I am from india and i am going to purchase a fantail because there is no adaptation centre near my region

[@Wifhavernoah]

my problem isnt that my pigeon is scared of me its that hes aggressive he will attack! but i did only get him about a month ago and hes comfortable with his home now atleast. and yes hes not preening or trying ti impress me

[@thuriaramadan7336]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@donuttheleo6660]

I have 2 turtledoves I'm wondering if it is better if the bottom part of their cage isn't wire bars or it's better if it's wire bars because I saw somewhere that it's better for doves/pigeons to be on like a flat surface or blankets and that wire bars aren't good (my question is if it is ok to get my dove stand on a wire bar or is it better if I just put a blanket)and I have a dove that is sick(diahrea) and I am seperating her from the other dove the vet told me that but the dove isn't flying and when I put a big food bowl for the sick dove the dove likes to sit in it the vet told me to feed the dove green beans or soybeans im wondering if the info is correct (the soybeans are cooked) Thankfully the other bird is healthy

[@animalpeople880]

I’m sorry to say I’m unable to give medication advice, but I hope he recovers quickly. The info you read was correct, it’s important for doves/pigeons to have solid bottomed cages not greats. Some grass can be easily removed from cages, if that is not the case for you a common way to cover it is to get a yoga mat, cut it to size and put it in the (clean cage). That will give them a soft comfortable surface to walk on, and most yoga mats are very easy to clean which is good for the human. But of course there are many ways to convert a wire bottom into a solid one, just go with whatever you think will work for the birds and easy for you to clean. If you do go with something softer I recommend giving them a clean brick or tile to stand on to help wear down their nails.

[@donuttheleo6660]

@@animalpeople880 ok thank you so much is a blanket okay if I don't have a yoga mat?

[@animalpeople880]

@@donuttheleo6660 you could put a blanket down, but maybe put something solid like cardboard down first so the bars are fully covered.

[@donuttheleo6660]

@@animalpeople880 I put something idk what it is tho it's like a yoga mat but thinner and a little rough but just a little rough not to rough

[@ashmyr_bonbon4521]

I got a indian fantail too, what's the price range of indian fantail's in the us? Cause i got mine for like 40$

[@animalpeople880]

I’m in Canada, but the prices are similar in the US. It depends where they are coming from. A rescue may be 10 while a personal sale is usually in the 40-80 range. I’m sure there are pedigree ones that are absurdly expensive as well.

[@laylav2494]

It’s so weird I have a pet starling too. It’s weird starting at step one and not to have a bird that trusts me. My starling is a total annoying brat that comes running to my and a can shew off and he come right back immediately. It’s weird to have a bird that is scared of me. I know we’ll get there. It’s gonna be a long road. But worth it for both of us.

[@jinxfarque]

Pigeons rule!

[@mossytime349]

when should I let my pigeon get out of it's cage after first bringing it home?

[@animalpeople880]

It is dependent on where the cage is located, how the bonding is going and the time it’s taking. Some birds become comfortable with there humans so fast they can come out on the hand after a week, sometimes if it’s taking a long time and the room is secure it’s a good idea to let them come in and go out on there own to get exercise without adding stress. With other situations existing as well. Just be sure to let them out for some exercise (independently if at all possible) if it takes much longer then that.

[@roeg9320]

what about wild pigeons 1 same.pigeon comes tk my bird feeder he left me sit about 6 feet away from.him without flying away😊

[@heathert8895]

How best to clean a new bird's cage without freaking it out?

[@animalpeople880]

That depends on the substrate, cage design, and where the birds at, but over all the best way is to get them comfortable with your hands being in there cage as soon as possible so it’s no longer an issue. The next video is entirely on getting them comfortable with hands in the cage, when I used it with Tallulah when she was new she became fine with me cleaning her cage by the time I had to clean it the fist time.

[@junhyunds]

My dad had gotten pigeons and they're outside and I want to bond with them do you have any tips we've had them for 1 and a half years

[@animalpeople880]

For the most part I’d recommend following the same system in the videos. The biggest difference is they will likely have expectations and associations about you built over the last year. If those are positive that will help you (like if you come and feed them sometimes) and if those are negative you’ll have to prove things are different now and you can be trusted (like if you’ve had to grab them to give them meds or anything else that would have been scary for them). If they are in an aviary maybe bring a chair in so you can hang out around them in addition to being the one feeding them.

[@junhyunds]

@@animalpeople880 Ah, thank you I don't necessarily feed them, my father does but I have went outside to their home and just hanged out with them. I'd really like to earn their trust and hold them though there's 1 of my pigeons who trusts us and listens to us whenever we call his name

[@angelofkindness100]

🕊 🕊 🕊 🕊 ❤❤❤

[@amrsalah37]

The problem is I don’t raise pigeons in cages as I have like 25 pigeons I raise them in kinda a room that is specific for them and put food and water but they are so scary of me and I can’t get close although I am trying slowly and quietly

[@animalpeople880]

The cage is in no way mandatory to befriending them, in fact I way prefer cage free personally. You can use all the same methods in the earning a pigeons trust videos, getting closer and closer to food dish as they get used to you, until you can hold it etc…. You’ll just need larger quantities of food then someone with one bird😂

[@amrsalah37]

@@animalpeople880 ok thanks 😂

[@frizzledphoenix6670]

Hi!!!! I have a question 🙋🏾‍♂️: what about letting your pigeons out for exercise? If you have indoor pigeons and can’t leave them out all day in pigeon pants (as they are supposed to where them for a max of 4 hours), how does picking them up and putting them back in their enclosure work? Should I just not let them out? Would love for you to discuss this!

[@animalpeople880]

Great question! Exercise is super important, but for new birds I recommend waiting to let them out until they are ok with hands so you don’t backtrack your progress or stress them out if you have a hard time getting them back inside (so long as it doesn’t take to long to get to that point). In the fallowing videos in the series I go over how to get to the point where you can have the bird willingly step up/down to go in and out of the cage. I’ll also make one later that covers other ways to have the bird get out for exercise if it’s taking a particularly long time. You’re right that pants shouldn’t be warn all day, additionally they should be warn with supervision.

[@dwaynesimpson480]

I got my pigeons them inside there cage and would love them or even one or two of them to walk with me on my shoulder an so on

[@Farmchic3185]

Ours doesn't seem to have the ability to fly right but we ordered a pigeon harnesses and leash. The leash is about 8ft but is like elastic. Using it for training to stay with us.

[@DennisDeAngelis]

yes loft Nice Indian fantail 👍👍👍🕊🕊🕊

[@perlaguerrero2344]

I got a dove but he(or her were still young she(or he is very cute🕊💖🙏

[@ninnyrawgabbit]

I rescued a pigeon and I’m thinking of making them a pet since I don’t think they can survive a day and I’ve grown attached pretty quickly to them lol

[@Farmchic3185]

What's a good bed for a pigeon? I believe our rescue is a boy.

[@totalruin6315]

You have a lot of pillows, holy moly ravioli

[@Supdudess]

I found a pigeon in my balcony its afraid of me and cant fly :(

[@joedoe8655]

Will your Beautiful pigeon come back if you release her?

[@BillyBobFerguson]

Yes they have a homing sense

[@dimthegreat5398]

Aight, i have questions. So i have 2 pigeons, both male. One is a father and one is a son (Tom is the dad, Sehron is the son). Mother passed away a while back. Sehron has been born whilst our family took the pigeons in from our new neighbors since they didn't want them from the last person who lived there, and we took them in as to prevent them from being devoured by cats like the other flock of pigeons before them. Sehron has been exposed to human interaction for pretty much his whole life, however only recently have i decided to have more than just a "I come to give you food and clean water everyday then leave" relationship with them and began trying to befriend Sehron. I'm not trying with Tom because he quite frankly wishes i was dead and i just don't know why... Sehron does not resist being picked up, but is visibly not fine with it so i avoid it at all costs. He will not eat from a bowl in my hand or anything like that, but no matter how close i put his mini cage by me he won't back away... strange. Also if he's in his cage by my side, he has no problem preening, or hell even SLEEPING. He seems perfectly fine with my presence, but my question primarily is: Does preening and sleeping close by count if he's in a cage still? And if he is fine with my presence but nothing more how do i proceed. I've been visiting him for the ladt 5 or 6 days and just talking to him and Tom gently about random stuff :P

[@kimokoanui3732]

Check out video on how to clean cook and eat pigeon

[@lornemcneil]

He bites me regardless 😅, hes in a towel ,when he is fedv,for both our benefits, he preens sits and now interacts❤😊

[@marysabela5567]

I have a pigeon i am scared of it what must i do

[@brennamcdowell]

Any luck with your pigeon?

[@animalpeople880]

That's the opposite of most questions I get😂 how did you end up with a bird your scared of? I hope your relationship has improved since you posted this, but if not: The first thing is realizing that they can’t hurt you, even if that was their only goal in life. They are very small and have week beaks and toes. Also, in all likelihood (as clichéd as it is, it’s still true) they are probably more scared of you that you are of them. This can be helpful to you as if you put as much focus as you possibly can on making them more comfortable and safe, you tend to forget your own fears in the service of helping another. If you have a more aggressive bird and that’s why you’re scared, them not being able to do much in the realm of damage still stands, but feel free to get a pair of gardening gloves to wear for peace of mind if that will make it easier to be around them until you’ve taught them that is inappropriate behaviour with humans.

[@kensanity178]

There are very few ways to "tame" an animal that normaly fears the attention of humans. One is get the animal when its very young, and raise it up yourself. Aggressive animals will still be unpredictable and dangerous when they reach adulthood, and be more so the older they get. The other way is carry the animal around with you for about a month. It eats and drinks only from your hand. Some animals need longer.

[@user-hz1nq1ot9o]

I am from Bangladesh you

[@Muhammad786]

Ur fantail is soo cute

[@joyouspoke]

Hi there! Recently got a pigeon couple, and they’ve settled with their home cage and laid some eggs. I’m waiting till they both vacate their “nest” to replace them with fake eggs. Also I work a day job but early evenings I have their cage open as they have a room to themselves to wander around and do business until they decide to sit back inside their cage for the night. (I also change their poop tray frequently) weekends I leave the cage door open all day and just clean up the mess afterwards. Sometimes they don’t go back inside though and just sit on top of their cage, I’m assuming because they like the higher spot. Should I just leave them be until they go back in their cage or should I entice them with food to lure them back in? I’m looking forward to more videos. I think pigeons are adorable and much more noise manageable than most animals. I’ve had pet birds before but first time for pigeons

[@animalpeople880]

Congrats on the new pigeons! I’d recommend swapping the eggs sooner rather then later, as they may be fertilized and it only takes 18 days for them to hatch. It’s very easy to have an oops baby. If you warm the fake eggs up against your body then they will be less likely to notice, as when you swap them you’ll see the eggs are super warm. It sounds like you have a pretty great routine! If you want to get them in every evening you could use the meal system. The average pigeon eats a bit less then two tablespoons of food a day, and if you give that to them as meals they will be more likely to eat a wider variety of seeds and you’ll be able to see if they have a change in appetite which is a good indicator of health. If you feed them two tablespoons in the morning for breakfast and two more in the afternoon for dinner, you’ll have an easy way to get them back in the cage, as when you put there dinner in they will go in to eat giving you a perfect opportunity to just close the door. If you give them there dinner about the same time every day and make it a routine they will likely learn to go in to wait for dinner at that time as well. If your cage is on the ground that may be way they prefer to site on top of it (you’re right, they like being high), if you put the cage on something like a table so the inside of there cage is high they may be less likely to linger on top of it as well. I’m with you on that, pigeons are far easier on the ears then parrots!

[@joyouspoke]

@@animalpeople880 Thank you! I appreciate all the advice! I'm considering slowly bribing their trust with salflower seeds. I heard you could also boil the eggs or shake the eggs and return it to them? I forgot to mention as well, but their wings are clipped slightly to control them from flying everywhere, do you have any experience on handling or clipping flight feathers? I've seen it as an on and off thing since pigeons can't climb like parrots

[@singingsunflower9000]

@@joyouspoke aww, are the wings only slightly clipped? You think its ok to clip a birds wings for your convenience? Dont keep birds as pets if you dont like your pets to fly. Actually, dont have pets at all, you seem to lack empathy. It makes it even worse with pigeons as they are even more handicapped by it. I feel bad for your pigeons.

[@joyouspoke]

@@singingsunflower9000 Only slightly, since pigeons aren't like parrots. They can fly perfectly fine. They have a room to themselves to fly out of their cage during the day and return inside it for the night without me interfering. Also asking for advice since this is my first time owning pigeons when I've only experienced farm poultry and parrots.

[@isisemkeb]

I need help. A neighbour brought me a baby pigeon of +/- 5 weeks. I know how to take care of parrot, but not wild birds. I fed him Tropican baby formula. He seems to be born in June, so gens about 5 months. ▪︎do you cute their naissance. ▪︎Do you give them tous. ▪︎I bought him a dog furniture-crate. ▪︎What do I put in there. ▪︎He was free for his first 4 months, so he does not like his cage. •He likes being with me, but does not want me to take him. ▪︎I have 9 birds, beside him. From Parotlet to Green cheek conure. They go from 7 to 23 years old. Ihave M any other questions, but I'll start with these. Thx. By the way I live near Montréal Québec.